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{{short description|Telugu poet and court advisor, noted for his brilliance and wit}}{{For multi|the Indian television series|Tenali Rama (TV series)|the 2006 film|Tenali Rama (film)}}{{redirect|Tenali Ramakrishna|1956 film|Tenali Ramakrishna (film)|the 2019 film|Tenali Ramakrishna BA. BL}}{{Redirect|Tenali Raman|the 1956 Tamil film|Tenali Raman (film)}}{{Unreliable sources|date=January 2020}}
{{short description|Telugu poet and scholar (1480–1528)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{redirect|Tenali Ramakrishna|19
film|Tenali Ramakrishna (film)}}
{{For-multi|the Indian television series|Tenali Rama (TV series)}}{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox royalty
{{AI-generated|date=February 2026|reason=[https://en.Bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tenali_Rama&diff=1252249188&oldid=1251848042 This 2024 rewrite]; note [[WP:AISIGNS]] in promotional tone, undue emphasis on significance, etc., both here and in user's other edits}}
| image       =  
{{Infobox person
| name         = Tenali Ramakrishna<br>
| image             = Tenali Ramakrishna statue.jpg
తెనాలి రామకృష్ణ
| name               = Tenali Ramakrishna
| alt         = Portrait
| alt               = Portrait
| caption     =  
| caption           = Statue of Tenali Ramakrishna in [[Tenali]]
| birth_name   = Garlapati Ramakrishna
| native_name        = తెనాలి రామకృష్ణుడు
| birth_date   = {{birth date|1480|9|22|df=y}}
| birth_name         = Garlapati Ramakrishna
| birth_place = [[Tenali]], [[Vijayanagara Empire]]
| birth_date         = {{birth date|1480|9|22|df=y}}
| death_date   = {{death date and age|1528|8|05|1480|9|22|df=y}}
| birth_place       = [[Tenali]], [[Vijayanagara Empire]]<br /> (modern day [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[India]])
| death_place = [[Tenali]], [[Vijayanagara Empire]]
| death_date         = {{death date and age|1528|8|5|1480|9|22|df=y}}
| religion    = Shrouta Shaivam
| death_place       = Tenali, Vijayanagara Empire
| occupation   = A Telugu Poet  
| death_cause        = [[Snakebite]]
Main advisor and one of the [[Ashtadiggajas]] in the [[Vijayanagar Empire|Vijayanagara]] court of King [[Krishnadevaraya]]
| occupation         = Poet
| spouse       = Sharada Devi
| spouse             = Sarada Devi
| issue        = Bhaskaraysharma (Bhaskar) (son)
| children          = Bhaskara Sarma (son)<br />Amruta Devi (daughter)
Amrutadevi (Amruta) (daughter)
| father             = Garlapati Ramayya
| father       = Garlapati Ramayya
| mother             = Lakshmamma
| mother       = Lakshmamma
| language    = [[Telugu|Telugu language]]
}}
}}


'''Tenali Ramakrishna''' (born '''Garlapati Ramakrishna'''; also known as '''Tenali RamaRama'''; 22 September 1480–5 August 1528)( [[Telugu language|Telugu]]: '''తెనాలి రామకృష్ణ కవి  / తెనాలి రామలింగడు/ తెనాలి రామకృష్ణుడు''' )was an Indian poet, scholar, thinker and a special advisor in the court of the [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijayanagara king]] [[Krishnadevaraya]], who ruled from C.E. 1509 to 1529.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gj2eOqgrq-oC&q=tenali+vikatakavi |title=Vikatakavi Tenali Rama |author=Neela Subramaniam |access-date=2017-07-19|isbn=9788174780713 }}</ref> He wrote poems in [[Telugu people|Telugu]] and hailed from the village of [[Tenali]], generally known for the folk tales which focus on his wit.<ref name="google1">{{cite book|author=Roshen Dalal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC&q=tenali+ramakrishna&pg=PA412|title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide|year=2010|isbn=978-0-14-341421-6|page=412|access-date=2017-07-19}}</ref> He was one of the [[Ashtadiggajas]] or the eight poets at the court of Krishnadevaraya.
'''Tenali Ramakrishna''' (born '''Garlapati Ramakrishna'''; 22 September 1480 – 5 August 1528), also known as '''Tenali Ramalinga''' and '''Tenali Rama''', was a [[Telugu language|Telugu]] poet, scholar, and advisor in the court of [[Krishnadevaraya|Sri Krishnadevaraya]] of the [[Vijayanagara Empire]]. Hailing from [[Tenali]], [[Andhra Pradesh]]. He earned acclaim as one of the [[Ashtadiggajas]], a group of eight celebrated Telugu poets in Sri Krishnadevaraya's court, and is best known for his sharp wit and humour. His literary contributions include the notable work ''Panduranga Mahatmyam'', which is regarded as one of the five great Telugu [[Kāvya]]s. He is often referred to by the title "Vikatakavi," meaning "jester poet," reflecting his unique ability to blend humour with wisdom. Tenali Ramakrishna's legacy continues to inspire various cultural adaptations in literature and media.<ref>{{cite book |author=Neela Subramaniam |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gj2eOqgrq-oC&q=tenali+vikatakavi |title=Vikatakavi Tenali Rama |publisher=Sura Books |isbn=9788174780713 |access-date=2017-07-19}}</ref>


His father died when he was a child.{{clarify|date=June 2020}} To overcome the depression that Rama faced, his mother Lakṣamma took him to Vijayanagara where he became an advisor to Sri Krishnadevaraya and the 8th scholar in his court. He was a great scholar and poet of Telugu language. Tenali Ramakrishna was also a minister of the court.
== Early life ==
Tenali Ramakrishna was born in a [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-speaking [[Brahmin]] family in the village of [[Tenali]] in the [[Vijayanagara Empire]]. His father, Garlapati Ramayya, was a priest at the Ramalingeswara Swami Temple in Santharavuru. After the death of his father during Ramakrishna's childhood, his mother Lakshmamma took him to Vijayanagara.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e-W8AgAAQBAJ&q=tenali+ramakrishna|title=Tenali Sharan Krishna|author=T. Sunandamma|date=2014-01-06|access-date=2017-07-19}}</ref>


== The Life of Ramakrishna ==
Despite not receiving formal education, Ramakrishna's thirst for knowledge led him to become a renowned scholar. As per popular legend, after being rejected by Vaishnava scholars for being a Shaiva, he wandered aimlessly until he met a sage who advised him to worship the Goddess [[Kali]]. According to the tale, Goddess Kali blessed him for his devotion and wit, predicting he would achieve greatness as a poet.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691633688/the-king-and-the-clown-in-south-indian-myth-and-poetry|title=The King and the Clown in South Indian Myth and Poetry|date=2016-04-19|isbn=978-0-691-63368-8|language=en|last1=Shulman|first1=David Dean|publisher=Princeton University Press}}</ref>
Tenali Rama was born in a Telugu speaking [[Niyogi]] Hindu Brahmin family<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e-W8AgAAQBAJ&q=tenali+ramakrishna |title=Tenali sharan krishna |author=T.SUNANDAMMA |date= 2014-01-06|access-date=2017-07-19}}</ref> as Garlapati Ramakrishna, in a village called Thumuluru or [[Tenali]] (currently a part of Tenali Maṇḍalam) during the late part of the fifteenth century. His father was Garlapathi Rama, who served as a priest in the [[Ramalingeswara Swami Temple|Ramalingesvara Swami temple]] in Santharavuru.


Rama died when Ramakrishna was young. His mother Lakṣamma returned to her native place in Tenāli to live with her brother. Ramakrishna grew up in his uncle's town and so came to be known as Tenali Ramakrishna.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e-W8AgAAQBAJ&q=tenali+ramakrishna&pg=PP3 |title=Tenali Ramakrishna |author=T.SUNANDAMMA |page=3 |date= 2014-01-06|access-date=2017-07-19}}</ref>
== Vijayanagara court ==
[[File:Model of court in Sri Krishnadevaraya asthanam.jpg|thumb|Tenali Rama and other Asthadiggajas in the Imperial court of Sri Krishnadevaraya.]]


Tenali Ramakrishna did not receive any formal education during his childhood, but became a great scholar, due to his thirst for knowledge. As per a well-known tale, the [[Vaishnava]] (devotees of [[Vishnu]]) scholars rejected to accept him as a disciple, as he was a Shaiva. Ramakrishna was still determined to get educated so he went to many pandits and begged them humbly to accept him as his disciple but they called him names and threw him out. Later while roaming aimlessly, he met a sage, who advised him to worship the Goddess [[Kali]]. He worshipped and invoked the Goddess with his devotion. Legends say that Maa Kali appeared before him and admired his sense of humor and blessed him that one day, he would be acclaimed as a great poet in the imperial court of emperor [[Krishnadevaraya]] of [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijayanagara]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691633688/the-king-and-the-clown-in-south-indian-myth-and-poetry|title=The King and the Clown in South Indian Myth and Poetry|date=2016-04-19|isbn=978-0-691-63368-8|language=en|last1=Shulman |first1=David Dean }}</ref> The Goddess also gave him the title "Vikaṭakavi", impressed by his wit and humor. His wife was Saarada and son was Bhaskara sarma and daughter was Amruta<ref>{{Citation|title=Tenali Rama|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt7401524/|access-date=2020-01-29}}</ref>
Tenali Ramakrishna was appointed as an advisor and poet in the court of King Krishnadevaraya. He earned the title "Vikatakavi" (jester poet) due to his sharp wit and humour. He was one of the [[Ashtadiggajas]], a group of eight celebrated poets in the Vijayanagara court, and became an important figure in Krishnadevaraya's administration, assisting the king in various matters.<ref name="google1">{{cite book|author=Roshen Dalal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC&q=tenali+ramakrishna&pg=PA412|title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide|year=2010|isbn=978-0-14-341421-6|page=412|publisher=Penguin Books India|access-date=2017-07-19}}</ref> He was very close to the royal family and Prime Minister [[Timmarusu]]. Folk tales of Tenali Rama with Krishnadevaraya are popular in India depicting his witty tales and his friendly rivalry with the very knowledgeable Royal Priest Venkata [[Tathacharya]] due to undisciplined and lazy nature of Ramakrishna.
 
== King's court ==
Ramakrishna held an  important position in Krishnadevaraya's court. He was one of the [[Ashtadiggajas]] and chief adviser appointed by the emperor.
 
=== Later years ===
[[File:Tenali Ramakrishna statue.jpg|thumb|A statue in the honour of Tenali Ramakrishnayya]]
A year before the death of Krishnadevaraya, in 1528 Tenali Ramakrishna died from a [[snakebite]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://yousigma.com/biographies/tenaliramakrishna.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-01-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112738/http://yousigma.com/biographies/tenaliramakrishna.pdf |archive-date=2016-03-04 }}</ref> The records also state that Ramakrishna was instrumental in protecting the emperor many times, coming to his rescue in critical situations, doing court cases, and he was his best friend.


== Literary works ==
== Literary works ==
Tenali Rama was noted for his brilliance and wit.<ref>{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?isbn=8178060671|title=Tales of Tenali Rama|publisher=Unicorn Books|author=Jyotsna Atre|isbn=978-8178060675|date=September 2007}}</ref> Tenali Ramakrishna's great work ''Panduranga Mahatmyam'' is a [[Kāvya]] of high merit, remarkable for its sonorous dignity of phrasing, and is counted as one of the Pañcha Mahā Kāvyas (the Five Great Kavyas) of Telugu literature.{{sfn|Rao|1989|p=38}} It contains a legendary account of a shrine of [[Vishnu]] as [[Vithoba|Panduranga]], at [[Pandharpur]] consecrated by the ministration of Saint Pundarika. A [[brahmin]] named Nigama Sharma, who wasted his life in dissipation and debauchery, died in Pandharpur. A controversy ensures between servants of [[Yama]] and servants of Vishnu. The former were anxious to carry him to hell as he lived a wicked life and the latter claimed him for heaven, as he died in that sacred place. Indeed, the verdict is in favour of the servants of Vishnu{{sfn|Rao|1989|p=38}}
Tenali Ramakrishna's most significant literary contribution is ''Panduranga Mahatmyam'', considered one of the five great Telugu ''Kāvyas''. This work narrates the legend of [[Panduranga]], an incarnation of [[Vishnu]], and focuses on devotion and the afterlife. Additionally, he composed ''Udbhataradhya Charitamu'', a narrative poem about the Shaiva teacher Udbhata, influenced by the work of Palakuriki Somanatha's ''Basava Puranam''. Through his works, Ramakrishna demonstrated his deep connection to Shaivism while gaining recognition for his literary prowess.<ref name="google1"/>
Tenali took the theme for ''Panduranga Mahatmyam'' from the ''[[Skanda Purana]]'' and enhanced it with many stories about the devotees of Panduranga. An imaginary character named 'Nigama Sarma Akka' was created by Tenali Ramakrishna and he built a story around her without giving her a name. He also composed many extempore poems called 'Chatuvu'.<ref>{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?isbn=8178060671|title=Tales of Tenali Rama|publisher=Unicorn Books|author=Jyotsna Atre}}</ref>
 
Tenali Ramakrishna attained the status of a folk hero when he was the court poet of Krishnadevaraya, but at the same time, he composed serious works on religion. Three of his narrative poems are available today. His first poem, Udbhataradhya Charitamu about the [[Shaiva]] teacher Udbhata which is based on Palakuriki Somanatha's ''Basava Puranam''. ''Udbhataradhya Charitamu'' also deals with the sanctity of [[Varanasi]]. Because of Tenali Ramakrishna's affinity towards Shaivite religion, he was also known as Tenali Ramalinga Kavi.<ref name="google1" /><ref>{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GPdHAAAAMAAJ&q=Udbhataradhya|title=Studies in the history of Telugu journalism|publisher=Andhra Pradesh Book Distributors, Secunderabad, 1968|author=Nārla Veṅkaṭēśvararāvu
|year=1968}}</ref>


Tenali Rama was called a Vikata Kavi<ref name="siruvarmalar.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.siruvarmalar.com/thenali-raman-stories-list |title=தெனாலி ராமன் கதைகள் (Thenali Raman Stories in Tamil) - சிறுவர் மலர் |website=Siruvarmalar.com |access-date=2017-07-19}}</ref> (a palindrome in Telugu script) means clown-jester-poet. He was also entitled by "Kumara Bharathi", for his works.
== Later years and death ==
Tenali Ramakrishna is believed to have died in 1528 due to a [[snakebite]], a year before the death of Krishnadevaraya. Although historical records of his final years are scarce, he is said to have played a significant role in assisting Krishnadevaraya in state matters and was regarded as the king's close friend.<ref>{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?isbn=8178060671|title=Tales of Tenali Rama|publisher=Unicorn Books|author=Jyotsna Atre|isbn=978-8178060675|date=September 2007}}</ref>


== In popular culture ==
== In popular culture ==
* ''[[Tenali Ramakrishna (film)|Tenali Ramakrishna]]'' is a 1956 Telugu film directed by [[B. S. Ranga]]. This film was also made in Tamil and was renamed ''[[Tenali Raman (film)|Tenali Raman]]''. [[N. T. Rama Rao]] appeared as Sri Krishnadevaraya in both films while the title role was played by [[A. Nageswara Rao]] in Telugu and by [[Sivaji Ganesan]] in Tamil.
Tenali Ramakrishna's life and wit have inspired numerous cultural works:
* ''[[Hasyaratna Ramakrishna]]'' is a 1982 Kannada film directed by [[B. S. Ranga]]. The film stars Anant Nag and Aarathi in the lead roles. In the film, [[Anant Nag]] plays the role of a poet, Ramakrishna.
* The 1956 Telugu film ''[[Tenali Ramakrishna (film)|Tenali Ramakrishna]]'', starring [[A. Nageswara Rao]]
* ''Tenali Rama'', a 1990 [[Hindi]] TV series aired in [[Doordarshan]] made by [[T.S. Nagabharana]] in which [[Vijay Kashyap]] played the lead role.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fridaycinemas.com/ViewMovie.aspx?mno=12&MType=Serial|title=Tenali Rama (TV Series) (1990) – Hindi Serial|work=fridaycinemas.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720090557/http://fridaycinemas.com/ViewMovie.aspx?mno=12&MType=Serial|archive-date=2012-07-20}}</ref> It was based on [[Short Story|short-stories]] by [[Kamala Laxman]].
* The 1956 Tamil film ''[[Tenali Raman (film)|Tenali Raman]]'', starring [[Sivaji Ganesan]]
* ''[[The Adventures of Tenali Raman]]'', an animated series by [[Cartoon Network (India)]] in 2003.<ref>{{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20051124142159/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2003/06/20/stories/2003062001610200.htm The Hindu Online {{!}} Adventures of Tenali Rama]}} Article dated 20 June 2003 by Savitha Gautam, accessed on 20 October 2008</ref>
* The 1982 Kannada film ''[[Hasyaratna Ramakrishna]]'', starring [[Anant Nag]]
* ''[[Tenaliraman (film)|Tenaliraman]]'' is 2014 Tamil film featuring [[Vadivelu]] as Tenali Raman as well as Krishna Devaraya. The film was based on the comic reliefs of Tenali Raman.
* The 1990 Hindi television series ''Tenali Rama'' aired on [[Doordarshan]]
* ''[[Rajguru Aur Tenaliram]]'' is an animated series which was aired on [[Star Utsav]].
* The 2003 animated series ''[[The Adventures of Tenali Raman]]'' was produced by [[Cartoon Network (India)|Cartoon Network]]
* ''[[Tenali Rama (TV series)|Tenali Rama]]'', is a TV series aired on [[SAB TV]] from 11 July 2017 to 13 November 2020, with [[Krishna Bharadwaj (actor)|Krishna Bharadwaj]] playing the titular role and [[Manav Gohil]] playing [[Sri Krishnadevaraya]]<ref>{{citation |title=Ready for Tenali Rama! |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/ready-for-tenali-rama/article19263113.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=12 July 2017 }}</ref>
* The [[Sony SAB]] series ''[[Tenali Rama (TV series)|Tenali Rama]]'' (2017–2020, 2024 - 2025) is also based on his legendary tales.
* Tenali Ramakrishna's character appears in various Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada films and series.<ref>{{citation|title=Ready for Tenali Rama!|url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/ready-for-tenali-rama/article19263113.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=12 July 2017}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== Book sources ==
== Further reading ==
* {{Citation |last=Rao|year=1989|title=Indian Heritage and Culture|publisher=Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd|isbn=8120709306}}
* {{Citation |last=Rao|year=1989|title=Indian Heritage and Culture|publisher=Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd|isbn=8120709306}}
* {{Citation |last=Goyal|year=2015|title=Fix Your Problems – the Tenali Raman Way|publisher=V&S Publishers|isbn=978-9352150748}}
* {{Citation |last=Goyal|year=2015|title=Fix Your Problems – the Tenali Raman Way|publisher=V&S Publishers|isbn=978-9352150748}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
*  
* {{Commons category-inline}}
{{Astadiggajas}}
{{Astadiggajas}}
{{Humor and wit characters}}
{{Humor and wit characters}}
{{lists of poets |state=collapsed}}
{{lists of poets |state=collapsed}}
 
{{Portal bar|India}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Ramakrishna, Tenali}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ramakrishna, Tenali}}
[[Category:Tenali Rama| ]]
[[Category:Tenali Rama]]
[[Category:Deaths due to snake bites]]
[[Category:Deaths due to snake bites]]
[[Category:Telugu comedians]]
[[Category:People from the Vijayanagara Empire]]
[[Category:People of the Vijayanagara Empire]]
[[Category:Jesters]]
[[Category:16th-century Indian poets]]
[[Category:16th-century Indian poets]]
[[Category:Humour and wit characters of India]]
[[Category:Humour and wit characters of India]]
[[Category:People from Guntur district]]
[[Category:Writers from Guntur district]]
[[Category:Indian male comedians]]
[[Category:Male actors from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Poets from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Poets from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Indian male poets]]
[[Category:Indian male poets]]
[[Category:Vijayanagara poets]]
[[Category:Vijayanagara poets]]
[[Category:Scholars of Vijayanagara Empire]]
[[Category:Scholars from the Vijayanagara Empire]]
[[Category:1480 births]]
[[Category:1528 births]]

Latest revision as of 08:57, 13 February 2026


"Tenali Ramakrishna" redirects here. For 19 film, see Tenali Ramakrishna (film).

Template:For-multi Template:AI-generated

Tenali Ramakrishna
తెనాలి రామకృష్ణుడు
Portrait
Statue of Tenali Ramakrishna in Tenali
Born
Garlapati Ramakrishna

(1480-09-22)22 September 1480
Tenali, Vijayanagara Empire
(modern day Andhra Pradesh, India)
Died5 August 1528(1528-08-05) (aged 47)
Tenali, Vijayanagara Empire
Cause of deathSnakebite
OccupationPoet
Spouse(s)Sarada Devi
ChildrenBhaskara Sarma (son)
Amruta Devi (daughter)
Parents
  • Garlapati Ramayya (father)
  • Lakshmamma (mother)

Tenali Ramakrishna (born Garlapati Ramakrishna; 22 September 1480 – 5 August 1528), also known as Tenali Ramalinga and Tenali Rama, was a Telugu poet, scholar, and advisor in the court of Sri Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire. Hailing from Tenali, Andhra Pradesh. He earned acclaim as one of the Ashtadiggajas, a group of eight celebrated Telugu poets in Sri Krishnadevaraya's court, and is best known for his sharp wit and humour. His literary contributions include the notable work Panduranga Mahatmyam, which is regarded as one of the five great Telugu Kāvyas. He is often referred to by the title "Vikatakavi," meaning "jester poet," reflecting his unique ability to blend humour with wisdom. Tenali Ramakrishna's legacy continues to inspire various cultural adaptations in literature and media.[1]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Tenali Ramakrishna was born in a Telugu-speaking Brahmin family in the village of Tenali in the Vijayanagara Empire. His father, Garlapati Ramayya, was a priest at the Ramalingeswara Swami Temple in Santharavuru. After the death of his father during Ramakrishna's childhood, his mother Lakshmamma took him to Vijayanagara.[2]

Despite not receiving formal education, Ramakrishna's thirst for knowledge led him to become a renowned scholar. As per popular legend, after being rejected by Vaishnava scholars for being a Shaiva, he wandered aimlessly until he met a sage who advised him to worship the Goddess Kali. According to the tale, Goddess Kali blessed him for his devotion and wit, predicting he would achieve greatness as a poet.[3]

Vijayanagara court[edit | edit source]

Tenali Rama and other Asthadiggajas in the Imperial court of Sri Krishnadevaraya.

Tenali Ramakrishna was appointed as an advisor and poet in the court of King Krishnadevaraya. He earned the title "Vikatakavi" (jester poet) due to his sharp wit and humour. He was one of the Ashtadiggajas, a group of eight celebrated poets in the Vijayanagara court, and became an important figure in Krishnadevaraya's administration, assisting the king in various matters.[4] He was very close to the royal family and Prime Minister Timmarusu. Folk tales of Tenali Rama with Krishnadevaraya are popular in India depicting his witty tales and his friendly rivalry with the very knowledgeable Royal Priest Venkata Tathacharya due to undisciplined and lazy nature of Ramakrishna.

Literary works[edit | edit source]

Tenali Ramakrishna's most significant literary contribution is Panduranga Mahatmyam, considered one of the five great Telugu Kāvyas. This work narrates the legend of Panduranga, an incarnation of Vishnu, and focuses on devotion and the afterlife. Additionally, he composed Udbhataradhya Charitamu, a narrative poem about the Shaiva teacher Udbhata, influenced by the work of Palakuriki Somanatha's Basava Puranam. Through his works, Ramakrishna demonstrated his deep connection to Shaivism while gaining recognition for his literary prowess.[4]

Later years and death[edit | edit source]

Tenali Ramakrishna is believed to have died in 1528 due to a snakebite, a year before the death of Krishnadevaraya. Although historical records of his final years are scarce, he is said to have played a significant role in assisting Krishnadevaraya in state matters and was regarded as the king's close friend.[5]

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

Tenali Ramakrishna's life and wit have inspired numerous cultural works:

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Neela Subramaniam. Vikatakavi Tenali Rama. Sura Books. ISBN 9788174780713. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  2. ↑ T. Sunandamma (6 January 2014). Tenali Sharan Krishna. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  3. ↑ Shulman, David Dean (19 April 2016). The King and the Clown in South Indian Myth and Poetry. Princeton University Press. ISBN 978-0-691-63368-8.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Roshen Dalal (2010). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin Books India. p. 412. ISBN 978-0-14-341421-6. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  5. ↑ Jyotsna Atre (September 2007). Tales of Tenali Rama. Unicorn Books. ISBN 978-8178060675.
  6. ↑ "Ready for Tenali Rama!", The Hindu, 12 July 2017

Further reading[edit | edit source]

  • Rao (1989), Indian Heritage and Culture, Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd, ISBN 8120709306
  • Goyal (2015), Fix Your Problems – the Tenali Raman Way, V&S Publishers, ISBN 978-9352150748

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Humor and wit characters

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