Tenali Ramakrishna | |
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| తెనాలి రామకృష్ణుడు | |
 Statue of Tenali Ramakrishna inTenali | |
| Born | Garlapati Ramakrishna (1480-09-22)22 September 1480 |
| Died | 5 August 1528(1528-08-05) (aged 47) Tenali, Vijayanagara Empire |
| Cause of death | Snakebite |
| Occupation | Poet |
| Spouse | Sarada Devi |
| Children | Bhaskara Sarma (son) Amruta Devi (daughter) |
| Parents |
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Tenali Ramakrishna (bornGarlapati Ramakrishna; 22 September 1480 – 5 August 1528), also known asTenali Ramalinga andTenali Rama, was aTelugu poet, scholar, and advisor in the court ofSri Krishnadevaraya of theVijayanagara Empire. Hailing fromTenali, he earned acclaim as one of theAshtadiggajas, 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 workPanduranga Mahatmyam, which is regarded as one of the five great TeluguKāvyas. 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]
Tenali Ramakrishna was born in aTelugu-speakingBrahmin family in the village ofTenali in theVijayanagara 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 GoddessKali. According to the tale, Kali blessed him for his devotion and wit, predicting he would achieve greatness as a poet.[3]
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 theAshtadiggajas, 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 MinisterTimmarusu. Folk tales of Tenali Rama with Krishnadevaraya are popular in India depicting his witty tales and his friendly rivalry with the very knowledgable Royal Priest VenkataTathacharya due to undisciplined and lazy nature of Ramakrishna.
Tenali Ramakrishna's most significant literary contribution isPanduranga Mahatmyam, considered one of the five great TeluguKāvyas. This work narrates the legend ofPanduranga, an incarnation ofVishnu, and focuses on devotion and the afterlife. Additionally, he composedUdbhataradhya Charitamu, a narrative poem about the Shaiva teacher Udbhata, influenced by the work of Palakuriki Somanatha'sBasava Puranam. Through his works, Ramakrishna demonstrated his deep connection to Shaivism while gaining recognition for his literary prowess.[4]
Tenali Ramakrishna is believed to have died in 1528 due to asnakebite, 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]
Tenali Ramakrishna's life and wit have inspired numerous cultural works:
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