In the court of King Krishnadevaraya was a Royal Guru or teacher named Thathacharya. He was the oldest and the most respected person in the King’s court.

While everyone respected Thathacharya, there was one character trait of his they uniformly despised. Every time, Thathacharya came across a person from a particular sect, he would cover his head and avoid them.

The group of people that were offended by Thathacharya wanted to complain to the King. But worried that the King would not be happy to hear against the Royal Guru, they went to Tenali Raman.

“Sir, Guru Thathacharya always covers his face whenever he comes across one of us. We find it highly insulting. Please do something,” said one of them.

“I have also noticed this behaviour of our Guru but am not sure of the reason. I know it is offensive behaviour and have always wondered why you have not complained to the King. Do not worry, I will talk to our King about it,” replied Tenali Raman.

When Tenali Raman spoke to King Krishnadevaraya, the King was highly disturbed. He said, “This behaviour of our Royal Guru is distressing. We cannot have him offending our people. Not to mention, it might cause discord among our people. Find the reason for his attitude and a solution along with it, Rama.”

The following day, Tenali Raman went to Thathacharya’s house. He said, “Good morning, Guruji. I was passing by your house and thought of joining you to go to the palace.”

“Good Morning, Rama. Your company is most welcome,” said Thathacharya. As soon as they started to walk, Thathacharya covered his face with a cloth. He removed it after a few minutes.

“Guruji, why did you suddenly covered your face?” asked Tenali Raman.

“I will tell you the reason, Rama. But it would be best if you never told it out to anyone. You see, the people belonging to this sect are sinners. Anyone looking at them will turn into a donkey in their next life,” replied Thathacharya.

Tenali Rama was appalled to hear this. But he said nothing to Thathacharya.

A few days later, the King, along with all his courtiers, took a stroll to the nearby garden when they came across a herd of donkeys.

Tenali Raman directly went to the donkeys. Joining his hands, he bowed low in front of each donkey.

Tenali Raman’s weird behaviour stupefied the King and the others. The King asked, “What are you doing, Rama?”

“Your majesty, I am paying my respect to Guru Thathacharya’s ancestors. I am sure his grandparents, uncles, aunts and even his parents are in front of us in the form of the donkeys.”

“What nonsense is this, Rama?” Thathacharya yelled angrily.

Tenali Raman calmly replied, “Guruji, Do you remember you told the reason you covered your face? You would turn into a donkey in your next life if you see anyone from that sect unless you cover your face? I guessed that your relatives had not covered their faces which is why they are now donkeys in this life.”

Thathacharya was embarrassed, and the King was furious. “What folly is this, Guruji? For such a learned person, you have proved to be ignorant. I do not want anyone in my Kingdom to discriminate.”

Thathacharya apologised. “I am sorry, your majesty. In the future, I will not do this.”

Addressing Tenali Raman, Thathacharya said, “Thank you, Rama, for opening my eyes and showing me my mistake.”

Everyone praised Tenali Raman for his intelligence in teaching the Royal teacher a valuable lesson.