The Cursed Man

King Krishnadevaraya was a wise and just ruler, but like many people of his time, he sometimes believed in superstitions. One day, a rumor spread through the capital city of Vijayanagara. It was about a simple man named Ramu. “Ramu is cursed!” people whispered. “His luck is so bad that if you see his face first thing in the morning, you will go hungry for the rest of the day.”

The rumor grew so loud that it reached the King’s ears. “Is this true?” wondered the King. “How can one man’s face cause such bad luck? I must test this myself.”

The King ordered his guards to bring Ramu to the palace. “Put him in the guest room next to my chambers,” ordered the King. Ramu was terrified. He didn’t know why he was there. The next morning, the King woke up and walked straight into Ramu’s room. He looked at Ramu’s face. “There,” thought the King. “I have seen him. Now let us see what happens.”

The King went about his day. First, his ministers rushed in with urgent news about a drought in the south. The King spent hours discussing plans and forgot to eat breakfast. At lunch time, just as he sat down, a large fly buzzed into the room and landed plop right in the middle of his soup bowl. Disgusted, the King pushed the food away and ordered a fresh plate. But before it could arrive, a messenger came with news of a border dispute. The King had to rush to the war room.

By evening, the King was exhausted and starving. He had not eaten a single morsel of food all day. He was furious. “It is true!” he roared. “The rumor is true! Because I saw Ramu’s face this morning, I have starved all day. This man is a danger to the kingdom. If seeing his face makes a King starve, imagine what it does to a poor farmer!”

In his anger, the King ordered, “Guards! Take Ramu away! He is too unlucky to live in my city. Banish him to the dark forests forever! He must never return!”

Poor Ramu was dragged away, crying for help. The news reached Tenali Raman. He knew he had to save the innocent man. He rushed to the guards and whispered something in Ramu’s ear.

When Ramu was brought before the King for his final sentence, he bowed low. “Your Majesty,” he said, trembling. “I accept my punishment. But may I ask one question?” “Speak,” said the hungry King.

“You say I am unlucky because you saw my face and missed your meals,” said Ramu. “Yes,” snapped the King. “You are cursed.”

Ramu took a deep breath. “Well, Your Majesty,” he said softly, “this morning, I saw your face first. And because I saw your face, I am about to be banished from my home and family forever. So, tell me, Your Majesty… whose face is truly more unlucky—mine or yours?”

The court went silent. The King was stunned. He thought about Ramu’s words. “My bad luck was missing lunch,” realized the King. “His bad luck was losing his entire life.”

The King burst into laughter. “You are right, Ramu! You are right!” He realized how foolish his superstition was. He ordered Ramu to be released immediately and gave him a bag of gold coins as an apology. He also thanked Tenali Raman for teaching him that superstition has no place in justice.

Moral of the Story: Superstition has no place in justice. Do not blame others for your circumstances.

Moral of the Story: Superstition has no place in justice. Do not blame others for your circumstances.