The Special Light
It was Diwali in Vijayanagar.
King Krishnadevaraya wanted to celebrate
this Diwali very specially with his people.
He called for his minister.
Minister,
ask people to decorate
their houses beautifully with lamps.
The best decorated house,
will win ten thousand silver coins.
Make the announcement immediately.
This announcement spread further excitement among
the people of Vijayanagar.
Everyone wanted to get the prize for himself.
On Diwali night,
King Krishnadevaraya went around the city,
with his minister and Tenali Rama.
On passing by a house,
the king was stopped at the beauty of the lights in that house.
Your majesty,
this house belongs to the diamond merchant Lakshmi Varman.
I think that he deserves the prize.
Your majesty,
I know of a place where
there is only one lamp glowing.
But it is equivalent to thousand lamps.
With your permission,
I will show it to you.
A single lamp, equivalent to thousand lamps?
we'll go right now.
Tenali Raman
led the King and the others to the outskirts,
where there was a simple thatched house.
Clear sound of sloka recitation
was coming from the hut.
Welcome your Majesty.
Our Ashram,
and these poor children,
are blessed at the arrival on this great day.
Guruji,
I appreciate your service very much.
Your teaching,
spreads the light of knowledge to these children.
Your majesty,
Do you see that single lamp
lit up here next to that Guruji?
This is the special lamp that I told you about.
This single lamp,
equals one thousand lamps.
Many students have studied here,
in this light of knowledge your Majesty.
Tenali,
I agree with what you say.
Surely knowledge is the true light for any man.
I declare the prize to this ashram,
which hosts this special lamp.
The King Handed over the bag of silver coins
to the Guruji.
The children showed their happiness by clapping their hands.
Dear children,
Do you understand that education is more important?
So study well and be happy.