Tenali Rama and the Goddess

One day, a sannyasi advised Tenali Rama to worship the Goddess and taught him some mantras for this purpose. Tenali went to the Goddess' temple and began reciting the mantras. Suddenly, he heard a voice. When he looked up, he saw the multi-armed Goddess before him. 

Tenali laughed and said, "Mother, I was wondering what you do with so many arms."

The Goddess smiled. "I have come to bless you. There are two bowls in my hands. One contains milk, the other curd. Drinking the milk will give you knowledge, while drinking the curd will give you wealth. You may choose one of the bowls."

Tenali told the Goddess that he wished to taste the contents of each bowl first. She agreed. Under the pretext of tasting them, Tenali gulped down the contents of both bowls!

Seeking forgiveness, he said to the Goddess, "What use is knowledge without wealth? And what will I do with wealth without knowledge?"

The Goddess was impressed by Tenali's words. She blessed him, saying that he would become renowned for his intelligence and sense of humor.