Tenali Rama and the Mountain

One day, Tenali Rama heard a commotion at the market. A wrestler was walking around carrying a sack weighing hundreds of kilograms on his back. The spectators were clapping, impressed by the wrestler's strength.

Suddenly, Tenali Rama said, "This is nothing. I can carry that mountain on my shoulders, but I will require three months to prepare for this. Until then, I must receive healthy food and massages."

The village chief agreed and arranged for Tenali Rama to be given nutritious food and daily massages.

Three months later, the villagers gathered to watch the spectacle. Tenali Rama came and stood before the mountain.

"What are you waiting for?" asked the village chief.

"I'm waiting for your men who are going to place the mountain on my shoulders," replied Rama.

"What? I thought you said you would carry the mountain on your shoulders."

"I did, but I did not say that I'd lift the mountain and place it on my shoulders."

The village chief became frustrated. "Who is going to lift the mountain?" he asked.

"That's entirely up to you," replied Rama.

The villagers who heard this burst out laughing.