Tenali Rama's Head in a Pot

A pujari (temple priest) who was jealous of Tenali Rama told the emperor that Rama was spreading lies about the emperor in the neighboring kingdom. The accusation was false, but the emperor was furious. He told Rama, "Don't ever show me your face again, or I will have you beheaded."

A stunned Rama asked, "But what am I guilty of, Your Majesty?"

"Quiet! This is an order."

When the other courtiers learned the truth, they informed the emperor that Rama was innocent and the pujari was lying.

When the emperor arrived at court the next day, he saw someone sitting on a chair with their head inside a pot.

"Who are you?" asked the emperor.

"It's me, Rama, Your Majesty."

"Why is your head inside a pot?"

"I have hidden my face from you as per your order."

The emperor laughed out loud. He removed the pot from Rama's head and asked for his forgiveness.