During the cool winter months King Krishnadeva Raya was used to taking a stroll with his courtiers in the sun. One day while walking slowly and feasting himself on the environs around the palace, the king turned to Tenaliraman and remarked, ?Tenali, I love the winter season as one can eat as much as one likes and feel healthy and active.?
The rajguru too was accompanying the troupe and he said, ?Your Majesty, it is good for us that we get lots of fruits and sweets to eat.?
The king, a bit perplexed, asked the rajguru, ?Which particular sweet are you referring to for the winter season??
The rajguru replied, ?Your Majesty, you can get the best of all sweets like malpua, pista barfi, chamcham and halwa.?
The king at once ordered all these sweets and asked the rajguru to taste and tell which was the best among them.
The rajguru liked all of them and found it difficult to tell which was the best. The king turned towards Tenaliraman and said, ?Tenali, why don?t? you tell which is the best sweet of all??
Tenaliraman, smart as usual, replied, ?Your Majesty, rather than telling my choice, I think Your Majesty should taste each of them and come to a decision. Further to find the truth, Your Majesty and the rajguru shall have to accompany me tonight.?
That night Tenaliraman took the king and the rajguru to the river, on the bank of which some villagers were sitting by a bonfire and enjoying some food. The king and the priest were somewhat taken aback as to why Tenaliraman had brought them to the river-front.
Unable to contain himself for long, the king asked, ?Tenali, why have you brought us here??
Tenaliraman approached the villagers sitting next to the fire and asked them for the sweet they were eating. He returned to the king and asked both the king and the rajguru to taste it. On eating it both of them immediately burst out, ?It it is so very delicious. What is it??
Tenaliraman replied, ?Your Majesty, it is nothing but plain sweet gur (jaggery). It, tastes the best during winter months. Not only is it tasty but also a good appetizer, it helps to keep the body warm too.?
The king expressed this appreciation at Tenaliraman'schoice.
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