One day King Krishnadeva Raya decided to quiz Tenali Raman. He asked, ?Tenali, why is it that I don'thave hair on my palms??
Tenali Raman replied, ?Your Majesty is so kind and generous that by constantly giving away gifts to others, the palms rub against each other and due to friction, hair are unable to grow on the palms.?
The king continued, ?If that is the case with me, then why don'tyou have hair on your palms??
Tenali Raman answered, ?Your Majesty being so kind and benevolent keeps on giving me gifts and I keep receiving them in my hands. The constant pressure on the hands by the gifts prevents the hair from growing on my palms.?
The king was not yet satisfied and so he continued, ?Your really have an answer to my questions but now you won'tbe able to reply my next question. Tell me why doesn'thair grow on the palms of my courtiers??
Tenali Raman replied smilingly, ?Whenever Your Majesty gives me gifts, they become green with envy and in frustration they rub their hands together, as a result of which hair is unable to grow on their palms.?
The king was happy with the reply and took out his emerald necklace and gave it to Tenali Raman.
