Thathacharya, the royal teacher was very clan conscious. He was a vaishnavite and would cover his face to avoid seeing the Samrthas, as he believed it to be a sin. The people of the kingdom were very irritated by this attitude and sought Tenali’s help.

Tenali Rama went to see the royal guru, who immediately covered his face. On asking the reason behind the covering of the face in front of a disciple, Thathacharya told him, it was a sin to see Smarthas and he would be punished to be born as a donkey in their next birth.

Annoyed Tenali waited for the right opportunity. One day, while walking with the king and Thathacharya, Tenali rushed and saluted to a group of donkeys. When the king enquired, Tenali replied that he was paying respects to Thathacharya’s ancestors who became donkeys after seeing a Smartha’s face.

The king laughed at his sense of humor while Thathacharya hung his head in shame.

Moral – Do not discriminate people based on caste or religion.