Once when king Krishnadevaraya lost his temper with Tenali Rama, he ordered his guards to behead Tenali with a single strike of their sword. Two guards took him to the river bank to behead him. When both the guards start arguing about who must cut Tenali’s head, Tenali suggested they should both do it together.

Tenali Rama had one last wish. He wanted to pray and die with Kaali Maa’s name on his lips. He asked the guards to strike him when he shouted “Jai Kaali Maa”. The moment he shouted, “Jai Kaali Maa” the guards struck but missed as Tenali ducked into the water.

The angered guards told him he cannot escape from them again and Tenali pointed out they had to behead him with one strike and both of them had used up their turn and needed permission from the king to strike him again. Tenali saved himself for the time being.

Moral – Calm and quick thinking can save you anytime.