Once a great scholar of Kashi came to Vijayanagar along with his
disciples. He had toured North India and had defeated famous scholars in
debates related to the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Shasthras. In Vijayanagar
the king welcomed him as his guest.
The scholar entered the court with an air of importance. He said to the
king, "Your Highness, I have heard that there are eminent scholars in your court.
Let them argue with me. If I am defeated, I will surrender my titles to them. If they
are defeated, they must accept me as their master and must admit it in writing."
The challenger's air of supreme confidence, the documents of victory he
flaunted and his ringing tones filled the court scholars with dismay.
Krishnadevaraya said to the scholar from Kashi, "Learned sir, let us have the
contest tomorrow," and sent the scholar to the guesthouse. Then he sent for his
scholars. He said, "Which of you is ready for this debate?"
The scholars were frightened by the man's airs and his titles and
testimonials they bent down their heads in silence.
The king was furious. "So this is the worth of the scholars in my court!" he
exclaimed and walked away. Then Ramakrishna said, "Why should we be alive if
we cannot save the prestige of the king? I am ready for this task." At this, the
other seven scholars gladly offered their titles to him and agreed to be the
disciples of Ramakrishna.
Krishnadevaraya was surprised at the decision of Ramakrishna; but he
made all the arrangements for the contest.
Next day, Ramakrishna entered the court in great splendor. He was
wearing a Kashmir silk dhothi and a laced shawl. He displayed medals studded
with precious stones. His forehead shone with vermilion and vibhuthi (sacred
ash). Before him walked the seven great scholars proclaiming his greatness;
behind them came Ramakrishna stepping on bricks of gold which the servants
placed on the floor.
The scholar from Kashi was dumb -founded at the sight.
