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{{Short description|Vanara king in Hindu epic Ramayana}}
{{Short description|Vanara king in Hindu epic Ramayana}}
{{Copy edit|date=August 2023}}
{{More citations needed|date=September 2022}}
{{use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{More citations needed|date=September 2022}}{{Infobox character
{{Infobox character
| series = [[Ramayana]]
| series = [[Ramayana]]
| image = Vali, the Monkey King killed by Rāma..jpg
| image = Vali, the Monkey King killed by Rāma..jpg
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* [[Indra]] (father)
* [[Indra]] (father)
* [[Aruna (Hinduism)|Aruni]] (mother)<ref>As per ''[[Kathasaritsagara]]''</ref>
* [[Aruna (Hinduism)|Aruni]] (mother)<ref>As per ''[[Kathasaritsagara]]''</ref>
* [[Sugriva]] (younger brother)
* [[Sugriva]] (younger brother)</ref>
* [[Hanuman]] (uncle)
}}
}}
| spouse = [[Tara (Ramayana)|Tara]]
| spouse = [[Tara (Ramayana)|Tara]]
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}}
}}


'''Vali''' ({{lang-sa|वाली}}) also known as '''Bali''', was a [[vanara]] and the king of [[Kishkindha]] in the [[Hindu]] epic ''[[Ramayana]]''. He was the husband of [[Tara (Ramayana)|Tara]], the son of [[Indra]], the elder brother of [[Sugriva]], and the father of [[Angada]].
'''Vali''' ({{langx|sa|वाली}}) also known as '''Bali''', was a [[vanara]] and the king of [[Kishkindha]] in the [[Hindu]] epic ''[[Ramayana]]''. He was the son of [[Indra]], the husband of [[Tara (Ramayana)|Tara]], the elder brother of [[Sugriva]], and the father of [[Angada]] through his wife, [[Tara (Ramayana)|Tara]].


Having obtained a boon that allowed him to receive half the strength of his opponents, Vali was a formidable fighter. He banished his brother, [[Sugriva]], who had assumed his throne, believing him to be dead. Sugriva sought the assistance of [[Rama]], an [[avatar]] of [[Vishnu]], to intervene in their conflict. In a duel between the brothers, Rama shot Vali in the chest with an arrow.
Vali obtained a pendant from his father, [[Indra]], that which allowed him to restore his energy even when nearing death, making him a formidable fighter. He banished his brother [[Sugriva]], who had assumed his throne, believing him to be dead. Sugriva sought the assistance of [[Rama]], an [[avatar]] of [[Vishnu]], to intervene in their conflict. During a duel between the brothers, Rama shot Vali in the chest with an arrow.


==Early life==
==Early life==
As history goes, fourteen types of gems or treasures were produced from the [[Samudra manthan|churning of the ocean]] during the time of the [[Kurma]] avatar. One gem is that various [[apsara]]s (divine nymphs) were produced, and [[Tara (Ramayana)|Tara]] was an apsara produced from the churning of the ocean. Vali, who was with his father [[Indra]], helping him in the churning of the ocean, took Tara and married her.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}
According to the epic, fourteen types of gems or treasures were produced from the [[Samudra manthan|churning of the ocean]] during the time of the [[Kurma]] avatar. Among these treasures were various [[apsara]]s (divine nymphs), one of whom was [[Tara (Ramayana)|Tara]]. Tara was produced from the churning of the ocean, and Vali, who was assisting his father [[Indra]] in the churning, took Tara and married her.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}


Vali was courageous. This can be understood from the fact that, when Tara tried to stop him and begged him not to go to fight [[Sugriva]], by saying that it is Rama who is helping Sugriva and has come to Sugriva's rescue, Vali replied to Tara that even if he is fighting against God, he cannot ignore a challenge for a fight and remain quiet. He adds that even if the caller for the fight had been his own son, [[Angada]], he would still go to the fight.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Silas|first=Sandeep|date=2012-05-27|title=By myself in Bali|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/travel/by-myself-in-bali/article3462543.ece|access-date=2020-08-21|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
Vali was courageous, as shown when Tara tried to stop him and begged him not to fight [[Sugriva]], warning that Rama was aiding Sugriva. Vali replied to Tara that, even if he were to face a god in battle, he could not ignore a challenge and remain silent. He added that even if the challenger had been his own son, [[Angada]], or [[Sugriva]]'s wife, Ruma, he would still accept the fight.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Silas|first=Sandeep|date=2012-05-27|title=By myself in Bali|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/travel/by-myself-in-bali/article3462543.ece|access-date=2020-08-21|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


== The Quarrel ==
== The Quarrel ==
According to the Ramayana, a raging demon known as Mayavi came to the doors of Kishkindha and challenged Vali to a fight. Vali accepted the challenge. When he came forth, the demon got terrified and ran into a cave. Vali entered the cave and told Sugriva to wait outside. When Vali did not return and he heard demonic voices from inside the cave and blood oozing from inside the cave, Sugriva mistakenly concluded that Vali was dead. He closed the cave with a large boulder and presumed kingship over Kishkindha. However, inside the cave, Vali killed the demon and returned home. Upon seeing Sugriva act as a king, Vali thought his brother had betrayed him. Sugriva tried to explain his actions, but Vali didn't listen. Sugriva ran off to Rishyamuka mountain, the only place Vali would be unable to enter because of the curse of the sage Matanga.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bhat |first=Rama |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZMgclIr9aeEC&dq=sugriva+vali&pg=PA24 |title=The Divine Anjaneya: Story of Hanuman |date=September 2006 |publisher=iUniverse |isbn=978-0-595-41262-4 |pages=24 |language=en}}</ref>
According to the ''[[Ramayana]]'', a fierce demon named Mayavi came to the gates of [[Kishkindha]] and challenged Vali to a fight. Vali accepted the challenge, but as he approached, the demon grew terrified and fled into a cave. Vali entered the cave, instructing Sugriva to wait outside. When Vali didn’t return, and Sugriva heard demonic voices and saw blood oozing from the cave, he mistakenly concluded that Vali had been killed. Sugriva then sealed the cave with a large boulder and assumed the kingship of Kishkindha. However, inside the cave, Vali had defeated and killed the demon and soon returned home. Seeing Sugriva acting as king, Vali believed his brother had betrayed him. Though Sugriva tried to explain his actions, Vali refused to listen, forcing Sugriva to flee to Rishyamuka Mountain, the only place Vali couldn’t enter due to a curse from the sage Matanga.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bhat |first=Rama |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZMgclIr9aeEC&dq=sugriva+vali&pg=PA24 |title=The Divine Anjaneya: Story of Hanuman |date=September 2006 |publisher=iUniverse |isbn=978-0-595-41262-4 |pages=24 |language=en}}</ref>


== Vali's boon ==
== Vali's pendant ==


Vali was granted a golden pendant by his father, [[Indra]]. According to the ''[[Ramayana|Valmiki Ramayana]]'', the pendant significantly increased Vali's energy during combat.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Valmiki Ramayana - Kishkindha Kanda - Sarga 11 |url=https://www.valmikiramayan.net/utf8/kish/sarga11/kishkindha_11_frame.htm |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=www.valmikiramayan.net}}</ref>
Vali was granted a boon by [[Brahma]] after sitting in penance. Vali asked Brahma for a boon such that in any duel, Vali's opponent would lose half his strength to Vali. [[Brahma]] granted this boon. Vali was already powerful with his power almost equal to that of 7500000 elephants, thus, Vali became invincible. It was said that no one could defeat Vali in head-on battle.<ref name="DelhiOctober 15">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/dussehra-special-why-and-how-did-ram-kill-kishkindhas-king-bali-how-did-bali-avenge-his-death-268169-2015-10-15|title=Dussehra Special: Why and how did Ram kill Kishkindha's King Bali? How did Bali avenge his death? - FYI News|website=India Today|date=2015-10-15|access-date=2021-01-06}}</ref>


Vali wore the powerful pendant given to him by his father, [[Indra]], during his battle with the demon Dhundubhi and defeated him. The ''Valmiki Ramayana'' also describes Vali as having great strength, although it does not mention any duel between Vali and [[Ravana]].
== War with Ravana ==

Though not in the original Ramayana, but in the Uttarakanda Ravana is said to have fought with Vali.

[[Ravana]] learns about Vali and his strengths through [[Narada]]. Hearing Narada praising Vali, [[Ravana]] became extremely arrogant and went to [[Kishkindha]]. There Vali was in meditation. Ravana challenged Vali to come and fight. First [[Sugriva]] fought with Ravana and was defeated. Ravana then reached Vali and challenged him. Vali and Ravana then fought a fierce battle. Vali tied him with his tail (carried him on his shoulders in some other versions) then arrested Ravana. Vali started carrying Ravana under his armpit for years.<ref>{{Cite web|last=नवभारतटाइम्स.कॉम|date=2019-07-25|title=भगवान राम के अलावा इन चार योद्धाओं से भी हार चुका था रावण|url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/astro/photo/not-only-ram-even-ravan-defeated-in-war-by-these-4-warriors-63810/|access-date=2020-08-21|website=नवभारत टाइम्स|language=hi-IN}}</ref> Ravana could not bear the insult,He accepted his defeat and pleaded Vali to release him. Ravana was impressed with Vali's strength and asked him for friendship.


== Rama meets Sugriva ==
== Rama meets Sugriva ==


Wandering in the forest with his brother Lakshmana in search of his wife [[Sita]] – kidnapped by the rakshasa king [[Ravana]], [[Rama]] meets rakshasa [[Kabandha]] and kills him, freeing him from a curse. The freed Kabandha advises Rama to seek the help of Sugriva to find Sita.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-09-23|title=Episode 173 – Hanuman nurtures friendship between Rama and Sugriva!!!|url=https://theindiandharma.org/2017/09/23/episode-173-hanuman-nurtures-friendship-between-rama-and-sugriva/|access-date=2020-08-21|website=The Indian Dharma|language=en}}</ref>
While wandering in the forest with his brother Lakshmana in search of his wife [[Sita]], who had been kidnapped by the rakshasa king [[Ravana]], [[Rama]] encounters the rakshasa [[Kabandha]] and kills him, freeing him from a curse. The freed Kabandha then advises Rama to seek Sugriva’s help in finding Sita.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-09-23|title=Episode 173 – Hanuman nurtures friendship between Rama and Sugriva!!!|url=https://theindiandharma.org/2017/09/23/episode-173-hanuman-nurtures-friendship-between-rama-and-sugriva/|access-date=2020-08-21|website=The Indian Dharma|language=en}}</ref>


Continuing on his journey, Rama meets [[Hanuman]] and is impressed by his intelligence and skills as an orator. This also boosts Rama's confidence in Sugriva. Sugriva tells him the story of how Vali became his enemy. In Sugriva's version, he is entirely innocent and Rama believes him.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2012-04-01|title=Lasting friendship|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/religion/lasting-friendship/article3269444.ece|access-date=2020-08-21|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
As Rama continues his journey, he meets [[Hanuman]] and is impressed by his intelligence and oratory skills, which also boosts his confidence in Sugriva. Sugriva then tells Rama the story of how Vali became his enemy. In Sugriva's version, he is entirely innocent, and Rama believes him.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2012-04-01|title=Lasting friendship|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/religion/lasting-friendship/article3269444.ece|access-date=2020-08-21|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


Sugriva is very scared of Vali and he is full of doubts that Rama could kill him. He tells him many remarkable stories of Vali's power. As proof, he shows Rama a hole in a saal tree which Vali had made in one shot. When it is Rama's turn, he penetrates seven saal trees in a row with one arrow. After going through the trees, the arrow even makes a strike on a huge rock and splits it into pieces. Sugriva is happy and says, "O Rama, you are great."
Sugriva is very fearful of Vali and doubts that Rama can defeat him. He tells Rama many remarkable stories of Vali's strength and, as proof, shows him a hole in a [[Shorea robusta|sal tree]] that Vali had made with a single shot. When it is Rama's turn, he pierces seven sal trees in a row with one arrow. After passing through the trees, the arrow even strikes a large rock, splitting it into pieces. Delighted, Sugriva exclaims, "O Rama, you are great!"


Rama asks Sugriva to challenge Vali and bring him outside [[Kishkindha]]. As Rama explains later, for 14 years he cannot enter a city. Moreover, Rama does not want any unnecessary bloodbath of Vali's army with whom he wants to maintain friendly relations. Despite this, killing Vali would not be impossible for Rama as Sugriva and Vali were identical twins. Just a few days before, Rama had killed [[Khara (Ramayana)|Khara]] and [[Dushan (Ramayana)|Dushana]] and their army of 14,000 rakshasas.
Rama asks Sugriva to challenge Vali and lure him outside of [[Kishkindha]]. As Rama explains later, he has been unable to enter a city for 14 years. Additionally, Rama does not want to provoke an unnecessary bloodbath with Vali's army, with whom he wishes to maintain friendly relations. Despite this, killing Vali would not be impossible for Rama, as Sugriva and Vali are identical twins. Just a few days earlier, Rama had killed [[Khara (Ramayana)|Khara]] and [[Dushana]] along with their army of 14,000 rakshasas.


Sugriva formed an alliance with Rama. Rama had been travelling the length of India in search of his kidnapped wife, Sita. Sugriva asked Rama's help in return for his help in defeating Ravana and rescuing Sita. The two hatched a plan to topple Vali from the throne.
Sugriva formed an alliance with Rama, who had been traveling across India in search of his kidnapped wife, Sita. In return for Rama's help, Sugriva asked for assistance in defeating Ravana and rescuing Sita. Together, they devised a plan to topple Vali from the throne.


[[File:Stone bas relief at Banteay Srei in Cambodia.jpg|thumb|250px|A stone bas relief at Banteay Srei in Cambodia depicts the combat between Vali and Sugriva. In the middle, the two brothers are shown fighting. To the right, Rama fires his bow. To the left, Vali lies dying in the arms of another monkey.]]
[[File:Stone bas relief at Banteay Srei in Cambodia.jpg|thumb|250px|A stone bas relief at Banteay Srei in Cambodia depicts the combat between Vali and Sugriva. In the middle, the two brothers are shown fighting. To the right, Rama fires his bow. To the left, Vali lies dying in the arms of another monkey.]]


Sugriva challenged Vali to a fight. When Vali sallied forth to meet the challenge, Rama emerged from the forest to shoot and kill him with an arrow.
Sugriva challenged Vali to a fight. When Vali emerged to meet the challenge, Rama stepped out from the forest and shot him with an arrow, killing him.


The dying Vali told Rama, "If you are searching for your wife you should have come to me for help and friendship. Whoever took [[Sita]], I would have brought them to your feet, to your mercy."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Friendship of Śrī Rāma & Sugreeva, and Vāli Vadh by Śrī Rāma|url=http://lordrama.co.in/vali-vadh.html|access-date=2020-08-21|website=lordrama.co.in}}</ref>
The dying Vali told Rama, "If you are searching for your wife, you should have come to me for help and friendship. Whoever took [[Sita]], I would have brought them to your feet, at your mercy."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Friendship of Śrī Rāma & Sugreeva, and Vāli Vadh by Śrī Rāma|url=http://lordrama.co.in/vali-vadh.html|access-date=2020-08-21|website=lordrama.co.in}}</ref>


Vali asked the following questions:<ref>{{Cite web|title=Valmiki Ramayana - Kishkindha Kanda|url=http://www.valmikiramayan.net/kishkindha/sarga5/kishkindha_5_prose.htm|access-date=2020-08-21|website=www.valmikiramayan.net|archive-date=21 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321161624/http://www.valmikiramayan.net/kishkindha/sarga5/kishkindha_5_prose.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Vali asked the following questions:<ref>{{Cite web|title=Valmiki Ramayana - Kishkindha Kanda|url=http://www.valmikiramayan.net/kishkindha/sarga5/kishkindha_5_prose.htm|access-date=2020-08-21|website=www.valmikiramayan.net|archive-date=21 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321161624/http://www.valmikiramayan.net/kishkindha/sarga5/kishkindha_5_prose.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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==After Vali's Death==
==After Vali's Death==
After death of Vali, Sugriva recaptures his kingdom and regains his wife Ruma. [[Angada]], son of Vali and Tara, is made Yuvaraja, or the crown prince.<ref name="DelhiOctober 15"/>
After the death of Vali, Sugriva recaptures his kingdom and regains his wife, Ruma. [[Angada]], the son of Vali and Tara, is appointed [[Yuvaraja]], or crown prince.<ref name="DelhiOctober 15">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/dussehra-special-why-and-how-did-ram-kill-kishkindhas-king-bali-how-did-bali-avenge-his-death-268169-2015-10-15|title=Dussehra Special: Why and how did Ram kill Kishkindha's King Bali? How did Bali avenge his death? - FYI News|website=India Today|date=2015-10-15|access-date=2021-01-06}}</ref>


Rama's slaying of Vali had a special significance. In the beginning, Vali argued with Rama about his killing. Rama explained to him about the various purusharthas and how everything was pre-ordained according to the kalachakra and granted him [[moksha]]. Vali was then convinced and also asked his son [[Angada]] to stand by his uncle [[Sugriva]] and assist in the divine work of Rama.{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}
Rama's slaying of Vali held special significance. Initially, Vali argued with Rama about his killing, but Rama explained the various purusharthas and how everything was preordained according to the kalachakra, ultimately granting him [[moksha]]. Vali was then convinced and asked his son [[Angada]] to stand by his uncle [[Sugriva]] and assist in the divine work of Rama.{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}


Vali's son, [[Angada]], joined [[Rama]]'s army and was given important responsibilities in Rama's war against Ravana.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Who was Angad? What is Angad's role in Ramayana?|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/religion/article/who-was-angad-what-is-angads-role-in-ramayana/578108|access-date=2020-08-21|website=www.timesnownews.com|language=en}}</ref>
Vali's son, [[Angada]], joined [[Rama]]'s army and was given important responsibilities in the war against Ravana.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Who was Angad? What is Angad's role in Ramayana?|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/religion/article/who-was-angad-what-is-angads-role-in-ramayana/578108|access-date=2020-08-21|website=www.timesnownews.com|language=en}}</ref>


[[File:Pullamangai Vaalivadham.JPG|thumb|250px|The miniature panel in Pullamangai, Pasupathi Koil, [[Thanjavur]] captures the scene of Vali's death. [[Tara (Ramayana)|Tara]] his wife, [[Angada]] his son, his brother [[Sugreeva]] and other Vanaras are lamenting his death.]]
[[File:Pullamangai Vaalivadham.JPG|thumb|250px|The miniature panel in Pullamangai, Pasupathi Koil, [[Thanjavur]] captures the scene of Vali's death. [[Tara (Ramayana)|Tara]] his wife, [[Angada]] his son, his brother [[Sugreeva]] and other Vanaras are lamenting his death.]]


==Rebirth as Jara==
==Rebirth as Jara==
Because Rama had killed Vali, Rama blessed Vali that he would die of his arrow which he would fire by camouflage when he took the incarnation of Krishna. Later on Vali was born as Jara the hunter in ''[[Dvapara Yuga]]'' to kill [[Krishna]], the next avatar of [[Vishnu]], in same way as said by [[Rama]]. He was searching for hunt in forest and he saw a deer but it actually was Krishna's bare foot.
Because Rama had killed Vali, he blessed Vali, stating that he would die from an arrow he would fire while disguised when he took the incarnation of Krishna. Later, Vali was born as Jara the hunter in ''[[Dvapara Yuga]]'' destined to kill [[Krishna]], the next avatar of [[Vishnu]], in the same manner as foretold by [[Rama]]. While searching for prey in the forest, Jara saw what he thought was a deer, but it was actually Krishna's bare foot. However, Vali's rebirth as the hunter Jara is not mentioned in either the ''[[Ramayana|Valmiki Ramayana]]'' or the ''[[Mahabharata]]''.

He shot an arrow with an iron piece of mace attached to it.


The particular location of this event is known as [[Bhalka]] Tirtha. It is situated in western India in the state of Gujarat where Krishna’s disappearance takes place and thus marks the end of Dvapara Yuga and the commencement of Kali Yuga.
He shot an arrow with an iron mace attached to it. This event took place at a location known as [[Bhalka]] Tirtha, situated in western India in the state of [[Gujarat]]. It marks the spot where Krishna's disappearance occurred, signifying the end of ''Dvapara Yuga'' and the commencement of ''[[Kali Yuga]]''.


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Vanara in the Ramayana]]
[[Category:Vanara in the Ramayana]]
[[Category:Characters in the Ramayana]]
[[Category:Children of Indra]]
[[Category:Children of Indra]]

Latest revision as of 19:43, 20 November 2024

Vali
Ramayana character
Painting of Vali
In-universe information
Family
SpouseTara
ChildrenAngada
NationalityKishkindha

Vali (Sanskrit: वाली) also known as Bali, was a vanara and the king of Kishkindha in the Hindu epic Ramayana. He was the son of Indra, the husband of Tara, the elder brother of Sugriva, and the father of Angada through his wife, Tara.

Vali obtained a pendant from his father, Indra, that which allowed him to restore his energy even when nearing death, making him a formidable fighter. He banished his brother Sugriva, who had assumed his throne, believing him to be dead. Sugriva sought the assistance of Rama, an avatar of Vishnu, to intervene in their conflict. During a duel between the brothers, Rama shot Vali in the chest with an arrow.

Early life

[edit]

According to the epic, fourteen types of gems or treasures were produced from the churning of the ocean during the time of the Kurma avatar. Among these treasures were various apsaras (divine nymphs), one of whom was Tara. Tara was produced from the churning of the ocean, and Vali, who was assisting his father Indra in the churning, took Tara and married her.[citation needed]

Vali was courageous, as shown when Tara tried to stop him and begged him not to fight Sugriva, warning that Rama was aiding Sugriva. Vali replied to Tara that, even if he were to face a god in battle, he could not ignore a challenge and remain silent. He added that even if the challenger had been his own son, Angada, or Sugriva's wife, Ruma, he would still accept the fight.[2]

The Quarrel

[edit]

According to the Ramayana, a fierce demon named Mayavi came to the gates of Kishkindha and challenged Vali to a fight. Vali accepted the challenge, but as he approached, the demon grew terrified and fled into a cave. Vali entered the cave, instructing Sugriva to wait outside. When Vali didn’t return, and Sugriva heard demonic voices and saw blood oozing from the cave, he mistakenly concluded that Vali had been killed. Sugriva then sealed the cave with a large boulder and assumed the kingship of Kishkindha. However, inside the cave, Vali had defeated and killed the demon and soon returned home. Seeing Sugriva acting as king, Vali believed his brother had betrayed him. Though Sugriva tried to explain his actions, Vali refused to listen, forcing Sugriva to flee to Rishyamuka Mountain, the only place Vali couldn’t enter due to a curse from the sage Matanga.[3]

Vali's pendant

[edit]

Vali was granted a golden pendant by his father, Indra. According to the Valmiki Ramayana, the pendant significantly increased Vali's energy during combat.[4]

Vali wore the powerful pendant given to him by his father, Indra, during his battle with the demon Dhundubhi and defeated him. The Valmiki Ramayana also describes Vali as having great strength, although it does not mention any duel between Vali and Ravana.

Rama meets Sugriva

[edit]

While wandering in the forest with his brother Lakshmana in search of his wife Sita, who had been kidnapped by the rakshasa king Ravana, Rama encounters the rakshasa Kabandha and kills him, freeing him from a curse. The freed Kabandha then advises Rama to seek Sugriva’s help in finding Sita.[5]

As Rama continues his journey, he meets Hanuman and is impressed by his intelligence and oratory skills, which also boosts his confidence in Sugriva. Sugriva then tells Rama the story of how Vali became his enemy. In Sugriva's version, he is entirely innocent, and Rama believes him.[6]

Sugriva is very fearful of Vali and doubts that Rama can defeat him. He tells Rama many remarkable stories of Vali's strength and, as proof, shows him a hole in a sal tree that Vali had made with a single shot. When it is Rama's turn, he pierces seven sal trees in a row with one arrow. After passing through the trees, the arrow even strikes a large rock, splitting it into pieces. Delighted, Sugriva exclaims, "O Rama, you are great!"

Rama asks Sugriva to challenge Vali and lure him outside of Kishkindha. As Rama explains later, he has been unable to enter a city for 14 years. Additionally, Rama does not want to provoke an unnecessary bloodbath with Vali's army, with whom he wishes to maintain friendly relations. Despite this, killing Vali would not be impossible for Rama, as Sugriva and Vali are identical twins. Just a few days earlier, Rama had killed Khara and Dushana along with their army of 14,000 rakshasas.

Sugriva formed an alliance with Rama, who had been traveling across India in search of his kidnapped wife, Sita. In return for Rama's help, Sugriva asked for assistance in defeating Ravana and rescuing Sita. Together, they devised a plan to topple Vali from the throne.

A stone bas relief at Banteay Srei in Cambodia depicts the combat between Vali and Sugriva. In the middle, the two brothers are shown fighting. To the right, Rama fires his bow. To the left, Vali lies dying in the arms of another monkey.

Sugriva challenged Vali to a fight. When Vali emerged to meet the challenge, Rama stepped out from the forest and shot him with an arrow, killing him.

The dying Vali told Rama, "If you are searching for your wife, you should have come to me for help and friendship. Whoever took Sita, I would have brought them to your feet, at your mercy."[7]

Vali asked the following questions:[8]

  • He made my wife a widow and stole my kingdom. What was my crime?
  • Even if I committed a crime (with my brother), what is your right to kill me? I would have helped you in getting Sita; your father King Dasharatha helped my father King Indra to fight against rakshasas.

Rama makes the following replies to Vali:

  • The younger brother should be treated like a son. Even if he made a mistake you should forgive him, especially when he promised to respect you for your whole life.
  • About his authority, he said he had permission from King Bharata to spread righteousness and punish evils. You lost your kingdom while fighting with Mayavi and you are no more a king, so how can I ask you for your help?
Killing of Vali

After Vali's Death

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After the death of Vali, Sugriva recaptures his kingdom and regains his wife, Ruma. Angada, the son of Vali and Tara, is appointed Yuvaraja, or crown prince.[9]

Rama's slaying of Vali held special significance. Initially, Vali argued with Rama about his killing, but Rama explained the various purusharthas and how everything was preordained according to the kalachakra, ultimately granting him moksha. Vali was then convinced and asked his son Angada to stand by his uncle Sugriva and assist in the divine work of Rama.[citation needed]

Vali's son, Angada, joined Rama's army and was given important responsibilities in the war against Ravana.[10]

The miniature panel in Pullamangai, Pasupathi Koil, Thanjavur captures the scene of Vali's death. Tara his wife, Angada his son, his brother Sugreeva and other Vanaras are lamenting his death.

Rebirth as Jara

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Because Rama had killed Vali, he blessed Vali, stating that he would die from an arrow he would fire while disguised when he took the incarnation of Krishna. Later, Vali was born as Jara the hunter in Dvapara Yuga destined to kill Krishna, the next avatar of Vishnu, in the same manner as foretold by Rama. While searching for prey in the forest, Jara saw what he thought was a deer, but it was actually Krishna's bare foot. However, Vali's rebirth as the hunter Jara is not mentioned in either the Valmiki Ramayana or the Mahabharata.

He shot an arrow with an iron mace attached to it. This event took place at a location known as Bhalka Tirtha, situated in western India in the state of Gujarat. It marks the spot where Krishna's disappearance occurred, signifying the end of Dvapara Yuga and the commencement of Kali Yuga.

References

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  1. ^ As per Kathasaritsagara
  2. ^ Silas, Sandeep (27 May 2012). "By myself in Bali". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  3. ^ Bhat, Rama (September 2006). The Divine Anjaneya: Story of Hanuman. iUniverse. p. 24. ISBN 978-0-595-41262-4.
  4. ^ "Valmiki Ramayana - Kishkindha Kanda - Sarga 11". www.valmikiramayan.net. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
  5. ^ "Episode 173 – Hanuman nurtures friendship between Rama and Sugriva!!!". The Indian Dharma. 23 September 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  6. ^ "Lasting friendship". The Hindu. 1 April 2012. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  7. ^ "Friendship of Śrī Rāma & Sugreeva, and Vāli Vadh by Śrī Rāma". lordrama.co.in. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  8. ^ "Valmiki Ramayana - Kishkindha Kanda". www.valmikiramayan.net. Archived from the original on 21 March 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  9. ^ "Dussehra Special: Why and how did Ram kill Kishkindha's King Bali? How did Bali avenge his death? - FYI News". India Today. 15 October 2015. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  10. ^ "Who was Angad? What is Angad's role in Ramayana?". www.timesnownews.com. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
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