26 / March 2018 / Yuva Bharati
VALI'S DEATH A hopeful Sugriva narrated his story to Sri Rama. Vali, the mighty Vanara ruler of Kishkindha, his wife Tara, the wise son Angada, brother and prince-
regent Sugriva, and Sugriva's wife Ruma were a happy family. Once Vali
was away from Kishkindha for one whole year, fighting a demon Mayavi.
His ministers presumed he was dead and crowned Sugriva as the king. But
Vali returned victorious, accused Sugriva of treason, drove him away, and
seized his wife Ruma too. Sugriva had to roam about as a refugee. Vali also
killed Dundubhi, Mayavi's brother, and contemptuously kicked his carcass.
It fell in Matanga Muni's ashrama on the Rishyamuka. Enraged, the Muni
prevented Vali from entering Rishyamuka on pain of death. The hill thus
became a haven of safety for Sugriva, Hanuman, and a few loyal allies.
To convince Sugriva of his ability to kill Vali, Sri Rama tossed Dundubhi's
carcass with his toe, and shot an arrow which pierced through the seven sal
trees in a row. Emboldened by Sri Rama's backing, Sugriva challenged Vali
for a duel. But Sri Rama could not distinguish Vali from Sugriva. They were
look-alikes.
Sri Rama's plan to kill Vali when he emerged from Kishkindha did not
materialize. Sugriva was beaten black and blue. Then wearing a garland of
Gajapushpi as an identification mark, Sugriva challenged Vali for another
duel. Tara warned Vali that Sri Rama might be backing Sugriva. Yet Vali
braced for a fight. The two fought fiercely. An arrow from Sri Rama's bow
mortally wounded Vali. He accused Sri Rama for his unjust act. Sri Rama
convinced Vali of his just deserts.
Vali repented and wept. He entrusted Angada to Sri Rama's care and died.
Sugriva wept bitterly that he had to get his own brother killed.Panel-52