Vali and Sugreeva

Brothers, Betrayal, Bitterness

Vali and Sugreeva were Vaanara brothers. Vali being the elder, was the ruler of the kingdom of Kishkindha. Vali was the spiritual son of Indra. He was married to Taara* and had a son named Angada. Vali was renowned for his physical might which was further enhanced by the unique boon that he would absorb half the strength of any opponent he faced. Vali was known to accept challenges for combat without exception. When a demon called Maayavi called out to Vali, Vali chased him and both entered a cave. Sugreeva, the younger brother of Vali, and the spiritual son of Surya, followed them both and waited outside the cave. When he saw a stream of blood flowing out of the cave, he feared the worst. In order to trap Maayavi in the cave, he shut the mouth of the cave with a boulder. He returned to Kishkindha and assumed the throne with a heavy heart. When Vali was done with slaying Maayavi, he was shocked that the cave had been sealed off. He naturally assumed that Sugreeva had done so in order to become the king. Vali opened up the cave and entered Kishkindha, and his anger knew no bounds when he saw Sugreeva on the throne.

Sugreeva’s pleading and explanations fell on deaf ears as Vali was deeply hurt by what he perceived as betrayal. Sugreeva, unable to bear Vali’s wrath escaped with a bunch of Vaanaras, to Rishyamukha where he would be safe, for the rishi Maatanga had cursed Vali that his head would split into pieces** if he were to set foot in his hermitage. Vali assumed the throne and Sugreeva’s wife, Ruma, as his own.

*one of the Pancha-kanyas

**angered by the defilement of Dundubhi’s blood which had sprayed on the hermitage

The challenge

When Sugreeva and his supporters saw two able bodied hermits carrying weapons approaching them, they were fearful. Hanuman assuming the form of an elderly human met Raama and Lakshmana and enquired about them. Once

Hanuman was convinced that they were not Vali’s spies, he regained his original form, and led them to Sugreeva. Sugreeva offered to help them in their search for Sita in exchange for a favour.

Raama had to kill Vali. Sugreeva was not convinced of Raama’s competence and requested for proof of his shooting skills. Raama, in all humility, displayed his skill by shooting through an entire row of trees with a single arrow, convincing Sugreeva. Sugreeva went upto Vali’s palace and challenged him to a duel. Vali known for his acceptance of any challenge strode out and the two engaged in a combat.

As the duel progressed, Sugreeva saw no help forthcoming from Raama and retreated. Raama, re-sent Sugreeva to challenge Vali again, wearing a garland, in order to differentiate between the two brothers. The wise Taara, warned Vali that Sugreeva must have someone covering his back, for he would not dare to come challenging him a second round, in this brash manner. Vali said that even if his own son Angada were to challenge him, he would not refuse.

Thus, an enraged Vali and a confidence infused Sugreeva engaged in a combat, once again, when Raama’s arrow struck Vali. Vali, upset that he was defeated in this manner chided Raama for seeking his brother’s help in finding Sita and not approaching him instead. Raama standing his ground, pointed out Vali’s unrighteous acts of driving out his younger brother (who is considered a son) and taking his wife by force.

Promises

In his dying moments, Vali promised Raama that his son Angada would bear no grudge towards his uncle and would support Sugreeva’s endeavour in finding Sita.

Raama, in turn, promised Vali that the roles would be reversed in another yuga, where he (as Krishna) would support the spiritual son of Indra (Arjuna) and be the cause of death of the spiritual son of the Sun (Karna).

Sugreeva promised Raama to give his all to find Sita by sending search parties in all directions.