The Defeat of Vali

 The Defeat of Vali

Rama and Lakshmana stood with Sugreeva, gazing at a pile of bones scattered near the mountain.

"Whose bones are these?" Rama asked.

Sugreeva sighed. "These belong to Dundubi, a fearsome buffalo-shaped demon. He once begged Lord Vishnu for eternal battle and was sent to fight Vali. They clashed for a year before Vali defeated him and hurled his body into the sky. But the bones fell upon this sacred mountain, angering a sage who cursed Vali."

Rama nodded thoughtfully. "These bones bring misfortune. Lakshmana, remove them."

Lakshmana kicked the bones away, purifying the land. Then Sugreeva hesitated before speaking again.

"Rama, I saw Ravana carrying Sita away. Here—these are her jewels." He handed Rama a golden necklace and earrings.

Rama’s hands trembled. Tears spilled from his eyes as he clutched the ornaments to his heart. Overcome with grief, he collapsed.

Hanuman and Sugreeva rushed to his side. "We will find her," Sugreeva vowed.

Rama’s voice was heavy with sorrow. "I failed her…"

"But we will not," Hanuman said firmly. "First, we must defeat Vali so Sugreeva can reclaim his kingdom. Only then can we gather an army to rescue Sita."

The Challenge

The group traveled to Kishkindha, where Sugreeva roared, "Vali! Face me!"

Vali, deep in slumber, awoke with a growl. His wife, Tara, clutched his arm. "Do not go! Rama stands with Sugreeva, and his bow is invincible!"

Vali scoffed. "Rama is noble. He would never strike me unfairly!" Ignoring her plea, he charged into battle.

Hidden behind rocks, Rama and Lakshmana watched the two monkey kings clash.

"Brother," Lakshmana whispered, "can we trust Sugreeva? Is this fight just?"

Rama hesitated. "We must keep our word."

The battle raged—fists like thunder, tails whipping like storms. Bloodied and exhausted, Sugreeva cried, "Rama, help me!"

"Wear this vine," Rama instructed, tying a creeper around Sugreeva’s neck. "I must know it is you."

As Vali lifted Sugreeva high, Rama drew his bow. Twang! The arrow pierced Vali’s heart.

Vali’s Last Words

Vali staggered, gripping the arrow in shock. "Who... could strike me down?" He pulled the shaft free and saw Rama’s name engraved upon it.

"Rama?" Vali gasped. "Why? You are righteous—this act stains your honor!"

Rama stepped forward. "You tried to kill your own brother. You took his wife. As a king, you failed justice."

Vali shook his head. "Our ways are not yours. Among monkeys, this is no crime."

"But you are no mere beast," Rama said. "You think, you reason—you must uphold dharma."

Vali’s anger faded. He bowed his head. "Perhaps... you are right." Turning to Sugreeva, he whispered, "Rule wisely... and serve Rama well."

With his last breath, Vali said, "Tell the world... my brother brought my salvation."

Tears streamed down Sugreeva’s face as Vali’s spirit ascended to the heavens.

Rama placed a hand on Sugreeva’s shoulder. "Now, we prepare for war. Sita will be freed."

And so, with Vali gone, the alliance was sealed—Rama’s quest to rescue Sita had truly begun.

The End.

Moral: Even the mighty must listen to wisdom. True strength lies in justice, not in power alone.