Introduction
Sugriva is a Vanara prince and later king of Kishkindha. He is the younger brother of Vali. In the Ramayana he becomes Rama's ally: Rama helps him regain his throne and wife, and Sugriva in return provides the army that finds and rescues Sita.
This article primarily follows the Valmiki Ramayana. Where a well-known detail comes from a later retelling or tradition, the article identifies it.
Family
- Father: Riksharaja
- Wives: Ruma, Tara
- Siblings: Vali
Origin and exile
Valmiki describes Sugriva as a son of the sun god Surya. He and his elder brother Vali were the sons of the Vanara king Riksharaja. When Vali went into a cave to fight the demon Mayavi and did not return for a year, Sugriva, thinking that Vali was dead, sealed the cave and became king. Vali came back alive, drove Sugriva out, and took his wife Ruma.
Sugriva took refuge on Mount Rishyamukha, where Vali could not follow because of an old curse. He was accompanied by a few loyal followers, including Hanuman.
Alliance with Rama
When Rama and Lakshmana arrived searching for Sita, Hanuman brought them to Sugriva. The two made a pact before the fire: Rama would kill Vali, and Sugriva would find Sita. To make Sugriva believe that Rama could defeat Vali, Rama kicked the skeleton of the demon Dundubhi far away and pierced seven trees with one arrow.
Rama killed Vali, and Sugriva was crowned king. He took back Ruma and, by custom, also took Vali's widow Tara.
The search and the war
After the coronation, Sugriva enjoyed the pleasures of his new position and forgot his promise during the rainy season. Lakshmana came to Kishkindha in anger, and Tara calmed him. Sugriva then sent search parties in the four directions. The southern party, led by Angada with Hanuman, found news of Sita.
Sugriva led the Vanara army to Lanka. He fought Ravana, Kumbhakarna and other Rakshasa warriors, and Sugriva killed Kumbha, a son of Kumbhakarna.
Afterwards
Sugriva attended Rama's coronation in Ayodhya and returned to rule Kishkindha. In the narrative, Sugriva's lapse during the rainy season is followed by his return to his promise to Rama.