Introduction
Vali is the Vanara king of Kishkindha, the elder brother of Sugriva and the father of Angada. He is known for his enormous strength. He is killed by Rama, in an episode that has been debated for centuries.
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
- Wife: Tara
- Siblings: Sugriva
- Son: Angada
Strength
Vali was traditionally the son of the god Indra. He was so strong that, according to the Uttara Kanda, he once held Ravana under his arm and carried him around the four oceans. Later retellings add that Indra gave him a golden garland, and that anyone who faced him in battle lost half of his strength to Vali.
The quarrel with Sugriva
Vali pursued the demon Mayavi into a cave and did not return for a year. Sugriva, believing him dead, blocked the cave with a boulder and took the throne. When Vali returned, he accused Sugriva of treachery, banished him and took his wife Ruma.
The death of Vali
When Sugriva made an alliance with Rama, he challenged Vali to a duel. The first time, Rama could not tell the brothers apart and did not shoot. The second time, Sugriva wore a garland, and Rama shot Vali from behind a tree.
Tara had warned Vali not to fight, and Vali had ignored her. As he lay dying, Vali asked Rama why he had killed him from hiding, when he had done Rama no wrong. Rama answered that Vali had taken his brother's wife, which broke the law of the Ikshvaku kings, and that a king could hunt an animal like him from hiding. Vali accepted this. He asked Sugriva to look after his son Angada and to forgive him.
A debated episode
Readers and commentators have argued for centuries about whether Rama's action was justified. Valmiki includes Vali's criticism and Rama's reply, and leaves the question open.