Śri Maha-ganapataye namah

We were discussing that in the combat, Rama could not distinguish Sugriva from Vali and hence refrained from releasing his arrow. Having been badly trashed by Vali, the distraught and humiliated Sugriva rushed back to Rishyamukha mountain. He was angry that Rama had let him down. This was the outcome of having been suspicious of the Lord’s energy.

Rama convinced him saying, ‘In mannerisms, appearance and gait both of you perfectly resemble one another. I failed to distinguish you from your brother. If accidentally my arrow were to pierce you, what would be your plight? Hence, I refrained from releasing my arrow. This time, I shall give you a garland of never-withering flowers. Wearing that, return to Kishkinda and challenge your brother. Due to the presence of the garland around your neck, I shall clearly identify you and then I shall do the needful.’

Convinced, Sugriva returned to Kishkinda and once again screamed loudly challenging Vali for combat. Seething in rage, Vali once again madly rushed out of his palace. However, his intelligent and highly righteous queen Tara halted him saying, ‘My lord, you should not accept this challenge. I am now suspicious of Sugriva’s intent. If Sugriva, who, barely a few hours ago, was badly wounded, defeated and humiliated by you, dares to challenge you again, then definitely there is some force which is instigating him to battle you. There is someone who has assured him of victory.

We have recently come to know that Rama, the son of King Dasharatha, has offered him help. My dear, it is in our best interests that you stay away from this combat. For some reason, I fear this combat. I have seen some inauspicious dream wherein I was weeping and that this city was destroyed. Please listen to me’.

Tara fell at Vali’s feet and pleaded with him. Ridiculing his wife, Vali said, ‘Why are you so timid today?’ Vali was totally intoxicated due to power and might. He was in that state of intoxication wherein good advice failed to fall into his ears. Arrogance coupled with the anger that his brother had the audacity to challenge him for combat had rendered him blind to all advice.

He, therefore, said, ‘Rama is very righteous. I have not caused him any harm. Why then will he harm me?’ Saying so, he rushed forward to fight Sugriva screaming, ‘This time I am going to slaughter him mercilessly’.

Jaya Guru Datta