Vali
The Mighty Vanara King
Sugriva's elder brother, the strongest vanara alive - he had a boon that stole half his opponent's strength. His fall to Rama's arrow is one of the epic's most debated moments.
- Sanskrit/Telugu name: వాలి
- Also known as: Bali, Indra's son
- Weapons: His own fists, Golden mace
- Symbols: Golden garland of Indra
Story
Vali, king of Kishkindha, was the most powerful vanara who ever lived - in many tellings a son of Indra, wearing a golden garland from his father. He carried an astonishing boon: half the strength of anyone who fought him face-to-face flowed into Vali, so he simply could not be beaten in a fair fight - even Ravana once tried to sneak up on him and ended up trapped under Vali's arm, carried around the world during his prayers! But Vali's greatness curdled into cruelty toward his brother Sugriva after the tragic cave misunderstanding, when he beat Sugriva, seized his wife, and hounded him into exile. When Rama and Sugriva became allies, Sugriva challenged Vali to a duel, and Rama shot Vali from behind a tree - the only way past the boon. Dying, Vali questioned Rama sharply: was this dharma? Rama answered, and in many tellings Vali accepted, placing his beloved son Angada's hand in Rama's - and brave Angada went on to serve gloriously in Rama's army. Vali's wise queen was Tara, whose counsel he ignored on his final day.
Fun fact
Vali once tucked the mighty Ravana under his armpit and carried him around all four oceans while doing his daily prayers - Ravana was so impressed he asked for a friendship treaty.
Family and connections
- Consort: Tara