The Mighty Vali

Who Was Vali ?

Vali was the powerful Vanara King of Kishkindha and the elder brother of Sugriva[cite: 1, 3]. He was the son of Lord Indra and was known for his unmatched strength[cite: 1, 3]. Vali had a special blessing: any opponent who stood in front of him to fight would lose half of their strength to him, making him almost impossible to defeat in a fair fight[cite: 1, 3].

Vali

The Tragedy and Death by Lord Rama

Due to a misunderstanding, Vali banished his brother Sugriva and took Sugriva’s wife for himself[cite: 1, 3]. This was a big mistake against moral laws (Dharma)[cite: 1, 3]. When Lord Rama came to help Sugriva, He knew Vali could not be fought face-to-face because of his special power[cite: 1, 3].

While Vali and Sugriva were wrestling, Rama hid behind a tree and shot a divine arrow at Vali[cite: 1, 3]. As Vali lay dying, he asked Rama why he was killed from the shadows[cite: 1, 3]. Rama explained that it was punishment for his sins, but promised that their souls would meet again to settle the karma[cite: 1, 3].

The Rebirth: Meeting Krishna in Dwapara Yuga

In the next age, known as the Dwapara Yuga, Lord Rama returned as Lord Krishna[cite: 1, 3]. Vali was reborn as a hunter named Jara[cite: 1, 3]. One day, Krishna was resting in the forest when Jara mistook Krishna’s foot for the ear of a deer and shot an arrow[cite: 1, 3].

When Jara realized he had hit the Lord, he was filled with sorrow[cite: 1, 3]. However, Krishna forgave him and explained that this was the completion of their karma: Rama had shot Vali as a hunter from a hidden spot, and now Vali (as Jara) had shot Krishna as a hunter[cite: 1, 3]. The cycle was finally complete[cite: 1, 3].