Kishkindha Kaanda
132 - Duel between Vali and Sugriva; deliverance of Vali
Chaupais
Description
Struck by the shaft Vali fell to the ground smarting with pain; again he sprang up and sat, when he saw the Lord before him-dark of hue, with His matted hair coiled on His head, bloodshot eyes and the bow still drawn. Gazing on Him again and again he fixed his heart on His feet; now that he recognized the Lord he felt that he had realized the reward of his birth. Although his heart was full of love, the words on his lips were harsh; looking towards Sri Rama he said, "Even though, my lord, You descended on earth for upholding righteousness. You have killed me as a hunter would kill a wild beast. I, Your enemy and Sugriva, Your dear friend! For what fault did You take my life, my lord?" "Listen, O wretch: a younger brother's wife, a sister, a daughter-in-law and one's own daughter-these four are alike. One would incur no sin by killing him who looks upon these with an evil eye. Fool, in your extravagant pride you paid no heed to your wife's warning. You knew that your brother had taken refuge under the might of my arm; and yet in your vile arrogance you sought to kill him!"