Forging of an alliance
Forging of an alliance
Rama and Lakshmana set out in the Southward direction in search of Sita. At one place in the forest, they found the eagle being, Jatayu, struggling for breath. The brothers washed his wounds and inquired what befell him. Jatayu replied, “Rama, I saw Ravana carrying Your Sita in an aerial chariot. I intercepted him and fought with him to the best of my ability. But, I am too old to withstand a fierce fight. Finally, he cut my wings and I am lying here, eagerly waiting to convey the news to you. Now, I can die peacefully, having done some service to you.”
Rama and Lakshmana cremated his body and resumed their journey. After a few days, they reached the banks of Pampa river. Sugriva was the younger brother of the Vanara Emperor Vali , who ruled Kishkindha. He was banished by Vali on account of infighting between them. Sugriva made the hill Rishyamuka as his temporary abode and lived there with a few faithful followers. Hanuman was the most important of them.
Sugriva and his company saw Rama and Lakshmana roaming on the banks of Pampa. Sugriva was afraid that they were sent by his brother Vali. But, the wise minister, Hanuman, allayed his fears. Hanuman went down the hill, approached the prices and inquired about them.
Rama was instantly attracted by the humility, forthrightness, and wisdom of Hanuman. He narrated their own story.
Rama said to Hanuman, “We are in fact search of Sugriva. We seek his friendship.”
Hanuman expressed great joy at the words and took them to the top of the hill to meet Sugriva. Sugriva greeted them with sincerity and extended his hospitality to the brothers. When they were seated comfortably, Sugriva narrated the story of his fight with his brother Vali. He added, “Rama, both of us are in the same predicament. So, we need each other’s help very much.”
Hanuman intervened and suggested that Rama and Sugriva should forge an alliance. Rama should help Sugriva in regaining his kingdom and then, Sugriva should help Rama in getting back His wife. Everyone agreed to this arrangement. Then, Sugriva ordered the Vanaras around him to produce the bundle of jewels, which fell down from the sky in their midst. When they raised their heads, they saw a woman being forcibly taken away by a Rakshasa towards the South. When Rama saw the jewels, He fainted. Sugriva asked Lakshmana to identify the jewels. Lakshmana examined them carefully and identified the jewels worn on the feet. He said they belonged to Sita, no doubt. As he was everyday worshipping her feet, he could identify only those and not the jewels worn on the rest of the body. The Vanaras were moved by his righteousness and devotion.
Rama recovered soon and identified the jewels as those of Sita.
Sugriva described Vali’s strength and wanted to see for himself Rama’s powers. To prove His strength, Rama sent an arrow, which pierced seven ‘sal’ trees in a row and came back to Rama. Sugriva was astonished at Rama’s power.
They decided that Sugriva should challenge Vali for a fight and when they were fighting, Rama would kill Vali. Sugriva went to Kishkindha and roared at the palace gates. Presently, Vali came out and a fierce duel ensued. Rama could not distinguish Sugriva from Vali as both resembled each other in every respect, appearance, dress, and weapons used. Rama got confused and kept quiet.
Sugriva got a good beating at Vali’s hands and returned to Rishyamooka. He accused Rama of going back on His word. Rama explained the reason why He had not acted. He said, “Dear friend, go and call your brother once again for battle. But, this time, please wear a floral garland so that I can identify you.” Sugriva agreed, went down the hill, and challenged Vali to a fight.
Vali, who was in the midst of his Queens, rose to leave. But, his wife Tara begged him not to go. She told him, “I sense some danger. Just yesterday, your brother had a good beating at your hands. Don’t you think something is strange, his calling you so soon? I fear he has some powerful ally behind him.”
Vali brushed aside her protests and rushed to meet Sugriva. This time, a fierce struggle took place. Sugriva was getting tired. Rama, Who stood behind a tree, took careful aim and killed Vali with a sizzling arrow. Vali fell down severely wounded. Rama and Lakshmana approached him.
Vali accused Rama of employing deceitful methods to kill him. Rama explained the reasons for his acting in that manner. He said, “You usurped your brother’s kingdom. So, you committed Adharma. As a Prince, it is my duty to restore Dharma. Does not a hunter hide behind a tree and kill a wild beast?”
Vali was fully reconciled to his fate and died peacefully.
The alliance between Rama and Sugriva brings out some good comparisons of brotherly affection. Rama and Bharata on one side and Vali and Sugriva on the other. In both cases, the brothers loved each other very much. But, the troubles and sufferings brought out the superior virtues of Rama and Bharata. But, Vali punished his younger brother, Sugriva, when differences arose between them. The brothers became bitter enemies, whereas Rama and Bharata each spurned the right to rule the kingdom, when it was offered to them.
Questions:
- What was the similarity of the condition, in which Rama and Sugriva found themselves?
- Compare the qualities exhibited by brothers Rama and Bharata, and Vali and Sugriva?