Why Rama killed Vali secretly behind a tree? (correct and full story / information)
Namaste friends, how are you doing today? Bhagavan Sri Rama blessings to you and your family!
This story starts when Bhagavan Sri Rama comes in search of Sri Sita Devi. Now Bhagavan Sri Rama wants to meet Sugriva.
Bhagavan Sri Rama who has the lotus-eyes, who has the signs of Chakra (Disc – Sudarshana Chakra), Shankha (Conch – Panchajanya Shankha) , Gada (Mace – Kaumodaki), Kamala (divine Lotus) etc was seen by Hanuman.
Both Bhagavan Sri Rama and Lakshmana climbed on to the shoulders of Hanuman.
Having placed Bhagavan Sri Rama and his younger brother Lakshmana on to his shoulders, the best amongst ‘Vanaras’ (divine monkeys), Hanuman, went to Sugriva.
Thus Sugriva immediately got the divine friendship of Bhagavan Sri Rama.
(Bhagavan Sri Rama is so great that he always removes the sorrows of those who believe in Him.)
Now both Bhagavan Sri Rama and Sugriva took the divine oath of helping each other in the divine presence of ‘Agni’ (divine fire).
Bhagavan Sri Rama having listened to Sugriva’s plight, the ‘Sarvottama Bhagavan’ (Supreme among the Gods) made a vow that He will kill Vali and shall give back the Kingdom to Sugriva.
Likewise, the king of the ‘divine Monkeys’ Sugreeva also made a vow that he will search and find Sri Sita Devi at any cost.
After this, Sugriva showed Bhagavan Sri Rama the body of a Rakshasa called ‘Dundubhi’, who was been killed by his elder brother Vali.
Seeing the body lying down there, Bhagavan Sri Rama by merely moving the toe of his foot immediately kicked it away easily, a hundred yojanas away. And at the same time, the body pierced the earth and killed numerous Daityas (Demons) who were present in Rasatala.
(We should note that, the body, due to the power of Bhagavan Sri Rama’s kick, pierced the earth, entered Rasatala and hit daityas (Demons) and killed them instantly. This is the greatness of our Bhagavan Sri Rama.)
Bhagavan Sri Rama killed all those daityas automatically, who had become invincible due to the power received from Lord Shiva’s boons, that is, merely by dashing of a dead body (corpse of Dundubhi).
Sugriva, who was still scared of Vali’s strength, showed seven diamond-like strong ‘Tala / Palmyra’ trees which were actually daityas (Demons) in the form of trees and said thus like this:
“That powerful Vali is capable of shaking each one of these trees with ease. He used to attempt to pluck the leaves of these trees, but he was not capable of it. I will believe that you are capable of killing my mighty brother Vali only if you are able to pierce all seven of these trees, which are spread out, with a single arrow”.
Sugriva continues: “One can win over his enemies if that person is four times stronger than his enemy. Someone can kill his enemies if he is 100 times stronger than his enemy. Therefore O Sri Rama, please pierce these trees whose leaves cannot even be plucked by my mighty brother Vali and clear all my doubts about you”.
Thus Bhagavan Sri Rama told to Sugriva: “These trees are actually demons who could not be pierced by any other being due to the boon by Sri Brahma Deva”.
Having known that they were firmly standing there and were performing tapas / penance to achieve the position of Brahma, Bhagavan Sri Rama with highest ease pierced all of the seven trees with just a single arrow.
Bhagavan Sri Rama who has infinite amount of strength (no one is equal or above this strength), set a sharp arrow on his divine bow and pulled it well with His right hand and released it, thus all of the trees were blown into pieces, with a terrible sound.
That divine single arrow pierced all the seven trees, it then pierced the seven worlds of the Netherlands’ region including mountains and earth itself. Also it burnt away an Asuras’ group called ‘Kumudi’ who were protected in the Netherlands’ regions due to the protection of Sri Brahma Deva’s blessings.
Bhagavan Sri Maha Vishnu (Bhagavan Sri Rama) who has unlimited and greatest strength, all the activities in this world, which includes Vayu (divine air), Prakruti (divine nature), Lord Shiva, Lord Garuda, Lord Indra Deva and others, happens due to His desire itself.
These activities are not at all surprising for Bhagavan Sri Rama. At the same time, it is not something that is feasible to anyone else including Brahma Deva, Rudra Deva etc.
Thus after noticing the greatest strength of the Supreme Bhagavan Sri Rama (Vishnu), the King of the Monkeys left for his elder brother’s place, with Bhagavan Sri Rama in front.
Listening to Sugriva’s (an avatar of Surya Deva) roar, the mighty Vali (an avatar of Indra Deva) came out of his cave and ran towards him, ignoring the various objections put forth by his wife Tara.
Thus fight between the two Great Divine Monkeys started.
Having been badly hit by the punches of Vali, and being unable to bear them, Sugriva left the battle and ran away.
Bhagavan Sri Rama is the greatest one and he is the one who knows all activities of all worlds.
But still, Bhagavan Sri Rama did not kill Vali. This is only because to show the Dharma path to the world.
Thus Bhagavan Sri Rama tells Sugriva: “I was unable to distinguish between the two of you. If Vali desires brotherly affection, then I need not kill your brother who has not committed any crime. Misunderstanding and tiffs between brothers is not something that stays for long.”
Bhagavan Sri Rama continues: “Even if there is long standing anger, it gets resolved very trivially and easily.”
(We should note that, the tiff between brothers typically gets resolved during the time of death. If it leads to the death of one of them, then there is regret as well.)
Bhagavan Sri Rama therefore wanted to teach the world a lesson that whenever there is a misunderstanding or tiff between brothers, they themselves and / or relatives should never hurriedly decide on one’s favor and kill the other.
So Bhagavan Sri Rama did not kill Vali at the initial time itself.
Bhagavan Sri Rama also did not kill Vali at that initial time to ensure that the son of Surya, that is, Sugriva, did not suffer any great sorrow for having gotten his older brother killed.
Bhagavan Sri Rama is an avatar of Bhagavan Sri Maha Vishnu Himself. He is the one who influences the minds of all. He is above even Lord Shiva (he is the controller of the manas / mind).
Then how come there be ignorance for Bhagavan Sri Rama as per the TV shows and movies?
TV shows and movies shows that Bhagavan Sri Rama was ignorant of not finding out who is Sugriva, and who is Vali?
This is completely out of chapter of both ‘Moola Ramayana’ and ‘Valmiki Ramayana’. There is nothing such type of instance taking place in Ramayana.
Thus after Sugriva returned from the battle field and insisted that Vali has to be killed, Bhagavan Sri Rama released a diamond-like arrow at Vali.
Just to show to the world who is real Sugriva and real Vali, under the orders of Bhagavan Sri Rama, the son of Vayu Hanuman differentiated the son of Surya (Sugriva) by a garland.
The best amongst Raghus (Raghu Vamsha Shreshtta), Bhagavan Sri Rama, released an arrow at Vali, that is, the son of Indra, Vali, was greatly pained and fell down like a huge mountain.
Bhagavan Sri Rama starts thinking (this is a vidambana / to teach to the world):
“This Vali is my devotee. If he sees me, he will definitely fall at my feet without a second taught. Thus it is not appropriate to kill someone who has taken refuge on to me.”
“On the other hand, the son of Surya, that is, Sugriva, has requested for his killing in order to obtain his kingdom”
“It is one’s duty to fulfill the request of one who has taken refuge first. It is also inappropriate to kill someone who has taken refuge. Therefore I shall kill him without being spotted by him” –
With such thoughts, Bhagavan Sri Rama killed Vali without being seen by him.
(Bhagavan Sri Rama is the influence behind all the strength in all unlimited universes. His body is verily the complete, is infinite and has best strength and energy inside him.)
(What could the mere monkey Vali have done to him even if He came in front and shot him? Don’t forget that it was Bhagavan Sri Rama with highest ease broke Shiva’s bow.)
Continuing with the story, after Vali fell down, Bhagavan Sri Rama went near him and asked him in a friendly tone “If you wish I will bring you back to life”.
Vali told Bhagavan Sri Rama: “O Purushottama (best among all)! Who doesn’t desire death in the hands of you?”
Keeping Vali’s son Angada in front, Sugriva completed all the rituals of Vali.
Later Sugriva became the leader of all the divine monkeys.
Now, let us go to our main point:
Why Rama killed Vali secretly behind a tree?
Bhagavan Sri Rama was told by his friend Sugriva who was frightened by Vali’s strength, who pointed to the 7 Palmyra trees stronger than Vajrayudha (Indra’s main weapon) which were the rakshasas actually.
Further, Vali was not only able to shake each one of those trees, but also was not able to cut their leaves though Vali tried and had multiple fractures on his body.
Thus, Sugriva told Bhagavan Sri Rama as, should you sever by one arrow all these Palmyra trees standing slantingly, then you are capable of killing Vali.
And then finally completing all the formalities, Bhagavan Sri Rama shoots an arrow towards Vali.
While Vali was laying unconscious, Bhagavan Sri Rama went near to him, and told Vali gently, “If you desire to live longer, I shall revive you”.
Vali would easily be seen that he recovered from the injury due to the arrow after Bhagavan Sri Rama touched him.
So from this conduct, it cannot at all be said, that Bhagavan Sri Rama killed Vali, but it was Vali himself opted to die and he is alone responsible for his own death.
All injured persons do not wish to die, whereas Vali did not want any cure for his injury given by Bhagavan Sri Rama and always wished to die in the presence of Paramatma Sri Rama Chandra Prabhu.
Sri Rama had absolutely no intention to kill Vali, but wanted to teach him lesson and hit him gently by an arrow to correct him from the wrong path he had taken.
Easily we can conclude from the fact, the arrow made Vali only unconscious and nothing else. But did not kill him.
The power and capacity of Bhagavan Sri Rama and the arrow had been described already while the rakshasas were killed by one stroke and many thousands were killed by that same hit and arrow.
Now the questions is, as to what was the mistake committed by Vali which Bhagavan Sri Rama wanted to remind him, by a gentle touch of just like a Guru (divine teacher), in the interest and welfare of the student and for his benefit gives a small slap, when the student does mistake(s).
The grave mistake committed by Vali, was that he did not respect Hanuman who is an avatar of Sri Vayu Deva and is called as Jagatguru (divine teacher of the world).
The Truth that Sri Vayu Deva is Jagatguru can be found in many Hindu Shastras.
When the mighty Vali kicked at the chest of his own brother Sugriva and banished him, and Hanuman explained that it was improper at Vali’s part, Vali never cared about it.
When Hanuman accompanied Sugriva out of the country, then also Vali kept silent and did not realized his mistake.
We should also note that, Vali had done few other mistakes also.
But they were not very grave and they can be excused.
But the disrespect to Jagatguru (Hanuman / Sri Vayu Deva), will land Vali in eternal hell and this is based on several Vedic scriptures in Hinduism.
Now Vali out of his haughtiness and ignorance had forgotten this fundamental principles and duties.
By nature, he is a great aatma / soul and he is an avatar of Lord Indra himself.
So Bhagavan Sri Rama’s servants, devotees etc., who are basically by nature are good, but sometimes commit mistakes.
Thus Bhagavan Sri Rama is more than happy to correct all of them.
For this reason, Bhagavan Sri Rama corrected by just leaving an arrow at Vali.
When that arrow hit him and when Vali saw that it was Bhagavan Sri Rama’s arrow, Vali thoroughly was changed.
Vali remembered the mistakes he had committed earlier, especially his grave mistake of disrespect to the Great Hanuman.
That is main reason, he courted death out of volition before Bhagavan Sri Rama to wash off the sins.
Nobody can tell that Bhagavan Sri Rama killed Vali under these facts and circumstances.
Can Vali survive even fraction of a second, if Bhagavan Sri Rama had hit him to be killed?
Will Bhagavan Sri Rama go near him and speak gently with consoling words after the hit?
Will Bhagavan Sri Rama offer to him to make him alive?
No right?
Then the most important question to be analyzed will be, Why Bhagavan Sri Rama stood behind the trees and hit arrow at Vali?
Bhagavan Sri Rama could have come in directly and could have scolded Vali and corrected even by hitting an arrow or other weapon in person.
When one calmly and patiently analyses these points, many basic realities and also the most merciful nature of Bhagavan Sri Rama towards His devotees will definitely flow out.
Bhagavan Sri Rama’s action is an explanation of several Hindu Vedic texts.
When Bhagavan Sri Rama took birth as the son of the King Dasharatha, it does not mean, that He is an ordinary human being and was a son of Dasharatha in reality?
No…
Bhagavan Sri Rama will remain as Bhagavan. He is svayam (directly) Bhagavan Sri Vishnu and not an ordinary human being like me and you.
Before going into the full answer, the explanations that are available for Bhagavan Sri Rama, remaining behind the trees and hitting Vali, can be seen as:
a. Few say that Bhagavan Sri Rama being a Kshatriya and a Prince and hunting of animals is his right and privilege. Thus he has all the right to kill someone.
We should remember that Vali is not an ordinary monkey. But instead he is an avatar of Lord Indra Deva.
b. Some say that the mighty Vali had a boon that any one who come in-front of him to wage war, then his half power will go to Vali. Thus Sri Rama was afraid to do so.
But the correct answer is that: Vali is a great devotee of Bhagavan Sri Rama, and if Bhagavan Sri Rama goes in the front of Vali, then he will prostrate in front of Bhagavan Sri Rama. Once Vali prostrates, he becomes ineligible to be punished.
Sri Rama has given word to Sugriva, that he will kill his brother Vali and will make Sugriva king of all the monkeys. Considering all these, Sri Rama hit Vali, from behind a tree.
All these were done by Bhagavan Sri Rama as Vali had done few grave mistakes as mentioned above.
Another main reason was that, Vali had forcefully sent his own brother away from his Kingdom.
Bhagavan Sri Rama wanted to teach Vali a lesson (not only for him, but to the world) and correct him. This is the main reason.
First and foremost one should do upasana (worship) of a Guru. And the greatest Guru is Sri Vayu Deva (Hanuman, Bhima and Sri Madhwacharya Ji) and then one should do upasana of Bhagavan Sri Hari.
Without a correct Vaishnava Guru, even Bhagavan Sri Hari will not be with us.
Otherwise Moksha (divine liberation) can’t be attained. Sri Rama by this has saved us from the hell and protected all his bhaktas / devotees by giving such a huge lesson to all of us.
We should always remember that only if Vayu is present in us means life will be present within us. This means svayam Bhagavan Sri Rama (Vishnu / Krishna) will be present in us only if we have Vayu (divine air) inside our body.
Without Vayu we can’t live at all.
We can live without food, water etc for some time. But definitely without Vayu (air) no one can live.
Thus Sri Vayu Deva, that is, Hanuman, Bhima and Sri Madhwacharya Ji are highly important.
Hope this has answered your question regarding “Why Rama killed Vali secretly behind a tree?”
You will get more information about the following by visiting the different links:
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To know the “List of demons killed by Sri Rama, visit the below link:
List of demons killed by Sri Rama
To know the “List of demons killed by Sri Krishna, visit the below link:
List of demons killed by Sri Krishna
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