Upon beholding Sugreeva, Angada, Tara, and the gathered monkey hosts steeped in grief, Rama himself was deeply moved. Yet, being steadfast in both thought and action, he swiftly regained his composure. With a serene countenance, he addressed the mourners, seeking to console their troubled hearts:
“O noble friends, your lamentations shall not bring peace to Vali’s departed soul. If you truly wish to honor his memory, desist from this unbridled sorrow. To ensure his passage into the next realm is serene, let us fulfill his rites with dignity, not despair. Grief, though natural, cannot erase the pain of loss. The wounded heart must heal in time’s gentle embrace.”
“For every occurrence in this world, time is the root cause. Time is both the charioteer and the chariot, guiding every living being along its inexorable path. None can escape its flow; none can alter its course. The wise do not question time’s impartiality, for it bears no love, no enmity, but moves with unwavering constancy. There has never been, nor shall there ever be, one who has mastered or conquered time. This is the legacy of all who dwell upon this earth.”
“Let the wise among you reflect upon the workings of time. It governs our duties, shapes our fortunes, and dictates the fruits of our desires. King Vali has attained his rightful place in the cosmos. He has reaped the rewards of his virtue, his wealth, and his worldly deeds. Now, he dwells in higher realms, free from all desires, his soul at peace. He did not cling to life, but met his fate with honor and adherence to righteousness. His place in the celestial realms was not granted but earned through his virtues.”
“Therefore, my friends, lay aside your sorrow and perform the rites that are due. This is the way to honor the great soul of Vali.”
The Funeral of Vali
When Rama had spoken thus, Lakshmana, ever obedient and compassionate, approached the disconsolate Sugreeva. With gentle authority, he said:
“O Sugreeva, beloved brother of the fallen king, rise from your sorrow. It is time to perform the sacred rites for King Vali. Let sandalwood be gathered for his final journey and all other provisions be assembled according to your customs.”
Tarana a noble warrior brought forth a finely crafted palanquin perfumed with the sweetest fragrances. Warriors of great strength were summoned to bear the king on his final procession. The palanquin, adorned with carvings of birds, trees, soldiers, horses, and elephants, gleamed with lifelike beauty, a fitting tribute to a monarch of Vali’s stature. Rich decorations and precious ornaments adorned the bier, reflecting the honor and reverence due to the departed king.
Rama instructed Lakshmana to oversee the rites, ensuring all traditions were observed with due solemnity. Ministers and courtiers, in Vali’s honor, bestowed rubies and emeralds upon those who lined the procession’s path. Tara and the assembled throng offered oblations and prayers, their hearts heavy with loss. The air was thick with wailing, and the weight of sorrow hung over all.
Angada and Sugreeva, bound by duty and love, completed the final rites with unwavering adherence to sacred rituals, clearing the path for Vali’s soul to find redemption. When all was done, they, along with Lakshmana, returned to Rama to report the fulfillment of their solemn duty.
The Coronation of Sugreeva
In the days that followed, the noble warriors of Vali’s court gathered around Sugreeva, the rightful heir. They approached Rama, their faces reflecting the reverence of sages in the presence of Brahma himself. Among them, the wise and devoted Hanuman, his hands folded in humility, spoke:
“O Lord Rama, by your grace, Sugreeva has been blessed with the kingdom of Kishkindha. This realm, built over generations by the valor and toil of his ancestors, could not have been his without your benevolence. It is our tradition to honor those who aid us, and Sugreeva wishes to express his gratitude in your presence. We beseech you to bless his coronation and accept his homage.”
Rama, the embodiment of virtue, replied with serene wisdom:
“O Hanuman, noble scholar, though I am touched by your words, I am bound by my father’s command. For fourteen years, I must not enter towns or cities. Therefore, take Sugreeva and crown him king according to your customs. Install the valiant Angada as crown prince, for his strength and courage are worthy of his lineage. The rains of Sravana are upon us, and it is not yet time to embark on our quest to find Sita. Return to Kishkindha, govern wisely, and when the season of Karthika dawns, we shall seek out Ravana’s abode. Until then, Lakshmana and I shall remain upon this mountain, where the breeze is gentle, and the lotus-laden lake provides solace for my ascetic vows.”
Thus permitted, Sugreeva, accompanied by his entourage, returned to Kishkindha. The ministers prostrated before him, and with mutual respect, he welcomed them. Entering the resplendent palace, he was anointed king by priests and well-wishers, resembling Indra being honored in the celestial realms.
The Glorious Ascension
The coronation was a spectacle of divine grandeur. A royal umbrella of white, golden-handled fans adorned with diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds were brought forth. Rituals were performed with herbs, flowers, honey, ghee, and sacred fires. Golden sandals graced Sugreeva’s feet as priests offered oblations and sacred water from rivers and lakes, gathered in golden urns.
Seated upon a high throne facing the east, Sugreeva was crowned amidst chants and blessings. The ministers and nobles reaffirmed their loyalty, while the cardinal warriors—Gaja, Gavaksha, Gavaya, Sarabha, Gandhamadana, Mainda, Dwivida, Hanuman, and Jambavantha—poured sacred waters over him from golden horns, as tradition dictated. The multitude raised their voices in unison, proclaiming, “Long live King Sugreeva!”
Embracing Angada with heartfelt affection, Sugreeva installed him as crown prince, honoring Vali’s memory. The monkey kingdom rejoiced in this gesture, recognizing the justice and righteousness of their new king. The people offered their respects to Rama and Lakshmana, their hearts brimming with gratitude.
Kishkindha, adorned with flags and regal umbrellas and nestled between towering mountains, gleamed like a jewel of prosperity and peace. Sugreeva, mindful of decorum, instructed his subjects to show due reverence to the former queen Tara and the crown prince Angada. Reunited with his beloved Ruma, Sugreeva shone with the splendor of Indra in his celestial abode.
