Lakshman Rao
After being released by Arjuna at the request of Sage Pulastya, Ravana departed from Mahishmathi, unshaken and content, assured of his strength, and fortified by the blessings of gods and sages alike. Ravana had devised a method to prove his supremacy—seeking out the strongest of men and provoking them to combat, driven by the arrogance that no one could surpass him. This mindset kept him ever restless, often leading him into perilous situations that demanded the intervention of sages and even the Creator himself.
One day, Ravana journeyed to Kishkindha, the kingdom ruled by the mighty Vanara king, Vali. Upon his arrival, he was met by Tarana, the colossal and brave minister of Vali, who informed him that the king was presently engaged in his daily worship of the Sun. Tarana led Ravana to an open yard, where he showed him a pile of bones and warned, “These are the remains of those who dared challenge our king. Consider this before you proceed.”
Ravana, his pride wounded by the sight, threatened Tarana with death, to which the minister calmly replied, “O demon king, if you seek our lord, he is now at the southern sea, performing his morning rituals.”
Ravana soon found Vali standing before the rising sun, performing his Sandhyopasana. Vali resembled a towering mountain, his face radiant like fire. Ravana, moving stealthily, attempted to capture him from behind. But Vali, ever alert, sensed his intentions, and in an instant, seized Ravana. The demon king dangled from Vali’s back like a mere burden. Without pausing his rituals, Vali leaped with lightning speed, covering the four seas—east, west, north, and south—completing his worship. All the while, Ravana clawed and bit at him to no avail. His army followed in vain, shouting and throwing weapons, unable to match Vali’s speed, and left in desperation for news of their lord, who by now was thoroughly exhausted and humiliated.
After completing his rituals, Vali returned to Kishkindha, landing in a garden lush with greenery and fragrant with flowers. He set Ravana down gently and, with a smile, asked, “Who are you, and why have you come to my kingdom?”
Ravana, still breathless and drained of all energy, replied, “I am Ravana, king of Lanka. I came to challenge you to a duel but now find myself reduced to a mere rag. All my strength is gone. O great king of the Vanaras, you possess unmatched might and speed. You carried me across the seas as if time itself bent to your will. I have never seen such power. I now seek your friendship.”
Impressed by Vali’s strength, Ravana pledged eternal friendship. In the presence of ritual fire, he vowed to share all his wealth and possessions with Vali. His army finally reached Kishkindha, and the demon king and his entourage were treated with great hospitality. They stayed for a month before Ravana, after receiving a grand farewell from Vali, returned to his kingdom.
Later, when Agastya narrated this tale to Rama, he remarked, “O Rama, Vali was so powerful that Ravana himself sought his friendship after failing to defeat him.”
Rama responded, “Though Vali and Ravana were indeed mighty, I believe none can match Hanuman. His bravery, wisdom, strength, righteousness, and diligence are unmatched. It was he who, with ease, crossed the vast ocean, discovered Janaki, crushed Ravana’s son and warriors, and returned without a trace of fatigue. If it were not for Hanuman, my success would have been uncertain.”
Rama then asked, “If Hanuman is so powerful, why did he not intervene when Vali and Sugriva were in conflict? Why did he allow Sugriva to suffer at Vali’s hands?”
Agastya replied, “O noble Rama, let me recount Hanuman’s story, and you will understand. Indeed, Hanuman surpasses all in strength and virtue, but he was bound by a curse that kept his powers dormant, causing him to remain as a mere monkey. Born of Anjana by the grace of Vayu, Hanuman’s father was Kesari, king of the Vanaras in the Meru Mountain region.
As a child, Hanuman once mistook the rising sun for a fruit and, driven by hunger, flew to catch it. At that very moment, Rahu was attempting to eclipse the sun. Hanuman, believing Rahu to be in his way, chased after him, causing Rahu to flee and complain to Indra. Indra, upon hearing this, approached and struck Hanuman with his Vajra. The boy fell unconscious upon Mount Meru. Enraged by the injury to his son, Vayu, the wind god, withdrew from the universe, causing all life to suffocate.
The gods, fearing the end of creation, approached Brahma, who explained the situation. Brahma led the gods to Mount Meru to appease Vayu and restore order. Thus began the story of Hanuman’s childhood, which I shall tell you in full tomorrow as night now falls.”
With these words, Agastya ended his tale for the day, and all retired to their quarters.
