Figure in the Hindu festival stories
Vali
The mighty vanara king and one of the Ramayana's hardest moral questions
Also known as Bali, Vaali.
In short
Vali is the immensely strong vanara king of Kishkindha in the Ramayana, elder brother of Sugriva. By a boon he drained half the strength of any foe he faced, making him nearly unbeatable. He drove Sugriva into exile, and was slain by Rama so that Sugriva could be restored.
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Vali’s story and role
A boon gave Vali half the strength of any opponent in battle, making him almost invincible. After a misunderstanding during a fight with a demon, he banished his brother Sugriva and took his wife, believing himself betrayed.
When Rama allied with Sugriva, he felled Vali with an arrow from hiding. Vali's dying words — questioning the justice of the act — form one of the Ramayana's great moral debates. He represents unmatched power turned by misjudgment, and the hard complexity of dharma.
What Vali represents
Vali represents great strength undone by misjudgment, and one of the Ramayana's hardest questions about justice and dharma.
Festivals with Vali
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About Vali
Who was Vali?
The mighty vanara king of Kishkindha, elder brother of Sugriva, who by a boon drained half the strength of any foe he fought.
Why did Rama kill Vali?
To restore the wronged Sugriva, with whom Rama had allied. Vali's death and his final questioning of Rama are among the Ramayana's most-debated moral moments.
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