Kumbhakarna captures Sugriva

Kumbhakarna went to get ready when Mahodara came to him. He said - Now that you are awake, you r wives want to see you. Do visit them once.

Kumbhakarna said - This was not the time, when the enemy had attacked. If all goes well, I will come back and spend time with them.

Ravana came to decorate Kumbhakarna himself, to get him ready for war.

With his head nearly touching the skies, Kumbhakarna stepped out. He let out a loud roar.

The vanaras were scared and started fleeing. Seeing this Angada shouted at them. he asked to fight and die and not flee. The vanaras then started showering rocks and trees at Kumbhakarna.

Angry and Irritated, Kumbhakarna took his spear and hurled that at the vanaras. Many vanaras lost their lives, pierced by the spear.

He then caught hold of a few vanaras, and started swallowing them.

In fear, the vanaras started fleeing.

The brave vanara, Nila, saw this. He uprooted a tall sal tree and flung that at the demon. The tree struck Kumbhakarna and broke into pieces.

Some vanaras climbed onto his body but Kumbhakarna started catching them gulping them. The vanaras then started escaping through his nose and ears.

Kumbhakarna then started striking out with his mace. Angada and Hanumana fell on the ground, getting hit. Hanumana rose up in the sky and big rocks, broke the mace of Kumbhakarna. Kumbhakarna then hit Hanumana who feel down on the ground.

Sugriva saw this and decided to attack. He uprooted trees and went attacked Kumbhakarna. the trees broke. Kumbhakarna flung weapons of Sugriva, who dodged them and then hurled some at the demon. Kumbhakarna then took a mountain and hurled that at Sugriva. Sugriva was crushed under the mountain. Seeing this as his chance, Kumbhakarna grabbed Sugriva and decided to take him as a prize to Ravana.

Sugriva shows the army to Rama

Sugriva then asked Hanumana to get the vanaras ready. In all mountains, in all forests, everywhere - all vanaras were commanded to come. They were asked to come in ten days. News went out, vanaras started appearing. Like swarms of locusts, the vanaras started coming. Hanumana , Angada and the other great heroes went to fetch the vanaras in all directions. In ten days all the vanaras had arrived.

Along with swarms of vanaras, Sugriva then went to meet Rama. Sugriva met Lakshmana at the foothills. He said he was sorry for his earlier behavior and wanted to ensure that Rama and Lakshmana did not have any ill will towards him. Along with Lakshmana, Sugriva started climbing the mountain, to meet Rama.

Rama heard the sound of the vanaras chattering in the plains below. He thought Sugriva was coming to attack.  When Rama was thinking thus, Sugriva came and bowed down before Rama. He said he was grateful to Rama, for what he had done to him. He then said he had got all the vanaras in the land and then said in whatever land Sita was, they would find her out. He said till Sita was found, he would not go back to his palace and would work day and night to find out where Sita was.Only when Sita was with Rama, would he return back to his kingdom.

Sugriva then took Rama to show the vanaras. Billions of vanaras were scattered all around and all around one looked, only vanaras were visible.

Sugriva then asked a vanara called Vinod, who was a chief in the army, to take a part of the vanaras and go east wards to get news of Sita. He said eastwards there would be many wonderful lands and many wonderful places. Look everywhere. Cross Ganga, Sarayu , Gomati and then cross Brahmaputra. The land of Kirata will come. Travel carefully there. Kiratas have a wonderful form - their body is golden in color, hair is of copper color, they have huge ears and they live in the water and eat fish. Other beings, who ventured close would also get eaten up. If Ravana had hidden Sita there, ask for Sita very politely and nicely. After the land of Kiratas, got to the mountain Rishabha. There the Gods and apsaras danced and sang. Even Indra went there to enjoy. After that there would see the island of Khiroda. A white mountain would be visible there. On the mountain was the great snake, Shesha. He had a million hoods, and each hood had many gems. The gems provided the light there. Take the name of Shiva, when you pass that land. Further eastwards would be the land of the Golden Palms.  If Sita was not there, further eastwards was Kaladar. This was a mountain with a lake full of black water. This was filled with snakes. If the snakes opened their mouths, it would mean death. If Sita is not found, travel to the mountain Lohita. Eastwards was the Lohita sea, where a great rakshasha lived. There was a golden Simula tree there which had golden fruits on it. Beyond that was the land where the Sun lived. Further eastwards was all dark.

Sugriva asked the vanaras to report back to him in a month. Any delay would mean death for them.

Lakshmana goes to Sugriva

Soon the monsoon was over, and cool autumn season started. Rama used to wonder how Sita was doing, whether she was alive or dead. Rama said Sugriva was enjoying his life as the king and forgotten his promise. I killed Vali for him, and he does not care about his part of the promise. Lakshmana please go to his palace and remind Sugriva about his task.

Lakshmana said he would go immediately and if Sugriva disagreed, he would put an end to the vanara.
Taking his bow in his left hand and arrows in his right, Lakshmana set forth for Sugriva's palace.

When he reached the gates, the guards were scared to see an angry Lakshmana. Lakshmana asked them to tell Sugriva that he had come.

Angada then asked Lakshmana to calm down. Sugriva would help Rama. He then went inside and told Sugriva and Tara that Lakshmana had come. He also said that Lakshmana was very angry. He was saying that Rama had helped Sugriva get his kingdom by killing Vali, and Sugriva was relaxing in his palace, having forgotten his duties.

Sugriva was enjoying the company of women when Angada told him about Lakshmana's arrival. Sugriva said Tell Lakshmana, that I became Rama's friend, that is true but should I give up my life for Rama? Even the Gods were scared of Ravana, so how could a few humans and vanaras defeat Ravana?

Hanumana was there. He said to Sugriva, Rama is none other than Vishnu himself. Do not say things like this. You got this kingdom because of Rama, so do not say thus to Rama. You are spending your days in luxury; you do not see Rama's sufferings. Lakshmana has come to you. Go and please him. I am saying for your good. You are enjoying with women while Rama is alone, suffering. You took a promise, going around the fire. Now, abide by that.

Realizing his mistake, Sugriva asked Hanumana to fetch Lakshmana.

Lakshmana went into the room weher Sugriva was. He started shouting at Sugriva for having swayed from his word. Seeing Lakshmana angry, Sugriva was scared. He did not know what to say. Tara then said : Your elder brother's friend deserves respect. Forgive Sugriva. The vanaras will help you in your task. Control your anger.

Sugriva was standing close by, with garlands of flowers around his neck. He got up and tore the garlands and threw them down. He bowed down before Lakshmana and said he had forgotten about his responsibilities. From now, he would not rest till he had he helped Rama. He said he would be just accompanying Rama. It would be by Rama's grace that the enemy would be defeated.

Lakshmana pleased, left.

Sugriva crowned

After the last rites, the vanaras went to Rama. Hanumana said to Rama, Sugriva has gained the kingdom due to you, and he wants to worship you. Please come into the palace such that Sugriva can serve you.

Rama said he was under promise and would not enter any palace for now. He would be able to do so, when his fourteen years of exile were over. To Sugriva, Rama said - Go to your kingdom and rule in peace. Make Angada the crown prince. Tara is very wise. Please make her your chief adviser and listen to her. This is the month of Shravana, the season of rains. Rule in peace for sometime. Come back to me immediately once the rains are over.

Sugriva was then crowned the king of Kishkindhya. He was bathed with the waters of the oceans. Angada was made the crown prince. All started shouting the glory of Rama.

Rama and Lakshmana went to the nearby Malyavan mountain. They stayed there, on the peak of the mountain. There were wonderful lakes and fruit trees on the mountain. Rama was sad to this beauty. He was missing Sita.

While Sugriva in his palace, slept on golden cots, Rama on the mountain slept on leaves and twigs.

When the rains started, the surrounding areas became green. Rama was grieving for Sita. 

Vali asks Rama for a reason

Vali was writhing with pain on the bare ground. Rama went near Vali. Like a hunter goes near the deer, once he has shot it, so did Rama go near Vali. Looking at Rama, Vali, in great pain, said;

Tara told me many times not to go and fight. I did not listen to her. You are born in a royal family. Is this what you learnt there? You are aware of the category of animals that are hunted, and you would be aware that a vanara does not fall in that category. When then, O Rama, did you do this? My meat is not edible. My skin will not help you. My head will not make a trophy in your room. So Rama, did you hurt me, when I never ever hurt you. You belong to the dynasty of Raghu and are known to be correct and righteous. All say, Rama is compassion himself. Is this how you show compassion? Are you roaming in the forests in the guise of mendicant, thinking whom to kill next? I was fighting with my brother. Why did you intervene? I have never heard of two parties fighting and a third party benefiting from that. If you had come in a face to face combat with me, I would have killed you with one slap. You would have thought it would be tough to defeat me, which is why you attacked me from behind. I had problems with Sugriva and it was our fight. Why did you come in the middle? How will you show your face in the society? If it was for getting Sita, you should have told me. One jump, and I would have fetched Sita for you. Ravana had come to fight me and he went back defeated and ashamed.

Thus Vali kept addressing Rama.

Vali falls

Rama asked Sugriva to challenge Vali again. He asked Lakshmana to give Sugriva something that would set him apart from Vali. Lakshmana made a garland out of flowers and put that around Sugriva's neck.

They started again, Rama and Lakshmana following with their bows in their hands.
On their way, they saw a forest full of banana trees. Rama asked whose banana grove was it. Sugriva said this grove belonged to seven sages who used to meditate there.

On their way, Sugriva said Please do not fail this time. My promise is there. I will help you get back Sita.

Rama said you are decked with a garland that will distinguish you from Vali. Do not worry. Vali will die today.

Going to the gates, Sugriva called out to Vali again. Vali heard the call and got ready to go out.

Tara, wife of Vali, was a wise woman. She asked Vali not go for the duel. She said Do not go. Who has heard of a person who got beaten up and has come back again, so soon. I see ill omens, so I request you not to go. Sugriva must have some help from someone which is why he is back so soon. Let Sugriva call you. Do not go. Dashrastha was the king of Ayodhya. His sons are in this forest. Sugriva must have taken their help to kill you. Sugriva is your brother after all. Forgive him and rule along with him, as in the earlier days.

Vali asked Tara not to say such things. He said When I went to kill Mayavi, Sugriva locked me inside the tunnel and fled. As you are appealing, I will not kill Sugriva. I will make sure he learns a lesson and never returns again.

Tara said Rama is a great warrior and it would not be possible to escape his arrow, if he is there to help Sugriva.

Vali said What have I done to Rama, that Rama will kill me. Rama is righteous and upholds truth. He will not attack me, without any reason. If Rama does come to help Sugriva, I will make sure I teach Rama also a lesson he will not forget.

With tears in her eyes,Tara let Vali go. When Vali stepped out he saw Sugriva alone.
They began fighting. Vali being stronger, took control. One slap from Vali, and Sugriva fell on the ground. Seeing Sugriva fall, Rama took out his arrow and fitted it on his bow. He released the arrow. Travelling like lightning, the arrow went and pierced Vali in his chest.

Vali fell down. He was in pain and he knew he was dying. He shouted out 'Who did this'.

Sugriva challenges Vali

Rama then asked Sugriva to call Vali. He would kill Vali and make Sugriva then king. Sugriva along with Hanumana, Jambuvana, Nala, Nila, Rama and Lakshmana went near the main gates of Kishkindhya. Rama and Lakshmana hid themselves behind trees. Rama asked Sugriva to call out to Vali. When Vali came, Rama would kill him.

As decided, Sugriva called out to Vali. Vali came and a wrestling match started among the two. Rama was ready with an arrow in his hand. He wanted to use the arrow but he was confused. The two brothers looked so alike, that he was not sure if he would be able to kill the right vanara.

In the wrestling match, Vali easily took control and Sugriva, not able to withstand the blows of Vali, fled from there. He went to Rishyamukha mountain and started nursing his wounds.

Rama went there. Sugriva was sitting there with his head bent down. He said to Rama, if you had decided to not kill Vali, why did you make me go through this pain. I had said earlier, Vali was stromg and killing him would not be an easy task.

Rama said that was not the case. Both the brothers were alike in shape and clothes and he was afraid, if he shot an arrow, he would kill the wrong brother. If there was something that would distinguish Sugriva from Vali, then he would not have any difficulty.

Sugriva is convinced that Rama can kill Vali

Vali started throwing rocks and uprooting trees, threw that at the buffalo. Not affected, the buffalo rushed towards Vali. Vali held the buffalo by its horns and lifted it up. As if he was rotating a potter's wheel, Vali swung the buffalo by its horns in the air and then released it. The buffalo dashed its head against the ground and died. Vali then kicked the carcass of the buffalo.
The carcass, spilling blood all over, landed in the ashrama of the rishi Matanga, which was on the Rishyamukha mountain. The sage was angry and he quickly went and cleaned himself. He then put a curse saying - Whoever flung the carcass, if that person ever comes to Rishyamukha mountain, he will be calling his death.
When Vali heard this, he bowed down to the sage from a distance and decided never to go there.

Ending his tale, Sugriva said to Rama, as Vali knew of the curse he did not come to the mountain, which is why Sugriva and his friends had taken refuge there.

Rama said he would help Sugriva, by killing Vali.

Sugriva then said Vali was very strong and wise. He could travel at lightning speed. His strength was immense. He could throw a peak of mountain in mid air and catch it back.

Rama said he would be able to kill Vali.

Sugriva said Vali had kicked the carcass of Dudunbhi and it was lying there. Vali had made it fly a mile. Rama gently kicked the skeleton of the buffalo, and it went flying a hundred miles.

Sugriva said when Vali had kicked the carcass, it had flesh and blood. Now it was just a light skeleton.

Sugriva said he would tell more of Vali's strength. Ravana had once come to fight and defeat Vali. Vali was meditating then on the banks of the ocean. Ravana attacked Vali from behind. Without opening his eyes, Vali bound Ravana by his tail. He kept dunking Ravana in the ocean, using his tail.
When Vali finished his prayers, Ravana who was still tied to the tail, asked for forgiveness.

Rama said he had promised to help Sugriva, and he would do so.

Sugriva then pointed out to seven palm trees standing in a row. He said if Rama could pierce all seven with a single arrow, then he would be convinced that Vali would die in Rama's hand.

Rama, with a smile took out a arrow and with his right hand, released it. The arrow pierced the trees and then went down into the ground. Then taking the form of a swan, the arrow came back to Rama and taking back its own form, it entered Rama's quiver.

Sugriva was convinced, Rama would be able to kill Vali.

Sugriva narrates his story

Sugriva said he had no idea who that was that was carrying away Sita, nor did he know in which direction that chariot had gone. He said whatever be the place, he would help Rama get back Sita. He asked Rama to leave aside the grief. He said he had promised around the fire that he would help Rama get back his wife, and he would stick to his promise.

He said he would do what Rama said.

Rama said he was sure Sugriva would be able to help him rescue Sita. He said if there was some help Sugriva wanted from him, he would also get that.

Sugriva then said he would tell his story. He asked the vanaras to gather fruits and log of wood. The wood was spread around and Rama and Sugriva sat on that. Sugriva offered the fruits to Rama. Sugriva then said he was hiding from his brother Vali, who had taken over his kingdom and wife. Rama said he would help Sugriva by killing Vali. Rama then asked why had Vali behaved in that manner.

Sugriva said - There was a Vanara king called Akshaya. When he died, Vali, being the elder was crowned the king. Vali shared the throne with Sugriva. Things were very fine and the two brothers were happily sharing the duties of the king. This went on till one day, when two demons arrived there.

Mayavi and Dudunbhi were two demon brothers. Taking the form of buffaloes, they attacked the kingdom. Mayavi came first and attacked in the night,  and the two brothers, Vali and Sugriva chased the buffalo. In the light of the moon, they saw the demon enter a tunnel. Vali asked Sugriva to guard the mouth of the tunnel while he went inside to follow and kill the demon. Sugriva asked Vali not to go, but Vali did not listen and went inside the tunnel.

For months Vali travelled inside, chasing the demon. When he finally caught the demon, there was a lot of noise coming. Sugriva thought Vali was in pain. Thinking Vali had been killed, Sugriva closed the mouth of the tunnel with a big boulder.

When Sugriva went back to the court and told all, what had happened, the ministers crowned Sugriva the king. Sugriva, grieving for Vali, performed his last rites and sat on the throne.

A few days later, after killing the demon, Vali returned. He thought Sugriva had tricked him and he started abusing him.
Sugriva said what had happened was due to his ignorance, but Vali refused to listen to him. Vali threatened to kill Sugriva, and fearing for his life, Sugriva fled.

Rama becomes friends with Sugriva

Taking the form of a saint, Hanumana went to the places where Rama and Lakshmana were. He said looking at you , it seems you are princes. If so, why are you in this dense forest? Tell me who are you and where are you from? I am Hanumana, adviser of Sugriva, the Vanara. Sugriva would like to be friends with you, if you come in peace.

Rama said to Lakshmana, we came looking for Sugriva and Sugriva now wants to meet us. Tell Hanumana, who we are.

Lakshmana told Hanumana who they were and why they were in the forest. He also said they had been advised to meet Sugriva and take his help in fetching Sita, and for that they were in search of Sugriva.

Hanumana said Sugriva would be very pleased to meet you. He is without kingdom, without wife. His brother Vali has usurped everything. You help Sugriva get his kingdom back, and Sugriva would help you get Sita back.

Rama said he was eagerly waiting to meet Sugriva.

Hanuman went to Sugriva and told him about Rama and Lakshmana. He asked Sugriva to take the form of a human which would make his appearance more appealing. Rama, son of Dashratha, was here and they could mutually help each other. Rama is none other than Vishnu and welcoming and pleasing him would be great achievement. Along with Rama, was his brother Lakshmana, whose appearance seemed to be glowing like the sun. Welcome them.

Sugriva went where Rama and Lakshmana were. He welcomed them with flowers and fruits. He said he would serve Rama and help him get back Sita. He also said he had heard that Rama was willing to be his friend, and he was grateful that Rama had agreed to become friends with an animal.
He said You are one who gave life to a stone. You became friends with a Chandala. You are the Lord himself. I am grateful to be of your service.

Rama offered his hand, and Sugriva offered his hand. Hanumana fetched firewood, He struck the firewood, created a fire and added more wood to it. Rama and Sugriva then went around the fire, pledging friendship to each other.

Sugriva then said that they were sitting on the mountain, when they saw a woman being carried away by Ravana. They was throwing her jewels on the ground. Some of it fell near us, and we kept it. If you permit, I will bring them.

Rama said he was eagerly waiting to see them. Sugriva brought them, and seeing those jewels Rama could not control his tears. He said his world had become dark without Sita.  He asked Sugriva if he knew where Ravana had taken her.

Sugriva disturbed to see Rama and Lakshmana

Rama and Lakshmana roamed around till they approached the Rishyamukha mountain. Seeing the mountain, they started climbing up.

Sugriva was on the mountain with his friends. When they saw Rama and Lakshmana climbing up, they felt disturbed. He thought Vali had sent these to get him. This disturbed the vanaras who were around the mountain,. Excited, they started swinging on branches, breaking leaves and fruits, in an attempt to scare the humans away.

Hanumana then said to Sugriva, This was the time to be calm. Vali was no where to be seen. Not everyone was to be suspected. Tell the vanaras swinging from the trees to keep calm. I will go and try and find out who these men are.

Sugriva said The two are dressed like hermits but they carry bows and arrows. They may be some princes in the guise of hermits. Go fast, Hanumana, and try and find out who these are.

Hanumana, taking the guise of a mendicant went down where Rama and Lakshmana were. 

Kabandha

When the night fell, Rama and Lakshmana returned back to their empty hut. Rama said he did not want to reside there without Sita and would drown himself in the waters of Godavari. He hugged Lakshmana and the whole night, the two brothers kept crying, missing Sita.

When dawn broke, Rama and Lakshmana started their journey southwards. They entered a forest full of Kusha grass. They sat below a tree in the forest. Lakshmana said it was not safe to be in this place, as anything could be hiding in the grass. It was best to leave this place at the earliest.

When they got up and were about to leave when they came face to face with a rakshasha called Kabandha. This being had eyes nose and mouth in his stomach. He was huge in size.

Kabandha grabbed Rama and Lakshmana in his two hands. He said he would eat them up now but before making a meal out of them, he wanted to know who they were.

Lakshmana said instead of an introduction, it was time to teach him a lesson. Drawing out a sword, Lakshmana cut off the hand holding him. Rama similarly cut off the other hand.

Kabandha fell on the ground and then wanted to know they really were. Lakshmana then told him who they were. This reminded Kabandha of an earlier incident. He said he was a robber who was proud of his beauty. Vain, he had insulted the sages who had cursed him to become what he was now. He was also told when Vishnu, in his human form, cut off his hands; he would be liberated.

Knowing that he was going to die and go to the heaven he said he would help Rama. He asked Rama and Lakshmana to burn his body. Once free, he would tell them what to do next.

Lakshmana prepared a pyre and burned Kabandha. A handsome man came out of the pyre. He asked Rama and Lakshmana to go in search of Sugriva in Rishyamukha. He would be able to help them get Sita. Saying this, Kabandha vanished.