Hanuman introduces Sri Ram to Sugreev and narrates Sri Ram’s plight. Sugreev is deeply moved by the prince’s search for his beloved and offers to help in whatever way he can. Sugreev, in turn, narrates his own story of hardship, saying:
‘My brother Vali, possessing immense strength, earned himself a formidable reputation. He was crowned as the ruler of monkeys, and I followed him like his shadow. Once, on a dark night, a demon named Mayavi challenged Vali to a duel. Vali always took challenges head-on and furiously stormed out of the palace. Out of affection, I followed him as he charged into the forest after Mayavi. Terrified watching the two of us approaching, the demon vanished into a hole in the earth. Vali instructed me to stand guard as he followed the demon into the depths of the earth. A year lapsed, and with no sign of Vali, I started to worry for his life. Suddenly, I heard loud cries as blood gushed out of the hole. Fearing that the demon would escape, having killed my brother, I covered the hole with a hillock and performed his last rites. With a heavy heart, I reluctantly accepted the throne. Sometime later, to my surprise, Vali returned after slaying the demon. Finding me installed as the ruler, concluded that I had conspired to usurp power, leaving him to die in subterranean depths. I pleaded my innocence, but being blinded by rage, he banished me from the kingdom. Ever since, I have lived in agony, separated from my beloved, who is still his captive.’
Sri Ram, the embodiment of righteousness, is able to empathise with Sugreev and promises to help him put an end to the vicious and perverse tyrant, Vali. To bolster Sugreev’s faith in him, Sri Ram shoots an arrow that pierces seven Sal trees and the bowels of the earth before re-entering his quiver. Amazed by this feat, Sugreev reposes faith in him and, in turn, promises to leave no stone unturned in the search for Sita. Empowered by his alliance with Lord Ram, Sugreev bravely challenges Vali to a duel. In the fierce fight that ensues, Sri Ram intervenes, just as Sugreev looks jaded and defeated, by shooting a single deadly arrow at Vali.
Sri Ram defeats Vali and fulfils his promise to Sugreev. In doing so, he receives Sugreev’s assistance and his army of monkeys to resume the search for Sita.
