Sugreeva was terrified of Vaali’s strength. When Vaali killed demon Dundubhi, he had flung his carcass on Rishyamooka mountain, disturbing Matanga rishi’s meditation. The rishi cursed him, so he dared not come to the mountain. Now Sugreeva wanted to be sure that Rama was strong enough to deal with Vaali. Lakshmana realised this and told Rama who casually kicked Dundubhi’s huge skeleton off the mountain. Then he shot an arrow with such force that it went through the trunks of seven sal trees. Sugreeva was finally satisfied about the power of Sri Rama. Plans were laid for Sugreeva to challenge Vaali in Kishkindha. They would meet in a forest clearing where Rama would hide behind a tree and shoot Vaali if Sugreeva was unable to kill him. Vaali accepted the challenge and the brothers met in combat. But Vaali proved too strong for Sugreeva who broke free and ran away.
Proving Rama’s Strength
