Sugreeva was thoroughly upset. He accused Rama of not wanting to kill Vaali. But Rama had a genuine reason for not being able to shoot. Vaali and Sugreeva were exactly alike in height and build and wore the same dress and ornaments. So, it was difficult to tell them apart. Rama asked Lakshmana to fetch a garland of flowers for Sugreeva. “Challenge Vaali again, Sugreeva, and wear this garland. Then I will be able to identify Vaali,” said Rama. Vaali again readily came and during the combat between the brothers, Rama shot him. As he lay dying, he asked why Rama had shot him like this. Vaali was protected by a necklace from his father, Indra, and Kabandha had told Rama that he must take Sugreeva’s help, not Vaali’s. So, he probably had no other way of dealing with Vaali. As he died, he asked Sugreeva to care for his wife and son, Angad.
Slaying Vaali
