Vali's Defeat

Rama nocked an arrow and waited. However, he couldn't distinguish between the two monkey brothers, so he chose not to release the arrow. In the end, Vali gained the advantage. Sugriva escaped by the skin of his teeth and sought refuge at Maharshi Matanga's ashram, which Vali couldn't enter due to the curse. Sugriva was upset with Rama because he had hoped Rama would kill Vali. Rama understood Sugriva's emotions and tried to comfort him.

"Sugriva, do you know why I didn't shoot the arrow?" asked Rama. "You and Vali look alike. Your clothes, jewelry, and movements are the same. I could not distinguish you based on voice, color, personality, or combat skills. An arrow shot by me could have killed any one of you—that is why I didn't shoot. Please wear something so that I can distinguish you from Vali."

Rama told Lakshmana to hang a flower garland around Sugriva's neck. Once again, everyone hid behind the tree. Sugriva challenged Vali to another fight. His roar caused all three worlds to tremble. Birds began flying in the sky, peaceful cows became frightened, and deer ran helter-skelter. At that time, Vali was seated in the inner quarters of his palace and was furious to hear Sugriva roaring outside. 

Vali's wife, Tara, was intelligent. "Dear husband, please let go of your anger," she pleaded. "Sugriva challenged you before, and you defeated him. I suspect there must be a good reason for his sudden return. He is intelligent and cunning. I sense something is not right here. Please let go of your grudge against your younger brother and refuse Sugriva's challenge today."

"Should I ignore Sugriva's challenge like a coward?" retorted Vali. “I would rather die than decline a challenge. A brave man is never distracted by good or bad omens. I cannot tolerate Sugriva's behavior."

Vali emerged from his palace, mace in hand, and began searching for his adversary. He spotted Sugriva standing, ready for battle. Sugriva picked up his mace and charged at Vali. Vali hit him with his mace, which caused him to bleed but did not dampen his enthusiasm. In a frenzy of rage, Sugriva uprooted a tree and hit Vali with it. This surprised and enraged Vali, who rushed toward Sugriva and began to beat him continuously. Sugriva was severely wounded, and his pride was shattered. Seeing Sugriva in a pitiable situation, Rama nocked a poisonous arrow and shot it at Vali. The arrow pierced Vali's heart, and he fainted on the battlefield. Rama and Lakshmana walked toward the fallen Monkey King.