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Vali Vadham 41

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Hari Krishnan • December 18, 2002 


Would Vali have fought Rama?


Lakshmana told Vali that it was because of the possibility of the latter surrendering to as well that Rama hid himself behind a tree when he shot the arrow at him, as otherwise it would come in the way of the fulfilment of the promise that was made to Sugriva already.  This was what we saw yesterday.  Was it possible that Vali would have also surrendered to Rama in case of straight fight?

Well, that sounds possible.  Let us think it over.  When will a person think of a 'fight to the last'?  He should be convinced about his possibility of a success.  Though no duel is started after discussing, debating and ascertaining the physical might and the skills of the opponent with weaponry, it is obvious that it would not start when one party is convinced about the accomplishments of the other.  Vali had very high regards for Rama, for his moral stature as well as his skills with the bow.  It may be recalled here that Tara stopped him when he jumped up from his bed for an encounter with Sugriva.  Tara had warned Vali that Sugriva has obtained the friendship of Rama and that was why he was bold enough to challenge him for a duel.

The first reaction of Vali was shock.  Not that he was shocked that Rama could have come to kill him.  But because Tara, he thought, must have gone mad in thus speaking ill of Rama.  'What!  What are you talking?  'ulaginukku aRathin aaru elaam izhaithavarkku iyalbu ala iyambi en seidhaai?'  Whom do you think you are talking about?  Rama is the one who has shown this world the path of Dharma.  You are speaking things that are not in agreement with his nature.  'pizhaithanai paavi un peNmayaal.'  You have uttered slander, you sinner, because of your feminine qualities.  Note the word 'paavi.'  That was how Vali reacted when Tara warned him about Rama.  

Therefore it goes without saying that Vali had immense regard for Rama.    Number one.  Vali was not mentally prepared to fight Rama.  Let us assume that he was challenged for a single combat and then he could not say 'no' because that is what is ordained for any warrior.  He should not go back when a challenge is thrown to him and because of that he accepts the challenge.  His fight against his opponent can last only till his anger lasts.  That was so in the case of his fight with Mayavi, which lasted for 28 months.  But could Vali have retained his anger for such a long time, especially when he did not have any hatred for Rama and in fact was devoted to him, admiring him from a distance?  Doubtful.

Further, Vali was fully and completely aware of the prowess of Rama.  This is discernible from the remark that he made to Tara.  'nindra pEr ulagu elaam nerukki nErinum,' Even if all the three worlds (put together) join hands and are up in arms against him, 'vendri vem silai alaal piRidhu vENdumO?'  does he need the aid of anything else other than his victorious bow?  'than thuNai oruvarum thannil vEru ilaan.'  He doesn't need the help of anyone else.  In fact he is his own aid, his own help and his own assistance.  He need not have to be supported by anyone, in any of his efforts.  'pun thozhil kurangodu puNarum natpanO?'  When this being so, will he, of all the lot, choose to make friends with a puny monkey?  

Would Vali, who was so convinced of Rama's valour, prowess and skills, have chosen to enter into a 'fight unto the last' with Rama when he was so very well convinced about his strength and skills?

Let's continue.


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