Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 15 Kishkindha Kandham

Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 15  Kishkindha Kandham

Killing of Bali

The following day, Sugriva returned to Kishkindha and issued another challenge. Bali, enraged and blinded by his arrogance, rushed out once more, despite Tara’s warnings, dismissing them as the fears of a woman. The brothers engaged in battle again, and this time, Rama, hidden behind a tree, fixed his gaze firmly on the garlanded Sugriva. At the opportune moment, Rama drew his bow and released a single arrow, sharp and swift like lightning. It struck Bali squarely in the chest, and the mighty monkey king collapsed on the battlefield, mortally wounded.

As Bali lay on the ground, his pride dissolved, and his heart softened. He looked at Rama and spoke, his voice faint but clear: “O Rama, what wrong have I done that you should strike me from concealment? Why have you, a prince of dharma, interfered in the quarrel of monkeys?”

Rama approached the fallen king and spoke with compassion: “Bali, your rule was not just. You wronged your brother, usurped his kingdom, and took his wife. As the protector of dharma, I uphold righteousness wherever it is breached. Whether it is humans, monkeys, or gods, all are bound by dharma, and your actions have forfeited your right to the throne.”

Hearing Rama’s words, Bali’s ego melted away. Realizing his faults, he surrendered to Rama, acknowledging him as the Supreme Lord in human form. With his dying breath, Bali entrusted his son, Angada, to Rama’s care and expressed his wish for Sugriva’s well-being. Rama promised to protect Angada and bless the Vanara kingdom.

As his life ebbed away, Bali gazed upon Rama, his mind purified, and attained liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Tara’s Grief –

Upon hearing of her husband Bali’s death, Tara was overwhelmed with grief. She wailed in agony and reached the place where Bali’s body lay, lamenting her fate. “What use is kingdom or son without my husband? Let me jump into his funeral pyre. Rama, why did you not kill me too? Send me to him and earn merit as if you married off a daughter.” Her sorrow spilled over, even as she urged Sugriva to live on and enjoy the kingdom with Rama’s support.

Rama gently consoled Tara, reminding her of the deeper truths of existence. “Tara, do not grieve. Your husband is not just the body, which is perishable and made of the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space. The real essence is the Jiva, the soul, which is eternal, birthless, and untouched by dualities like pain and pleasure, or heat and cold. It is the same in all beings—pure, formless, and immutable. Understanding this, what reason remains for sorrow?”

Moved by his words, Tara humbly asked Rama to reveal the spiritual truths of body, mind, and soul, and how suffering arises. Rama explained the mystery of life and liberation. “Because of your devotion in a previous birth, you are blessed to see me now. Meditate on my form and chant my name—this alone can lead you to liberation.”

Tara’s sorrow dissolved. She relinquished ego and lived as a Jivanmukta—liberated in life. Inspired by this divine discourse, Sugriva too surrendered to Rama, ready to follow his guidance.

The forest seemed to sigh in relief as peace returned to Kishkindha.

Coronation of Sugriva

Following Bali’s demise, Rama instructed Sugriva to assist Bali’s son, Angada, in performing the final rites for the fallen king, conducted with the grandeur befitting royalty. After completing the rituals and celebrations, Sugriva approached Rama, offering to serve him as Lakshmana does and suggesting Rama take Kishkindha’s throne. Rama, pleased but resolute, declined, affirming Sugriva’s suitability to rule. He emphasized their unity, stating, “Sugriva, you are me and I am you,” but noted his vow to live in the forest for fourteen years, prohibiting him from residing in a palace. Instead, Rama appointed Lakshmana to coronate Sugriva as king, with Angada as the heir apparent. He urged Sugriva to govern justly, treat Angada as a son, and prepare for Sita’s search after the monsoon. During the rainy season, Rama planned to stay atop a mountain, as travel would be impractical. Lakshmana performed the coronation, and Sugriva assumed leadership, while Rama prepared for a period of seclusion.

This episode highlights Rama’s adherence to dharma and his trust in Sugriva’s leadership. Sugriva’s offer to serve Rama reflects his gratitude, while Rama’s directive to care for Angada shows his compassion, ensuring the Vanara kingdom’s stability. The impending monsoon sets a timeline for the next phase of their alliance, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling promises.