| Bali, also known as Vali, was a powerful monkey king in the epic Ramayana. He was the elder brother of Sugriva and was known for his immense strength and valor. Bali's role in the Ramayana is significant as it led to a series of events that eventually helped Lord Ram rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana. Bali and Sugriva were initially close, but a misunderstanding caused by Ravana led to a bitter enmity between the two brothers. Ravana tricked Bali into a fight with a buffalo demon named Dundubhi. After a long and exhausting battle, Bali killed Dundubhi and threw him away. The demon's body landed at the entrance of a cave where Sugriva was waiting for Bali. Seeing the demon's body and assuming that Bali was dead, Sugriva declared himself the king of Kishkindha. However, Bali returned and, seeing Sugriva on his throne, considered it a betrayal. He banished Sugriva from the kingdom and took Sugriva's wife, Ruma, as his own. Sugriva, in fear of Bali's wrath, took refuge in Rishyamukha mountain, where Bali could not go due to a curse. During their exile, Lord Ram and his brother Lakshman met Sugriva. Sugriva told them about his plight, and in return for Sugriva's help in finding Sita, Ram promised to kill Bali and restore Sugriva's honor. Ram, keeping his promise, killed Bali with an arrow from behind a tree during a duel between Bali and Sugriva. Bali's death had a significant impact on the story of Ramayana. After Bali's death, Sugriva became the king of Kishkindha and honored his promise to help Ram. He mobilized his vast monkey army to search for Sita, leading to the discovery of her location in Lanka. This was a crucial turning point in the Ramayana, setting the stage for the epic battle between Ram and Ravana. Bali's son, Angada, also played a significant role in the Ramayana. After Bali's death, Angada joined Ram's army and became a crucial ally in the battle against Ravana. He served as a diplomat and was instrumental in delivering Ram's message to Ravana, demanding Sita's return. In conclusion, Bali's role in the Ramayana, though marked by conflict and tragedy, was pivotal in the unfolding of the epic's central conflict and its eventual resolution. |