Bali Vadham - Kottarakkara Thampuran(1555 to 1605)                                                                       BACK

This story is taken from Ramanata (Ramayana). This story is one of them. Bali, the Hercules, or strongest person in all of Ramayana makes himself felt in this story. Rama's wife is stolen by Ravana and Sugriva's wife by Bali. No matter, both are stealers and both are killed by Rama.

The news that Rama killed Ghara and Dushana and destroyed their armies infuriated Ravana. He also comes to know that his sister Shurpanakhi was disfigured by Lakshmana. Shurpanakhi also tells him the divine beauty of Sita. Hence Ravana decides to abduct Sita. For this purpose he approaches Maricha. Maricha will not agree to the cunning ways of Ravana, but ultimately submits to his plan favouring a death at the hands of Rama than being killed by Ravana. Maricha dons the shape of a deer and draws out Rama from Sita's side.

Maricha who was dying under the effect of Rama's arrow shouts "Lakshmana come and save me " in Rama's voice. Lakshmana immediately recognizes that it is not Rama, but Sita in her frivolity speaks harsh words to Lakshmana, who goes after Rama without having a choice. At this point of time with nobody to protect her, Ravana abducts Sita.

 As Ravana flies through the air, abducting Sita, a huge bird Jatayu attacks him. A war ensues in which Jatayu's wings are cut down and Jatayu falls to the ground. Sita blesses Jatayu who lies there alive until Rama comes along and the true story of abduction is told to him. Then Jatayu dies and Rama completes his last rites as if Jatayu was his father.

As Rama and Lakshmana proceed, a demon called Ayomukhi attacks them who is duly defeated. They reach the Pampa river where they meet Hanuman who takes them to King Sugriva. Rama and Sugriva make a treaty according to which Rama has to kill Bali, Sugriva's brother, who had illtreated Sugriva and also stolen his wife. And in return Sugriva will help Rama get back Sita.

 A battle royal ensues between Sugriva and Bali during which hidden Rama sends an arrow which kills Bali. Bali talks to Rama before he dies and sees in him the divine figurehead of Vishnu. Seeing this, Bali dies peacefully.

The vesha of Bali and Sugriva are Red beard whereas Ravana and Maricha are Kathi. Hanuman is a white beard, Rama and Lakshmana are pacha and Sita is minuku.