act as a king, Vali thought his brother had betrayed him. Sugriva tried to explain his actions, but Vali didn't listen. Sugriva ran off to Rishyamuka mountain, the only place Vali would be unable to enter because of the curse of the sage Matanga. Vali's boon Vali was granted a boon by Brahma after sitting in penance. Vali asked Brahma for a boon such that in any duel, Vali's opponent would lose half his strength to Vali. Brahma granted the boon happily. Already Vali was extremely powerful with his power almost equal to that of 1000 elephants. Thus, Vali became invincible. It was said that no one could defeat Vali in head-on battle. War with Ravana Though not in the original Ramayana, but in the Uttarkand Ravana is said to have fought with Vali. Ravana learns about Vali and his strengths through Narada. Hearing Narada praising Vali, Ravana became extremely arrogant and went to Kishkinda. There Vali was in meditation. Ravana challenged Vali to come and fight. First Sugriva fought with Ravana and was defeated. Ravana then reached Vali and challenged him. Vali and Ravana then fought a fierce battle. Vali tied him with his tail (carried him on his shoulders in some other versions) then arrested Ravana. Vali started carrying Ravana under his armpit for years. Ravana could not bear the insult and delivered a severe blow with a lot of anger on Vali's face. Vali suffered huge pain and had to release him. Ravana was impressed with Vali and asked him for friendship. Rama meets Sugriva Wandering in the forest with his brother Lakshmana in search of his wife Sita – kidnapped by the rakshasa king Ravana, Rama meets rakshasa Kabandha and kills him, freeing him from a curse. The freed Kabandha advises Rama to seek the help of Sugriva to find Sita. Continuing on his journey, Rama meets Hanuman and is impressed by his intelligence and skills as an orator. This also boosts Rama's confidence in Sugriva. Sugriva tells him the story of how Vali became his enemy. In Sugriva's version, he is entirely innocent and Rama believes him. Sugriva is very scared of Vali and he is full of doubts that Rama could kill him. He tells him many remarkable stories of Vali's power. As proof, he shows Rama a hole in a saal tree which Vali had made in one shot. When it is Rama's