Once there was a mighty asura in the form of a buffalo named Dundubhi, whose power was said to equal that of a thousand elephants. His form shone resplendent, much like the towering peak of Mount Kailāsa. Intoxicated by his own strength and emboldened by a boon, Dundubhi’s pride knew no bounds. Seeking a worthy opponent, he made his way to the vast ocean, the sovereign of all rivers. Crossing the rolling, jewel-laden waves, Dundubhi confronted the great ocean and demanded, “Grant me battle!” The ocean, righteous and powerful, rose majestically and addressed Dundubhi, compelled by the workings of fate. Instead of accepting the challenge, the ocean directed Dundubhi toward another: “There is Himavat, king of mountains, sanctuary to ascetics in the great forest, renowned as the father-in-law of Śaṃkara. His peaks are adorned with mighty cascades, caves, and waterfalls—he is capable of granting you incomparable satisfaction.” Recognizing the ocean’s reluctance, Dundubhi, proud and eager for combat, sped away like an arrow from a bow and entered the Himavat forest. There, in a display of his might, he hurled immense, white stones—resembling elephants—down the mountainside in all directions, and roared thunderously. At that moment, gentle Himavat, gleaming like a white cloud, stood upon his own peak and spoke calmly: “O Dundubhi, I am devoted to righteousness and skilled in the duties of ascetics. I am a refuge for the austere, not one who engages in battle. Please do not trouble me.” But Dundubhi, his eyes blazing with anger at these words, replied, “If you are unable or unwilling to fight, then tell me who will face me in battle. I seek a worthy opponent.” Though Himavat had never before been addressed in such a manner, he replied with measured anger: “There is a mighty and wise one named Vali, son of Indra, a glorious vanara who dwells in the incomparable city of Kishkindha. He is powerful, highly intelligent, and skilled in battle—able to grant you single combat, just as Indra did to Namuci. Go swiftly to him if you desire battle, for he is ever indomitable and valiant.” Heeding Himavat’s words, Dundubhi’s rage only intensified. He sped at once to Kishkindha, and, assuming his terrifying buffalo form with sharp horns and a fearsome aspect, appeared at the city’s gates like a thunderous raincloud. Arriving at Kishkindha’s entrance, Dundubhi bellowed so loudly that the earth itself quaked, his roar resounding like a war drum. In his arrogance, he shattered nearby trees, tore up the ground with his hooves, and battered the city gate with his horns, resembling a mad elephant in his fury. Inside the city, Vali, king of the monkeys, heard the tumult. Unable to bear the challenge, he emerged from his inner chambers with his wives, shining among them like the moon among the stars. Vali, lord of all forest-dwellers, addressed Dundubhi in calm, clear words: “Why do you block the gate and roar so, Dundubhi? I know who you are—protect your life, O mighty one.” Dundubhi, his anger undiminished, retorted, “O hero, it is not fitting to speak of battle in the presence of women. Grant me combat today, and I shall test your strength. Or, if you wish, I shall restrain my anger for tonight—let your celebrations continue, O monkey. Enjoy your pleasures as you wish. Give and distribute gifts, embrace your companions, and make Kishkindha as dear to you as your own life. Revel with your women, for I am here to humble your pride. Remember, whoever kills an opponent who is drunk, careless, broken, alone, or weak is condemned in the world as a destroyer of embryos—such is the fate of one blinded by arrogance.” Vali, letting go of his wives, including Tara, laughed softly in anger and replied, “Do not think that I am drunk—if you are truly unafraid, let this intoxication be proven in battle, for such is the drink of heroes.” With those words, Vali, his rage kindled, seized the golden garland bestowed upon him by his father Indra and prepared himself for combat. He grasped Dundubhi, massive as a mountain, by the horns and, roaring mightily, hurled him with all his strength. The impact was tremendous; blood streamed from Dundubhi’s ears as he fell. Driven by mutual anger and the desire for victory, a terrible battle ensued between Vali and Dundubhi. Vali fought with fists, knees, feet, rocks, and trees, matching the asura blow for blow. As the struggle raged, Dundubhi weakened, while Vali, son of Indra, grew ever stronger. At last, Vali lifted Dundubhi and dashed him to the ground. In that deadly contest, Dundubhi was crushed, his life’s blood pouring forth as he fell lifeless to the earth. Not yet finished, Vali, swift and mighty, seized the asura’s corpse in his arms and, with a single powerful motion, hurled it a full yojana away. Thus ended the challenge of Dundubhi at the hands of Vali, the peerless king of the vanaras.