When Sugriva’s mighty roar echoed through the land, shaking all creatures, Vali’s pride dissolved instantly, replaced by a surge of burning anger. Overcome by rage, Vali’s golden form lost its brilliance, dimming like the sun obscured by stains. His eyes blazed with fury, his fangs and hands poised for battle, and he shone fiercely, like a lake filled with blooming lotuses and stalks. Unable to bear the intolerable sound, Vali sprang up, striking the earth with powerful strides as if he would tear it apart. Tara, his devoted wife, embraced him with affection and friendship. Trembling and anxious for his well-being, she spoke gently, urging him to restrain the anger that had arisen within him like a surging river. “O hero,” she pleaded, “rise from your bed in the morning and cast off this wrath, as you would discard a garland that has been worn. Face him in battle then; neither your enemies nor any weakness trouble you, O valiant one.” Tara continued, expressing her concern: “Your sudden advance does not please me just yet. Listen, and I will explain the reason for my restraint. Previously, when Sugriva challenged you in anger, you went forth and defeated him, sending him fleeing in all directions as you struck him. Now, after you have bested and tormented him, his return to challenge you again seems suspicious to me. The arrogance and resolve in his roar, and the agitation in his cry, must have a significant cause.” She reasoned further, “Sugriva would not have come alone; he must be relying on a steadfast ally, someone whose strength he has tested. By nature, the monkey is both skilled and intelligent. And the young prince Aṅgada has ventured deep into the forest, gathering information reported by spies. The two sons of the lord of Ayodhyā, renowned Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa of the Ikṣvāku line, valiant and unconquerable in battle, have come here. They are difficult to approach, fulfilling Sugriva’s cherished desire, and Rāma is famed as your brother’s ally in war.” Tara described Rāma as a destroyer of hostile forces, arisen like the fire at the end of an age, a sheltering tree for the virtuous, and the supreme refuge for those in distress. “He is a refuge for the afflicted and the sole vessel of fame, endowed with knowledge and wisdom, devoted to his father’s command. Like the lord of mountains is to minerals, so is he a great source of virtues. Therefore, it is not fitting for you to be in conflict with that great soul.” With earnestness, Tara continued, “With Rāma, unconquerable and immeasurable in battle, O hero, I wish to tell you something for your good: quickly and properly anoint Sugriva as crown prince. Do not engage in conflict with your younger brother, O king; friendship with Rāma is fitting for you. Make peace with Sugriva, casting enmity far away. He is your kinsman, your cherished brother, and I see no other relative equal to him on earth. With gifts, respect, and proper hospitality, make him your ally at once. Let this enmity be abandoned, and let him remain by your side. Sugriva, broad-necked and great-hearted, is your chief ally; rely on the bond of brotherhood, for you have no other path here.” Tara pleaded, “If you wish to please me, and consider me well-intentioned, kindly follow my advice. Be gracious and listen to my wholesome words; do not simply follow anger. For you are capable, O son of the king of Kosala, and there should be no conflict with one whose brilliance equals Indra’s.” Thus Tara spoke only what was beneficial, addressing Vali with wholesome words. Yet, her counsel did not please him, for fate had overtaken Vali, and he was at the hour of his destruction. Now begins the sixteenth sarga. To Tara, whose face shone like the moon as she spoke, Vali rebuked her and replied, “Why should I tolerate, for any reason, the furious roaring of my brother, my enemy, O beautiful-faced one? For brave warriors, unassailable and unyielding in battle, to endure insult is more bitter than death, O timid one. I cannot endure in battle the challenge of Sugriva, who desires combat, nor the roar of that weak-necked one.” Vali reassured Tara, “You should not grieve concerning Rāghava on my account; he knows righteousness and gratitude—how could he commit a wrongful act? Turn back with the women; why do you follow me further? You have already shown your friendship and devotion to me. I will go and confront Sugriva; cast off your anxiety. I will subdue his pride, and he will not lose his life. Whatever he desires as he stands ready for battle, I will do; struck by trees and blows of my fists, he will retreat. That wicked one, swollen with pride, will not withstand me. You, Tara, have fulfilled your duty as a helper and shown your affection for me. I swear by my life, and by the people, you are forbidden; enough—after defeating him in battle, I will return, that brother of mine.” Thus, Vali, consumed by anger and refusing Tara’s wise counsel, prepared to face his brother, unaware that destiny had already begun to weave the threads of his fate.