Tāra, wise and radiant-faced like the moon, spoke to Vāli with gentle urgency. She praised Sugrīva, saying, "Just as the lord of mountains is the source of precious minerals, Sugrīva is a great source of virtues. It is not fitting for you, O great soul, to be in conflict with him. And with Rāma—unconquerable and immeasurable in battle—on his side, I wish to speak for your benefit, not to offend you. Listen and act as I advise: quickly and properly anoint Sugrīva as crown prince. O hero, do not engage in conflict with your younger brother. Friendship with Rāma is what befits you. "Make peace with Sugrīva and cast away all enmity. He is your brother, your own kin, and there is no one on earth equal to him as your relative. Welcome him with gifts, respect, and proper hospitality; make him your ally at once, and let this enmity end. Sugrīva, broad-necked and great-hearted, is your chief ally. Rely on your bond of brotherhood—there is no other path for you here. "If you wish to please me, and if you hold my well-intentioned words in regard, then, out of affection, follow my advice. Be gracious and listen; do not act out of anger. For you are capable, O son of the king of Kosala, and it is not right to quarrel with one whose brilliance equals Indra’s. "Thus I speak for your welfare," Tāra concluded, her words full of wisdom and care. Yet, Vāli was not pleased. Overtaken by fate at the time of his destruction, he could not accept her counsel. Hearing these words, Vāli rebuked Tāra, his voice sharp. "Why should I tolerate the furious roaring of my brother, my enemy, for any reason, O beautiful-faced one? For a brave warrior, unassailable and unyielding in battle, to endure insult is more bitter than death. I cannot bear the challenge of Sugrīva, who desires combat, nor his boastful roar. Do not grieve over Rāghava for my sake—he knows righteousness and gratitude; how could he act wrongfully? "Turn back with the women; why do you follow me further? You have already shown your devotion and friendship. I will go and confront Sugrīva; cast off your anxiety. I will subdue his pride, but his life will be spared. Whatever he desires in battle, I will do; struck by trees and my fists, he will retreat. That wicked one, swollen with pride, will not withstand me. You, Tāra, have fulfilled your duty and shown your affection for me. "I swear by my life and by the people—you are forbidden to come further. Enough—after I defeat him in battle, I will return, bringing back my brother." Tāra, speaking kindly, embraced Vāli, her heart heavy. Weeping softly, she walked around him to the right in a gesture of blessing. Then, after performing auspicious rites for victory, the wise Tāra entered the inner chambers with the other women, her heart weighed down with sorrow. When Tāra had withdrawn into her palace, Vāli, burning with rage, emerged from the city, like a great serpent hissing with fury. He exhaled deeply, his gaze searching everywhere, eager to see his enemy. Soon, Vāli’s eyes fell upon Sugrīva, golden-brown in hue, well-adorned and tightly girded, blazing like fire. Vāli, his strength gathered and his fist raised, strode towards Sugrīva, ready to fight at that very moment. Sugrīva, too, his fist clenched and his fury mounting, advanced to meet Vāli, aiming at his brother adorned with gold. Vāli, his eyes reddened with anger, spoke to Sugrīva, skilled in battle, as he rushed forward: "This great fist of mine, tightly clenched and with well-aligned fingers, will be released with force and take your life away!" Thus challenged, Sugrīva, enraged, replied, "Let this fist, taking your life, fall upon your head!" The two brothers clashed. Struck by Sugrīva, Vāli, furious, advanced swiftly, blood flowing from his wounds like a mountain struck and wounded. Then Sugrīva, without hesitation, uprooted a mighty śāla tree and struck Vāli’s body, as a great mountain is struck by a thunderbolt. Broken by the blow, reeling and overwhelmed by the heavy weight, Vāli was like a ship tossed in the sea under a heavy burden. The two mighty brothers, swift as Garuḍa and grown to terrifying forms, faced each other like the sun and moon in the sky. Both intent on each other’s destruction, seeking out each other’s weaknesses, Vāli’s strength and power grew even greater. Sugrīva, son of the sun and of great valor, was overpowered by Vāli; his pride broken, his strength waning. In desperation, Sugrīva turned to Rāghava, showing his anger, and fought with trees, mountain peaks, and nails sharp as thunderbolts. With fists, knees, feet, and arms, again and again, the battle raged fiercely, like the cosmic struggle between Vṛtra and Indra.