2

If not mistaken Vali's father is Indra. But in the sarga on Vali's fight with Dundubhi in Kishkindha Kanda there is a verse which says Vali wore the pendant given by his father Mahendra http://www.valmikiramayan.net/utf8/kish/sarga11/kishkindha_11_frame.htm (see 4-11-39)

Can someone help explain who is Mahendra ? I don't think it is another name for Indra

Also this golden pendant apparently gave him half the strength of his opponent . Any references to how he obtained this pendant ? What happened to it after Vali was killed ?

Improve this question
2
  • Indra is sometimes referred as Mahendra...
    – YDS
    Commented Jan 20, 2020 at 9:08
  • Thanks. I stand corrected. Any information about the golden pendant
    – Artist Formerly Known As CSD
    Commented Jan 20, 2020 at 9:11

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

Can someone help explain who is Mahendra?

It's another name of Indra, this is clear from this alternate translation:

Having addressed thus in a rage, Vali removed the golden garland gifted by Indra, his father, and stood ready for the combat. ~Source

Any references to how he obtained this pendant?

In above shlokas also, it's mentioned that it was given by his father Indra. The same is confirmed in Uttar Kanda: Sarga 42:

Thereupon Indra begot on her a son named Vali for he originated from her hairs and Surya begot on her another son, who was named Sugriva for he originated from her neck. Thus the two highly powerful Vanaras being born, Indra went back to his region having conferred upon Vali an un ending garland of gold. And having engaged Hanuman, Vayu s son in the service of Sugriva, Surya too went back to the sky.

What happened to it after Vali was killed?

Vali gave it to Sugriva before his death:

The bounteous goddess of triumph ensconced in this golden pendant will completely leave it off on my death, avoiding the flaw of touching a corpse, isn't it... hence oh, Sugreeva, you wear it." Thus Vali spoke to Sugreeva. ~4-22-16

Improve this answer
3
  • 1
    While I have my doubts on Uttar Kanda, I am accepting this answer because I don't think there is another source on Vali's birth. Thanks
    – Artist Formerly Known As CSD
    Commented Jan 20, 2020 at 9:24
  • The verse which u linked in Q also says that it was gifted by Indra..
    – YDS
    Commented Jan 20, 2020 at 9:25
  • I meant there is no other source which says Vali was given the pendant at time of birth. The verse I quoted only mentions that it was given to him by Indra/Mahendra
    – Artist Formerly Known As CSD
    Commented Jan 20, 2020 at 9:27

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .