Rama Promises That One Arrow Will End Vali's Power

Rama asks Sugriva to listen and gives the fear a measured end. Vali will fall beneath one arrow. No army, siege, or long contest is needed in the promise spoken by the boundary of strength.

Even refuge with Brahma and Rudra will not preserve Vali's life. Rama's word crosses the highest divine shelters Sugriva might imagine and leaves no place where the aggressor can escape the consequence now declared.

The refugee has wandered the worlds unable to find safety from his brother. In a single couplet, Rama reverses the field. Sugriva stands protected beside the Lord, and Vali becomes the one for whom no flight will be enough.

Sugriva's fear crossed every world, but Rama's single arrow will cross farther.