Everyone there were mightily surprised to see that there was some movement, albeit very slight, from the supine body of Vali. It seemed that Vali was determined to keep himself alive for some more time. With his life-force slowing down and as a consequence respiring slowly, Vali glancing everywhere and the first person he saw was his brother Sugreeva afore him. Vali beckoned Sugreeva with a nod. Sugreeva moved very close to his brother. Vali then told him "Sugreeva, I am sorry that I treated you improperly. It seems that we two are fated to be at daggers drawn and not to share blissfulness simultaneously. My end is at hand. I, hereby, make you the sole king of this kingdom.
"Take a good care of Angada, who is privileged for all happiness and has been brought up in all comforts. Though a boy, he is mannerly. He is more dear than my own life. As he is being deprived of me you have to foster him as your own son.
"This admirable son of Tara will be of great succour to your triumphs and in eliminating enemies and he will be in your advance guard. This mighty and sinewy son of Tara is youthful, and I assure you that this Angada will act just like me in any battle against enemies.
"This daughter of Sushena, Tara is highly shrewd and very intelligent. I suggest you consult her before taking any action on any important matter.
Comment.
There is an interesting story as to how SusheNa became the father of Tara. Tara is said to be one of the outcomes from the churning of Milky Ocean by devas and asuras (See chapter 18. The legend of churning Milk Ocean.). Both Vali and Sushena wanted to marry her and they both grabbed her hands. Vali held her right hand and Sushena held her left hand and both claimed her. Then the elderly sages and gods intervened and decided that one who held her right hand was her husband and the other who held her left hand was her father. That is how Sushena became the father of Tara.
End Comment.
"I give you this golden pendant, oh, Sugreeva, and you wear it."
Then Vali turned to his son Angada and said "From now on, Sugreeva will act as your father. Obey him as you did me. However, Sugreeva may not approve of any puerile behaviour of yours. Please therefore refrain from it. Do not reach at his unfriendly ones, nor go near his enemies. You shall be under the control of Sugreeva. Do not conduct yourself with excessive friendliness or unfriendliness, as this pair of opposites itself has a flaw, and as such you cultivate an intermediary outlook."
Vali was not able to hold out any longer as the arrow of Rama was taking its toll. His eyeballs which were looking at Angada started to roll up, his mouth hung open baring his horrid teeth, and his life bid adieu to his body.
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