When Ravana met Vaali

Ravana is the main antagonist of the epic Ramayana and is considered to be a symbol of evil. However, in Sri Lankan mythology, he is considered to be a great ruler. Ravana also had many qualities that made him a great scholar, as he was well-versed in the six shastras and the four Vedas.

Ravana had abducted Rama's wife Sita and took her to his kingdom of Lanka, and held her as a prisoner in Ashok Vatika, expressing a desire to marry her. Later, Rama, with the support of vanara King Sugriva and his army of vanars, and Hanuman, attacked Ravana in Lanka. Ravana was killed and Sita was rescued.

Vaali was king of Kishkindha. He was the husband of Tara, spiritual son of Indra, and biological son of Vriksharaja. Sugreev was his younger brother. He was killed by Rama. 

Vaali was invincible during Treta Yuga as he was blessed with the ability to obtain half the strength of his opponent who would stand face to face with him in fight. This power enabled him to defeat all his enemies and bring his neighbouring countries under his control. Ravana heard about this and decided to overpower Vaali by using some tricks and approached Kishkindha. Vaali had also heard about Ravana. 

Taran, a minister went to Ravana and told him about the power of Vaali and also about his boon.

When Ravana heard of this peculiar boon he decided to kill Vaali by attacking from behind him when he would go to the sea-shore to take a bath in the morning time. The next morning Vaali went to the eastern sea-shore and began his prayers and meditation.

Ravana, as per plan, approached from behind and sat close to Vaali. Perhaps his idea was to take Vaali by his tail and beat him on the ground. However, Vaali could know that Ravana was sitting behind him. But pretending to know nothing, Vaali put his long tail on the body of Ravan, and passed it horizontally and diagonally through every part of his body and tied him completely. 

Then Vaali completed his prayers and meditation in a relaxed manner as if nothing has happened.Then he jumped into the air and within a short time he visited all the usual places as per his daily schedule and finally reached Kishkindha, his kingdom.

Seeing Ravana hanging by the tail of Vaali, all the onlookers laughed. 

Thus Ravana was humiliated and frightened. Finally, he admitted his defeat and asked for forgiveness. Vaali then let him go unhurt.