Question: I have heard a popular narration that Jara, the hunter who shot an arrow into Krsna’s heel, which resulted in Krsna departing this world, was the Ramayana King Vali in his previous life. Is this confirmed anywhere by a great acarya commentator on Ramayana or SB?
Answer by Romapada Swami:
This story of Vali being born as hunter seems to be quite famous in public media but there is no reference supporting this to be the case. To the contrary –
- If we carefully study the conversation between Lord Ramacandra and Vali after Vali was shot with Rama’s arrow, the conclusion reached by Vali was that he approved Rama’s action as perfect. He deserved the punishment he received. Then, where is the question of Vali coming back as Jara the hunter! It doesn’t connect well logically.
- All the demigods produced sons, by the order of Brahma, to assist in Rama’s pastimes. Why then did Vali, who was Indra’s son, have to take birth again to shoot an arrow at Krishna? That was not part of the dharmic instruction given to Indra, nor would such an act be caused by karmic reaction or inspired by emotional retribution.
Rather, SB 11.6.35 purport explains that Jara the hunter was Bhrgu in his previous life. This purport complete with Madhvacarya’s commentary, provides the essential information to support this statement.
Quite contrary to the modern fable of Vali becoming the hunter Jara, Madhvacarya’s Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya expresses that the prime reason why Vali was killed was that he did not follow the opinion of Hanuman, who sided with Sugriva. When Rama’s arrow pierced Vali’s heart, he was purified and realized the mistake of forsaking Hanuman’s friendship. Thereafter Vali placed the golden chain given to him by Indra, set with a diamond and capable of preserving the life of whoever wore it, at the feet of Rama. Due to this action, Vali was born as Arjuna (the son of Indra), the younger brother of Bhima (who, like Hanuman, was the son of Vayu) and received Bhagavad Gita.
