Now Rama undertook the job of killing Bali first. He asked Sugreeva to challenge Bali to a duel in the forest and then he would shoot a fatal arrow at Bali from a distance to kill him.

The next day, Sugreeva went to the palace and challenged Bali to fight a duel with him. Bali knew he would easily defeat Sugreeva, so he agreed. Then Sugreeva met Bali in a duel in an open space in the forest. Rama was hiding behind a tree trying to confuse that which of the two brothers was Bali because both the brothers were alike in appearance. Because of this delay, Sugreeva was injured and fled to Rishyamook Mountain. 

Once on the Rishyamook Mountain, Sugreeva complained to Rama. “You did not shoot any arrow at all.” Rama said, “My friend, you and Bali look so similar. If I had shot an arrow and it would have hit you, then I would lose a beloved friend. Next time when you challenge him to a duel, you must wear a garland around your neck so that I can make out the difference. Challenge him again for a duel tomorrow.” 

Next day, Sugreeva challenged Bali to a duel once again. Bali, who was proud of his strength and powers, set off stamping his feet on ground. His wife, Tara stopped him and said, “My Lord! Please don’t go for the duel. Yesterday night I saw a bad dream. It is an ill-omen. Moreover, Sugreeva is your real brother. Make up with him and live peace.”

But Bali was too angry to hear any word of advice. Soon, he met Sugreeva in the open area of the forest where both brothers wielded maces. But this time Sugreeva had a garland around his neck, so Rama recognized Bali easily from behind a tree.

Rama shot a fatal arrow at Bali which pierched his chest. As he fell down and lay gasping for his last breadth, a messenger rushed to the royal palace to give the bad news. Bali’s son, Angada and wife, Tara came and sat beside the dying Bali. Bali breathed his last leaving Angad and Tara in Sugreeva’s care.

Sugreeva was crowned as the king of Kishkindha after Bali’s death. Sugreeva declared Angad as the crown prince. Rama and Lakshmana spent the time waiting for Sugreeva to come back and begin search for Sita but Sugreeva was busy enjoining his luxurious life in the palace.

Hanumana realized that Sugreeva had forgotten his promise given to Rama. He went to Sugreeva’s palace and reminded him of his duties towards Rama. Sugreeva realized his mistake. He at once ordered his large army to scatter in all directions and search for mother Sita.