Chapter 3.6 - Major Monkey characters (Introduction)

It is in Valmiki Ramayana that we read the history of Bali and Sugriva. But even in that there is no mention about their birth or origin. However, the story that is in vogue about their origin is like this:

Once Devendra wanted to see a drama in which only the apsaras acted. As per his orders, the apsaras got ready to perform the play. Only Indra, and no other male was allowed into the theatre to watch that play. But Aruna, who was the charioteer of Sun, and the brother of Garuda, wanted to see it. To reach the group of spectators by avoiding detention by the doorkeepers the only way Aruna had was to disguise as a woman. The dress he wore was very beautiful. In that dress Aruna became the most beautiful woman, even outshining the apsaras in the play. Indra’s sexual desires were roused by seeing such a beautiful woman and Aruna had to submit himself to the love-making of Indra. Thus when Aruna became Aruna, Bali was born as the son of Indra. Aruna, who had become Aruna to satisfy the sexual desires of Indra, asked him to whom should they entrust the care of the child. It was decided that Gautama would be entrusted with that job of taking care of the child.

After leaving the child in the Gautamashrama, Aruna went to the Sun-God and told him what had transpired. The Sun-God, then, had the desire to see Aruna in the attire of a woman. Again Aruna had to dress as a woman. Sugriva was born from this union of the Sun-God with Aruna, who became Aruna, once more. Sugriva was also given to the Gautamashrama for his care. Once because of a curse from Gautama both Bali and Sugriva became monkeys. The children were adopted by Indra. At that time the Monkey King in Kishkindha was Riksharajas. He was much distressed because he had no children. He sought help from Indra, who took Bali and Sugriva from Gautama and gave them to Riksharajas to bring them up.