MALYAVAN, MALI AND SUMALI

 

THE STORY OF MALYAVAN, MALI AND SUMALI

PERIYA TIRUMOZHI 1.10

The fierce rAkshasas mAlyavAn, mAli and sumAli were the sons of rAkshasha SukEsha. They performed mahAtapasya and obtained a boon form BrahmA to have a city better than that of Indra's. Fortified by the BrahmA's boon, with the help of mahAshilpi vishvakarmA, they built the most gorgeous city of LankA. They married and expanded their tribe. 

Struck with pride, these rAkshasas harassed the demi-gods who in turn ran to Lord nArAyana for protection. Mounting on his beautifully feathered vehicle, the GaruDa, the Lord set out to destroy the rAkshasas. The rAkshasa troops under the leadership of mAli waged a fierce battle with Lord ViShNu. In the end, ViShNu cut off the head of mAli with his Sudarshana chakra. Seized with fear, mAlyavAn and sumAli, fled to LankA and further to pAtAla lOka.

(SumAli had many sons and daughters. One of the daughters, kaikAshi begot a son called rAvaNa).

References:

1. UttarakANDa of Shreemad Raamaayana (canto 6-7)

2. TiruvAymozhi 7.6.8