Mayavin was an Asura or demon who had challenged Bali, the monkey king to come and wrestle with him.

Bali quickly went, followed by his brother Sugriva. When Mayavin saw both of the formidable apes he was very afraid. He went back into the forest and fled with the speed of the wind. The monkeys pursued him for many miles, but his swiftness of foot was extreme. Then just as Bali and Sugriva were close on his heels the cunning demon stepped on one side, and rushed into a cavern whose entrance was covered by shrubs and creeping plants.

Bali being clever had seen his place of refuge and chased him into it, requesting Sugriva to remain outside. Sugriva stood at the mouth of the cavern two days and nights, when concluding that his brother had been killed he blocked up the entrance of the cave by a huge stone in order that Mayavin might not escape, and returned to tell the miserable news to the whole Simian tribe.

Sugriva was made king but suddenly one day Bali appeared. Bali had killed Mayavin. But he was unable to get out of the cavern and came into the conclusion that his brother had blocked it up in purpose to deprive him of his crown. Bali vowed to take the life Sugriva, but however Sugriva escaped and took refuge in the wood of Rishyamuka, from which Bali had been excluded by the curse of the sage Matanga.

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