Story of Matanga Rishi and King Bali in Ramayana

Story of Matanga Rishi is mentioned in the Aranya Kandha of Ramayana. Sabari, who attained moksha through her devotion for Sri Ram, resided in this Ashram. Bhagavan Sri Ram and Lakshman stayed in the ashram of Sage Matanga during the exile period. It was due to a curse by Matanga Rishi that King Bali was unable to fight his brother Sugreeva in the Rishyamukha Mountain.

When Bali was the ruler of Kishkindha he killed a demon named Dundubhi. He then kicked the body of demon towards Rishyamukha Mountain. The blood clotting body of the demon fell in the ashram of Sage Matanga Rishi in the Rishyamukha Mountain.

Ashram became polluted due to this unholy act and Matanga Rishi cursed King Bali that his head will blast into pieces if he entered the Rishyamukha Mountain.

Sugreeva who was chased by King Bali took refuge in the Rishyamukha Mountain. Thus King Bali was unable to kill Sugreeva.