Sumali is Ravana's maternal grandfather. After his defeat by Vishnu he sends his daughter Kaikasi to the sage Vishrava, hoping for powerful grandsons, and later urges Ravana to seize Lanka.
Who was Sumali?
Driven to the underworld by Vishnu, Sumali sees Kubera's splendour and wants a grandson like him. Kaikasi bears Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Shurpanakha and Vibhishana.
When Ravana wins his boons, Sumali urges him to claim Lanka from Kubera. He dies in Ravana's war on the gods, killed by one of the Vasus.
In the Valmiki Ramayana
Sumali appears in 7 sargas across 1 Kandas.
First appearsUttara Kanda · Sarga 5: Malyavan, Sumali and Mali
7.5Malyavan, Sumali and MaliUttara Kanda · Sarga 5 · माल्यवान, सुमाली और माली7.6The Gods Turn to VishnuUttara Kanda · Sarga 6 · देवताओं की विष्णु से प्रार्थना7.7Vishnu Fights the RakshasasUttara Kanda · Sarga 7 · विष्णु और राक्षसों का युद्ध7.9The Birth of RavanaUttara Kanda · Sarga 9 · रावण का जन्म7.11Ravana Takes LankaUttara Kanda · Sarga 11 · रावण का लंका पर अधिकार7.28Battle with the GodsUttara Kanda · Sarga 28 · देवताओं से युद्ध
