Jambavan

Jambavana also known as Jambavanta is a character originating in Ramayan. The King of Bears, he is an Asian black bear or sloth bear in Indian epic tradition (though he is also described as a monkey in other scriptures), immortal to all but his father Brahma.[1] Several times he is mentioned as Kapishreshtha (Foremost among the monkeys) and other epithets generally given to the Vanaras. He is known as Riksharaj (King of the Rikshas). Rikshas are earlier described as similar to Vanaras but in later versions of Ramayana Rikshas are described as bears. He was created by Brahma, to assist Rama in his struggle against Ravana.[1]

Jambavan
Ramayana character
Jambavana as depicted in Yakshagana (a dance drama)
In-universe information
SpeciesBear (Asian species)
FamilyBrahma (father)

Himavat (Elder Brother)

Jambavati (daughter)

Jambavana was present at the churning of the ocean, and is supposed to have circled Vamana seven times when he was acquiring the three worlds from Mahabali.

Names

Jambavan is also known as

Jambavan

Anecdotes

Jambavan, together with Parasuram and Hanuman, is considered to be one of the few to have been present for both Ram and Krishna avatars. Said to have been present for the churning of the ocean and thus witness to the Kurma avatar, and further the Vaman avatar, Jambavan may well be the longest lived of the chiranjivis and have been witness to nine avatars.[3]

See also

References
  1. Patricia Turner, Charles Russell Coulter. Dictionary of ancient deities. 2001, page 248
  2. Magnotti, Angela; rews. "Jambavan Fights Krishna (Syamantaka Mani Legend, Part 5)".
  3. "Jambavan: The only one who saw Lord Rama and Krishna".
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