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, immortal to all but his father Brahma. Several times he is mentioned as Kapishreshtha and other epithets generally given to the Vanaras. He is known as Riksharaj. 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.
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

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. His daughter Jambavati was married to Krishna. He was also presented 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.