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Jambavan (Samskrit : जाम्बवान्) or Jambavanta is well known as the wise old minister (a noble bear) of Sugriva, the Vanara Raja who lived on the Kishkinda mountain of Bharatavarsha. He is also known for his fight with Shri Krishna for Syamantakamani (a precious ornament gifted by Surya) described in Bhagavata Purana. Thus his role in Ramayana and Bhagavata Purana is well discussed. There are different versions that Jambavan was described as a monkey and a bear.   

Jambavan (Samskrit : जाम्बवान्) or Jambavanta is well known as the wise old minister (a noble bear) of Sugriva, the Vanara Raja who lived on the Kishkinda mountain of Bharatavarsha. He is also known for his fight with Shri Krishna for Syamantakamani (a precious ornament gifted by Surya) described in Bhagavata Purana. Thus his role in Ramayana and Bhagavata Purana is well discussed. There are different versions that Jambavan was described as a monkey and a bear.   

In some of the Ramayana versions in Indian languages he is described as a monkey. In some versions he was described as a monkey existing from an ancient period even prior to incarnation of Shri Rama. Jambavan is said to have witnessed nine out of the ten incarnations of Mahavisnu, thus he is known for his longevity.  

In some of the Ramayana versions in Indian languages he is described as a monkey. In some versions he was described as a monkey existing from an ancient period even prior to incarnation of Shri Rama. Jambavan is said to have witnessed nine out of the ten incarnations of Mahavisnu, thus he is known for his longevity.<ref name=":1">Mani, Vettam. (1975). ''[https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft Puranic encyclopaedia : A comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature.]'' Delhi:Motilal Banasidass. (Page 613 and 614)</ref>

== Birth and Family ==

== Birth and Family ==

In Valmiki Ramayana, Jambavan is described as Rksapungava (ऋक्षपुङ्गव: । foremost of bears) who was created from Brahma.<blockquote>पूर्वमेव मया सृष्टो जाम्बवानृक्षपुङ्गव:। जृम्भमाणस्य सहसा मम वक्त्रादजायत।।1.17.6।। (Valm. Rama. 1.17.6)<ref>Valmiki Ramayana (Balakanda [https://www.valmiki.iitk.ac.in/sloka?field_kanda_tid=1&language=dv&field_sarga_value=17 Sarga 17])</ref></blockquote>Brahma says - earlier Jambavan, the Rkshapungava, the foremost among bears arose from my face at the instance of my yawning.  

In Valmiki Ramayana, Jambavan is described as Rksapungava (ऋक्षपुङ्गव: । foremost of bears) who was created from Brahma.<blockquote>पूर्वमेव मया सृष्टो जाम्बवानृक्षपुङ्गव:। जृम्भमाणस्य सहसा मम वक्त्रादजायत।।1.17.6।। (Valm. Rama. 1.17.6)<ref>Valmiki Ramayana (Balakanda [https://www.valmiki.iitk.ac.in/sloka?field_kanda_tid=1&language=dv&field_sarga_value=17 Sarga 17])</ref></blockquote>Brahma says - earlier Jambavan, the Rkshapungava, the foremost among bears arose from my face at the instance of my yawning.  

One day time of Brahma ended and the night had advanced two yamas (six hours) . The Madhukaitabhas born of the ear-wax of Mahavisnu began to create trouble and commotion in the waters of the great flood. They saw a lotus on the surface of water. Seeing Brahma in it they challenged him for fight. Brahma's middle face began to sweat which flowed through his cheeks and reached the loins. Jambavan came into being from that sweat and hence the name Ambujata, (born from the water of sweat). As he was the first person who entered the land of Jambunada he was called Jambavan. As he was born at a time when it was the night time for Brahma, when no universe was yet formed, the time his age or date of birth could not be ascertained. At the time of Sri Rama Jambavan was six Manvantaras (age of a Manu) and for hundred and sixtyfour Caturyugas (a period of four yugas) old. (The present age is the twenty-eighth Caturyuga of the seventh Manu). Jambavan had witnessed all the incarnations from Matsya to Sri Rama. (Kamba Ramayana Purva Kanda).<ref name=":1" />

 

One day time of Brahma ended and the night had advanced two yamas (six hours) . The Madhukaitabhas born of the ear-wax of Mahavisnu began to create trouble and commotion in the waters of the great flood. They saw a lotus on the surface of water. Seeing Brahma in it they challenged him for fight. Brahma's middle face began to sweat which flowed through his cheeks and reached the loins. Jambavan came into being from that sweat and hence the name Ambujata, (born from the water of sweat). As he was the first person who entered the land of Jambunada he was called Jambavan. As he was born at a time when it was the night time for Brahma, when no universe was yet formed, the time his age or date of birth could not be ascertained. At the time of Sri Rama Jambavan was six Manvantaras (age of a Manu) and for hundred and sixtyfour Caturyugas (a period of four yugas) old. (The present age is the twenty-eighth Caturyuga of the seventh Manu). Jambavan had witnessed all the incarnations from Matsya to Sri Rama. (Kamba Ramayana Purva Kanda).

=== Family ===

=== Family ===

Marjara, was the son of Jambavan. It is said in Brahmapurana that the marjaras (cats) have their origin from this son of Jambavan. (Page 488, Puranic Encyclopedia - Vettam Maṇi).

Marjara, was the son of Jambavan. It is said in Brahmapurana that the marjaras (cats) have their origin from this son of Jambavan. (Page 488 and 491, Puranic Encyclopedia)<ref name=":1" />.

Sri Krsna married Jambavati the daughter of Jambavan. (Bhagavata, Skandha (10)

Sri Krsna married Jambavati the daughter of Jambavan described in the Samantopakhyana of Mahabharata and also in Shrimad Bhagavatam (Skandha 10)

== Jambavan in Ramayana ==

== Jambavan in Ramayana ==

When the troubles and hardships caused by the wickedness of Ravana became unbearable the goddess Earth and the Devas approached Brahma for redress. Brahma took them to Vaikuntha, where Mahavisnu heard everything and said that he would incarnate as the son of Dasaratha and would kill Ravana. As Mahavishnu took the avatara of Shri Ramachandra, Brahma directed chiefs of Apasara and Gandharvas to create an army of monkeys to help Shri Rama on that occasion. Accordingly Brahma created Jambavan (earlier than Rama's incarnation) and several other monkeys. Distinguished rshis, siddhas, vidyadharas, uragas, charanas procreated heroic sons in the form of monkeys who became forest-dwellers.  

When the troubles and hardships caused by the wickedness of Ravana became unbearable the goddess Earth and the Devas approached Brahma for redress. Brahma took them to Vaikuntha, where Mahavisnu heard everything and said that he would incarnate as the son of Dasaratha and would kill Ravana. As Mahavishnu took the avatara of Shri Ramachandra, Brahma directed chiefs of Apasara and Gandharvas to create an army of monkeys to help Shri Rama on that occasion. Accordingly Brahma created Jambavan (earlier than Rama's incarnation) and several other monkeys. Distinguished rshis, siddhas, vidyadharas, uragas, charanas procreated heroic sons in the form of monkeys who became forest-dwellers.  

During the time of Shri Rama, Jambavan was the minister of Sugriva. It is stated in Valmiki Ramayana, Kiskindha Kanda, Sarga 41, that Nila, the son of Agni, Hanuman, Jambavan, Suhotra, Sarari, Saragulma, Gaja, Gavaksa, Gavaya, Susena, Rsabha, Mainda, Dvivida, Vijaya, Gandhamadana, Ulkamukha, Asanga, Angada and others were the ministers of Sugriva. <blockquote>नील मग्निसुतं चैव हनुमन्तं च वानरम्। पितामहसुतं चैव जाम्बवन्तं महाबलम्।।4.41.2।। (Valm. Rama. 4.41.2)<ref>Valmiki Ramayana ([https://www.valmiki.iitk.ac.in/sloka?field_kanda_tid=4&language=dv&field_sarga_value=41 Kishkinda Kanda Sarga 41])</ref></blockquote>Hanuman, Nila, Angada and Jambavan were the formidable troop of monkeys sent by Sugriva in the southern direction in search of Sita. On reaching the southern seas, the question was how to jump over the sea to Lanka. They were previously informed by Sampati that Sita was in the Asoka vana as a captive of Ravanasura. Each of them came forward to show his ability and admitted failure. Finally Jambavan called Hanuman and advised him to jump over to Lanka. Hanuman who was not aware of his own strength, refused. Jambavan told him about his birth, strength, attainment of boons etc. Hanuman became convinced of his powers at the words of Jambavan and jumped over the sea to Lanka. (Ramayana, Kiskindha Kanda). Jambavan walked round Mahavisnu, who incarnated as Vamana to curb the powers of Mahabali. At that time Jambavan was immensely strong. But by the time of the incarnation of Sri Rama his strength had decreased much. Hear what he said to the monkeys who assembled on the sea-shore to go in search of Sita. "My abilities in olden times were not what you see now. In the far old days, I had walked round that Eternal Being Visnu when he measured three steps at the sacrifice of Mahabali. Now, I am very old and have not enough strength" to jump over the sea." (Valmiki Ramayana, Kiskindha kanda, Sarga 65).

During the time of Shri Rama, Jambavan was the minister of Sugriva. It is stated in Valmiki Ramayana, Kiskindha Kanda, Sarga 41, that Nila, the son of Agni, Hanuman, Jambavan, Suhotra, Sarari, Saragulma, Gaja, Gavaksa, Gavaya, Susena, Rsabha, Mainda, Dvivida, Vijaya, Gandhamadana, Ulkamukha, Asanga, Angada and others were the ministers of Sugriva. <blockquote>नील मग्निसुतं चैव हनुमन्तं च वानरम्। पितामहसुतं चैव जाम्बवन्तं महाबलम्।।4.41.2।। (Valm. Rama. 4.41.2)<ref>Valmiki Ramayana ([https://www.valmiki.iitk.ac.in/sloka?field_kanda_tid=4&language=dv&field_sarga_value=41 Kishkinda Kanda Sarga 41])</ref></blockquote>Hanuman, Nila, Angada and Jambavan were the formidable troop of monkeys sent by Sugriva in the southern direction in search of Sita. On reaching the southern seas, the question was how to jump over the sea to Lanka. They were previously informed by Sampati that Sita was in the Asoka vana as a captive of Ravanasura. Each of them came forward to show his ability and admitted failure. Finally Jambavan called Hanuman and advised him to jump over to Lanka.

 

=== Strength of Jambavan ===

In the assembly of monkeys searching for Sita in the southern direction each monkey was discussing their individual capacity to leap across the sea. When asked about his ability Jambavan replied that he went around Mahavisnu, who took the avatar of Trivikrama Vamana to curb the powers of Mahabali. At that time Jambavan was immensely strong. But by the time of the incarnation of Sri Rama his strength had decreased much.

 

"My abilities in olden times were not what you see now. In the far old days, I had walked round that Eternal Being Visnu when he measured three steps at the sacrifice of Mahabali. Now, I am very old and have not enough strength to jump over the sea." (Valmiki Ramayana, Kiskindha kanda, Sarga 65).<blockquote>मया महाबलेश्चैव यज्ञे विष्णुस्सनातनः। प्रदक्षिणीकृतः पूर्वं क्रममाणस्त्रिविक्रमम्।।4.65.15।। (Vakm. Rama. 4.65.15)</blockquote><blockquote>स इदानीमहं वृद्धः प्लवने मन्दविक्रमः। यौवने च तदाऽसीन्मे बलमप्रतिमं परैः।।4.65.16।। (Vakm. Rama. 4.65.15)</blockquote>

 

 

Once due to a curse of sage Trnabindu, Hanuman lost his great strength and vitality. But, the remedy given was that he would regain the lost power when anyone reminded him of it. During the search for Sita Hanuman felt it difficult to jump across the southern sea to Lanka due to the above curse. But, when Jambavan described to him about his noble origin and powers Hanuman regained his lost power and vitality, and successfully jumped across the sea to Lanka.  

Once due to a curse of sage Trnabindu Hanuman lost his great strength and vitality. But, he would regain the lost power when one reminded him of it. During the- search for Sita Hanuman felt it difficult to jump across the southern sea to Lanka due to the above curse. But, when Jambavan described to him about his noble origin and powers Hanuman regained his lost power and vitality, and successfully jumped across the sea to Lanka. (Page 308, Puranic Encyclopedia - Vettam Maṇi)

Sarga 66 of Kishkinda Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana describes the glory of Hanuman by Jambavan and how he inspires Hanuman to take the leap to reach Lanka. This also shows the skill, knowledge and wisdom of the old minister of Sugriva.

During the triumphal tour of Sahadeva in the South he fought against Kiskindha, and after seven days' fighting the monkeys saw Sahadeva off with a present of costly gems. "Sahadeva fought against the monkey chiefs like Mainda, Dvivida etc. for seven days, but neither of them got exhausted, and the monkey chiefs, with affection and gratitude asked Sahadeva to depart with gems." (Sabha Parva, Chapter 31). During this period nothing was heard of Sugriva,Hanuman and Jambavan in Kiskindha. Might be Sugriva was no more. Hanuman, after the death of Sri Rama, lived in Gandhamadana in Kimpurusavarsa. (Bharata and Bhagavata, 10th Skandha) .

During the triumphal tour of Sahadeva in the South he fought against Kiskindha, and after seven days' fighting the monkeys saw Sahadeva off with a present of costly gems. "Sahadeva fought against the monkey chiefs like Mainda, Dvivida etc. for seven days, but neither of them got exhausted, and the monkey chiefs, with affection and gratitude asked Sahadeva to depart with gems." (Sabha Parva, Chapter 31). During this period nothing was heard of Sugriva,Hanuman and Jambavan in Kiskindha. Might be Sugriva was no more. Hanuman, after the death of Sri Rama, lived in Gandhamadana in Kimpurusavarsa. (Bharata and Bhagavata, 10th Skandha) .

== Jambavan During Vamana Incarnation ==

== Jambavan During Vamana Incarnation ==

At the time of the incarnation of Vamana, Jambavan was very strong and valiant. When Vamana brought under control the three worlds by measuring three steps Jambavan travelled throughout the three worlds carrying the news everywhere. Within three moments Jambavan travelled eighteen times through the three worlds. In this travel of lightning-speed the end of the nail of his toe touched the highest peak of Mahameru, who considered it as an insult and said "You are arrogant of your speed and youth. Hereafter your body will not reach where your mind reaches and you shall be ever old." Because of this curse Jambavan became old and unable to carry out what he wished. (Kamba Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda).

At the time of the incarnation of Vamana, Jambavan was very strong and valiant. When Vamana brought under control the three worlds by measuring three steps Jambavan travelled throughout the three worlds carrying the news everywhere. Within three moments Jambavan travelled eighteen times through the three worlds. In this travel of lightning-speed the end of the nail of his toe touched the highest peak of Mahameru, who considered it as an insult and said "You are arrogant of your speed and youth. Hereafter your body will not reach where your mind reaches and you shall be ever old." Because of this curse Jambavan became old and unable to carry out what he wished. (Kamba Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda)

== Jambavan in Shrimad Bhagavata Purana ==

== Jambavan in Shrimad Bhagavata Purana ==