Jambavan is the wise old king of the bears, born of Brahma to help Vishnu. On the southern shore he reminds Hanuman of his forgotten strength, inspiring the great leap to Lanka.
Who was Jambavan?
When the vanaras sit hopeless before the ocean, each chief names how far he can jump. Jambavan, too old now for such a feat, turns to the silent Hanuman and tells him the story of his birth and childhood, until Hanuman remembers his power and grows to an immense size.
In the war Jambavan counsels Rama and, when Indrajit's Brahmastra fells the army, sends Hanuman to the Himalayas for the healing herbs. At the end of the epic Rama asks him to remain on earth.
In the Valmiki Ramayana
Jambavan appears in 14 sargas across 5 Kandas.
First appearsBala Kanda · Sarga 17: The Vanaras Are Born
1.17The Vanaras Are BornBala Kanda · Sarga 17 · वानरों का जन्म4.64Who Can Cross the Sea?Kishkindha Kanda · Sarga 64 · समुद्र कौन लाँघेगा4.66Jambavan Reminds HanumanKishkindha Kanda · Sarga 66 · जाम्बवान का स्मरण कराना5.58Hanuman's Full AccountSundara Kanda · Sarga 58 · हनुमान का पूरा वृत्तांत6.28Shuka Describes RamaYuddha Kanda · Sarga 28 · शुक द्वारा राम का वर्णन7.108The Faithful GatherUttara Kanda · Sarga 108 · भक्तों का एकत्र होना
