Skip to content

Jambavan: FAQ & Sources

जाम्बवान

Vanara of Kishkindha. Also called Riksharaja.

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.

Updated 30 Oct 20265 sources

RoleVanara of Kishkindha
ParentsBrahma
Appears inRamayana
GroupVanaras and bears
KingdomKishkindha
First appearsBala Kanda, Sarga 17

Frequently asked questions

How did Jambavan help Hanuman?
He reminded Hanuman of his forgotten strength before the leap to Lanka.
Who was Jambavan?
The wise king of the bears and a counsellor in Rama's army.

Sources

  1. Valmiki Ramayana, Bala Kanda (sargas 1.17)
  2. Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha Kanda (sargas 4.39, 4.41, 4.64, 4.65, 4.66, 4.67)
  3. Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kanda (sargas 5.57, 5.58, 5.60)
  4. Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda (sargas 6.28, 6.74, 6.85)
  5. Valmiki Ramayana, Uttara Kanda (sargas 7.108)

Read our editorial policy on how scripture, Purana and folk tradition are labelled.