Jambavan, also known as Jambavanta, is a significant character in the Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic. He is often depicted as a bear or bear-like being and is considered the King of Bears. According to the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana, Jambavan was born from the grace of Brahma.
The story goes as follows: When Bhagavan Vishnu incarnated
as Rama on earth with the purpose of annihilating the demon king Ravana, Brahma
foresaw the need for a formidable army to assist Rama in his mission. To ensure
this, Brahma instructed the gods to mate with the Vanara (monkey) women,
creating a race of powerful beings who would support Rama in his quest. Through
Brahma's divine grace, Jambavan was born.
Jambavan played a crucial role in the Ramayana. He is known
for his immense wisdom and strength. When Hanuman forgot his abilities, it was
Jambavan who reminded him of his powers and encouraged him to leap across the
ocean to Lanka in search of Sita. This moment is pivotal in the Ramayana, as
Hanuman's successful journey to Lanka is a key turning point in the epic.
In summary, Jambavan's birth from Brahma's grace and his
subsequent role in aiding Rama highlights the divine orchestration and
involvement of celestial beings in the epic narrative of the Ramayana.