According to ancient folklore, it was believed that Sri Jambavantha/Jambavan was the first one who has written the great epic Sri Ramayan which was called Sri Jambavantha Maha Ramayana. This is believed to be the first and foremost Ramayana, preceding Maharishi Valmiki’s version. While Valmiki’s Ramayana is the widely known epic, this Jambavan’s work is not known by many, since it was not properly preserved in a written form.

Sri Jambavan dictated this Ramayana to Prabhu Rama himself, but he didn’t want it to be preserved, since he wanted Maharishi Valmiki’s Ramayana to be regarded as the original Ramayana. After learning about this, Prabhu Sri Rama was very delighted and gave several boons to him.

When Valmiki heard of this, he felt his own work was inferior, but Sri Jambavan, seeing Valmiki’s distress, saying that he has stored this great epic only on his soul, and therefore, he would never disclose it to others, in written form. Since his Ramayana was purely a token of showing his true love towards Prabhu Rama. This story emphasizes that Jambavan’s life was a continuous act of devotion, and his version was a personal expression of that love for Prabhu Rama, and it was not meant for public appreciation.

Jambavan’s Rama Bhakti is known by the devotees of Sri Rama, and his bhakti can be compared with Bhagwan Hanuman’s Rama bhakti. He doesn’t unnecessarily utilize his powers, but used his powers only in times of necessity. At any time, he didn’t let pride takeover his powers, and remained a humble devotee of Prabhu Sri Rama. He is considered as the third main hero of the great epic Ramayana, next to Prabhu Sri Rama and Bhagwan Hanuman.

Similar to Bhagwan Hanuman, Sri Jambavan would also be present during the Ramayana Discourses by taking different forms. He would eagerly listen to the devotional lectures and tears would fall down from his eyes, whenever the name RAMA was recited. He is such a good devotee, and he treats himself as a humble servant of Prabhu Rama.

Jambavan is a character popularly found in Ramayana. He is regarded as the King of Bears, and has the power equivalent to that of lakhs of elephants and lions, and the capacity to win against anyone. He was created specially by Bhagwan Brahma for serving Sri Rama. He is known as Riksharaj (King of Bears). Jambavan in his previous life was the King of the Himalayas, who incarnated as a bear in order to serve Bhagwan Rama. He received a boon from Prabhu Rama that he would have a long life, and have the strength of ten million lions and elephants.

According to Ramayana, Jambavan helped Rama during his fight with Ravana. He made Hanuman realize his efficiency and capabilities, and asked him to fly across the ocean to search in Lanka for Sita Mata. According to Mahabharata, Krishna came to Jambavan’s cave in search of a gem, and both of them fought with each other. Finally Jambavan realized that Bhagwan Krishna was none other than his almighty Sri Rama. He then felt very sorry for fighting with Krishna, apologized to Him, and handed over the gem to Him, and also got his daughter Jambavathi married to Bhagwan Krishna.

Jambavan, is considered to be the one who was present in both Ram and Krishna avatars. After the end of Dvapara yuga, he left the earth and went to Satyalok (Bhagwan Brahma’s abode).

Hence let us pray to Sri Jambavan to give his blessings and let him make us to become sincere devotees of Prabhu Sri Rama similar to him.

“JAI SRI JAMBAVASITARAMA HANUMANE NAMO NAMAHA”