Interviewer:
Greetings, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Greetings, brother.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, we have been discussing various characters from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata—characters that people often overlook while reading. We have already made videos about Bali and Hanuman. Today, we would like to talk about Jambavan. People don't have a very clear idea about him because they don't often delve deep into the texts. Please help us understand him better.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I have spoken about this many times, but let's dive into it. Jambavan looked exactly like a bear—a human-like bear. Regarding his birth, he has no biological parents. Once, while Lord Brahma was contemplating creation, sitting on the lotus emerging from Lord Vishnu's navel, he felt a bit sleepy and let out a yawn. Jambavan was born from that yawn of Brahma.
Interviewer:
Was this before or after the creation of the universe?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This happened during the process of creation. According to the Vishnu Purana, he witnessed both the Matsya (fish) and Kurma (tortoise) avatars. At that time, the Earth had not even been fully formed; it was mostly covered in water. He was born while Brahma was still planning the creation of the world.
Interviewer:
He is also mentioned in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. How was he portrayed in the Ramayana?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In the Ramayana, he came forward to help Lord Rama. He was the one who guided Hanuman. He gave Rama the direction that Sita was across the ocean. He spoke to both Rama and Hanuman, but he spoke to Rama first. There is another significant point: Hanuman was unaware of the extent of his own powers. This often happens with spiritual seekers; they don't realize their own potential until those around them point it out. It was the same with Hanuman. Jambavan made him realize his immense strength, telling him, "Hanuman, your power is vast. With a single leap, you can cross the ocean and reach Lanka." Since Hanuman was the son of the Wind God (Vayu), he could travel with the wind, and Jambavan encouraged him, saying, "You can do it. Go to Lanka; Sita Devi is there." Hanuman asked, "How will I go?" and Jambavan replied, "You don't know your own strength, but I do. You possess infinite power." This boosted Hanuman's self-confidence.
Interviewer:
So, he showed the way and essentially triggered the events that led to finding Sita.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly. Now, Jambavan is also mentioned in the Mahabharata in various contexts, particularly involving Lord Krishna.
Interviewer:
Yes, the story of the ruby (the Syamantaka gem).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Correct. A man named Prosen had the Syamantaka gem. A lion killed Prosen and took the gem. Then, Jambavan killed the lion and took possession of the gem. Since it was a gem associated with the Sun God, Krishna went searching for it. He tracked the lion's footsteps to a cave where Jambavan lived. A fierce battle ensued between Krishna and Jambavan. Some say it lasted 21 days; others say 27. It was a legendary battle, and neither could defeat the other.
Interviewer:
Even Krishna couldn't defeat him?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Neither could overpower the other. Eventually, Jambavan realized he was fighting the Supreme Power (Adishakti). He recognized Krishna's true nature, asked for forgiveness, and surrendered. He then gave his daughter, Jambavati, to Krishna in marriage. Krishna had many wives, and she became one of them. Interestingly, when we take a spiritual vow (Sankalpa), we often mention "Jambudvipa" (the land of the Jambu tree/Jambavan). India is considered part of Jambudvipa. I later understood that the name Jambudvipa is linked to the origin of Jambavan.
Interviewer:
And regarding his temples, there is one in the Jalna district where he is worshipped.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, he is worshipped in many places. In some traditions, like during Durga Puja in Calcutta, you will see figures of Vibhishana and Jambavan arranged as part of the celebration. Jambavan is one of the few characters who appear in both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. His power was said to be equal to that of a thousand lions. He wasn't born from a womb but from a yawn of Brahma, which explains his extraordinary strength.
Interviewer:
He was essentially Brahma's plan.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes. Some say the Mahabharata is far more complex and political than the Ramayana.
Interviewer:
The Ramayana seems simpler, while the Mahabharata is deeply involved with "Dharma" (righteousness) and politics.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The Mahabharata defines politics. It shows politics conducted within the framework of Dharma. However, there were instances where conventional rules were broken. Krishna himself broke rules. For example, the rule that battles must stop at sunset was bypassed when Krishna temporarily "abolished" the sun to create darkness, leading to Jayadratha's death. Then there is the story of Duryodhana. His mother, Gandhari, wanted to make his body invincible (like iron) by looking at him while he was naked. Krishna intervened, mocking Duryodhana for going before his mother naked at his age. Embarrassed, Duryodhana covered his groin area with leaves. When Gandhari looked at him, his entire body became like iron except for his groin. During the final battle, Krishna repeatedly signaled Bhima to strike Duryodhana in the thighs and groin, which eventually led to his defeat.
Interviewer:
It shows the interplay of Dharma and strategy.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Indeed. After the war, when the Pandavas were heading toward heaven, they were told they had too much blood on their hands. They were advised to go to Varanasi (Benares) and consult the scholars. They performed ten Ashvamedha sacrifices at Dashashwamedh Ghat to cleanse themselves. As they continued toward the Himalayas, they reached Kedarnath. Lord Shiva (Kedarnath) tried to avoid them because they were tainted by the blood of the war. Shiva took the form of a bull and tried to run away. Bhima chased him and caught him by the tail. The bull's body is said to have manifested in five different places, known as the "Panch Kedar." Shiva told them, "You have blood on your hands; do not touch me." This is why it is said that a pilgrimage to Kedarnath is incomplete without visiting Badrinath. In Badrinath, Lord Vishnu resides. Vishnu and Shiva decided that they would not both manifest their full power in the same place. In Badrinath, Vishnu remains in meditation, and his power is subtle, while Shiva's presence is primary in Kedar.
Interviewer:
Coming back to Jambavan, he is said to have lived through four Yugas.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
He lived through the Satya, Treta, and Dvapara Yugas. Some say he will also be there when the world ends. As long as the current cycle of Manu exists, his story remains.
Interviewer:
We should also discuss other "forgotten" characters like Nal and Nil, the great architects who built the bridge to Lanka.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, they were incredible architects. They selected stones that could float on water. You can still see remnants of that bridge under the sea today. The stories in the Puranas are not myths; they are truths. Much has been lost over time, but the sites like the Kurukshetra battlefield still exist.
Interviewer:
We will end today's episode on Jambavan here. We will return with more episodes on these fascinating, lesser-known characters from our epics.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Very good. That would be excellent.
Interviewer:
Thank you, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Blessings to you.
Spiritual Insight
Jambavan represents the timeless wisdom that spans across Yugas, born not from womb but from Brahma's own creative energy. His role in awakening Hanuman to his infinite potential demonstrates the importance of spiritual guidance—sometimes we need others to recognize our own divine power. The legendary battle with Krishna that lasted 21-27 days shows that even the Supreme must recognize true devotion and strength when confronted by it. Jambavan's connection to Jambudvipa (the land of India) reminds us that the sacred geography of our world is intrinsically linked to the great beings who have walked upon it.