Friday, 11 April 2025

IN THE COMPANY OF KRISHNA – 10. JAMBAVAN

 

Jambavan is a legendary character from ancient Indian stories. He is half man and half bear and is said to be the son of Brahma, the creator of the Universe. Some stories even say he was born before the Universe itself. Jambavan is also called Jambavantha or Jamvanta.

Jambavan is known as the king of bears in Hindu mythology. He appears in the stories of Lord Krishna. At first, Jambavan does not understand who Krishna is. When Krishna comes to get back a special jewel called the Syamantaka, Jambavan thinks he is an enemy. So, he challenges Krishna to a fight.

The two powerful warriors fight for many days — some say between 21 and 28 days. It is a long and fierce battle. In the end, Jambavan becomes tired and starts to realize the truth. He recognizes that Krishna is not just an ordinary man. Krishna is actually the same divine being who was Rama in an earlier age. Understanding this, Jambavan stops fighting and bows to Krishna.

To show his respect and love, Jambavan gives his daughter, Jambavati, in marriage to Krishna. He also gives him the Syamantaka jewel. Krishna accepts both the jewel and the marriage.

Jambavati becomes Krishna’s second wife. She is the only daughter of Jambavan and an important figure in the stories of Krishna.

This story shows how misunderstandings can turn into deep respect and how recognizing the truth can bring peace and unity.

The story of Jambavan, Jambavati, and Lord Krishna appears in ancient Sanskrit texts, particularly in the following sources:

🔹 Vishnu Purana

This Purana tells the story of Krishna recovering the Syamantaka jewel, battling Jambavan, and later marrying Jambavati. The Vishnu Purana, one of the major Puranic texts, gives a detailed account of this event and is considered a reliable source for Krishna's life stories.

🔹 Bhagavata Purana (Śrīmad Bhāgavatam) – Canto 10

This text also includes the story of the Syamantaka jewel. It briefly mentions the battle between Krishna and Jambavan and how Jambavati becomes one of Krishna’s wives.

🔹 Harivamsa

This is considered an appendix to the Mahabharata, and it gives one of the most detailed accounts of Krishna’s fight with Jambavan. It explains how Krishna enters the cave, fights for several days, and is eventually recognized by Jambavan as the previous avatar, Rama.  Harivamsa Parva, specifically in the chapters known as the "Syamantaka-katha," gives the most elaborate Sanskrit narration of this story.

 

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