Jambavat in his own lifetime met 2 avatars Rama and Krishna. The knowledgeable and immortal Jambavat who is a sloth bear is also known as Jambuvan, Jamvanta, Jambavantha and the King of Bears. He is the son of Brahma as Brahma created him to help Rama during his scuffle against Ravana. He is known as the King of Rikshas – Riksharaj. He is described as being like the Vanaras however he is described as a bear in the Ramayana’s later versions. When the ocean was being churned, Jambavat was present and circled Vamana 7 times when the 3 worlds were being acquired from Mahabali.
As the King of the Himalayas he incarnated as a sloth bear so that he could serve Rama. Rama granted him a boon that he would look handsome, live a long life and gain strength of around 10 million lions. He assisted Rama to help him find Sita and also fight Ravana, her abductor. Hanuman realized that he himself had innumerable capabilities and encouraged him to search for Sita in Lanka by flying across the ocean. According to the Ramayana, Jambavat killed a lion who had obtained the Syamantaka gem from Prasena after taking away his life. Krishna followed Prasena’s footsteps to identify the killer and he ensued a fight with Jambavat. Jambavat gave after 18 days after realizing who Krishna was.
In his younger days, Jamavat was intelligent and experienced Jambavat was known to have great knowledge of managing a kingdom. Hanuman, Neela, Nala and including Jambavat were advisers to Sugriva, who lived on mount Rishyamukha along with them.
