Persons who lived from Ramayana to Mahabharata

Immortal Encounters: Characters Who Met Rama and Krishna

Jambvan

Although the Ramayana's events occurred in the Treta Yuga and those of the Mahabharata were in the Dwapara Yuga-with millions of years separating them-it does show that a few characters lived in both the times. Of these immutable characters, the most prominent ones are Jambavan, Hanuman, and Parashurama. Besides these characters, several sages and divine personalities are also common to both epics, reinforcing the eternal framework of Hindu mythology.

Jambavan: The Bear Warrior

Jambavan is one of the most admired characters in Ramayana. Being a giant bear, he was an essential part of the army of Rama during his battle against Ravana. Taking a prominent place on the battle field, Jambavan rendered great service and helped Rama win the war. Being a solitary bear amidst an army composed mainly of monkeys, Jambavan's valour and sense have made him a revered Hindu.

In the Mahabharata, Jambavan appears again, albeit in a more subdued role. According to Veda Vyasa’s accounts, while the epic battles raged for 18 days, a lesser-known conflict took place between Krishna and Jambavan in a cave that lasted 28 days. This quarrel centered on the Syamantaka Mani—a precious gem that Jambavan had acquired from a lion (which had obtained it by slaying its possessor). Accused of stealing the gem, Krishna fought with Jambavan to clear his name. Finally, whether by defeat or acceptance of Krishna's superiority, Jambavan offered his daughter, Jambvanti, in marriage to Krishna, thus ensuring his place in both epics.

Hanuman

Hanuman: The Divine Monkey

 

One of the most revered and iconic characters of the Ramayana, Hanuman embodies true devotion and powerful strength and courage in a critical role where he rescued Sita and finally led to Ravana's downfall. Many often refer to his significance by pointing out that the epic tale might never have had the victory and release of Sita if Hanuman hadn't participated.

The character of Hanuman is subtler but as pivotal in the Mahabharata. During the Pandavas’ exile, an episode is recounted in which Draupadi asks Bhima to fetch some scented flowers. Bhima finds Hanuman sleeping at a location where the flowers grow, but his path is obstructed by the monkey’s tail. When Bhima requests that Hanuman move, the old monkey challenges him to lift and move his tail. Despite Bhima’s immense strength, he is unable to do so, prompting him to recognize that Hanuman is no ordinary being. Some traditions even regard Bhima and Hanuman as spiritual brothers, as both are considered sons of Pawan Dev (the wind god). Additionally, Hanuman is said to have appeared on Krishna’s flag during the Mahabharata war, symbolizing his enduring divine presence.

Parsuram

Parashurama: The Warrior Sage

 

Parashurama is a unique figure whose appearances span both epics. In the Ramayana, he makes a brief yet dramatic appearance at Sita’s swayamvara. When Rama breaks Shiva’s bow—a bow that had been gifted to Parashurama by Lord Shiva and later kept by King Janak—Parashurama is enraged. He even threatens Rama’s life, but ultimately, upon realizing that Rama is his own future reincarnation (or that his destiny is intertwined with Rama), he retracts his threat.

In the Mahabharata, Parashurama’s role expands significantly. Known as an ardent enemy of the Kshatriya (warrior) class, he is said to have eradicated them 18 times. As a revered guru, he trained legendary warriors like Bhishma and Karna. One notable episode involves a fierce battle between Parashurama and his student Bhishma, which erupted when Amba, rejected by Bhishma, sought Parashurama’s aid. Their combat lasted 23 days, resulting in severe wounds until the gods intervened. Parashurama also recognized Karna’s potential and imparted advanced warfare and archery skills—including the knowledge of the Brahmastra—further solidifying his status as a master of arms. On another occasion, his generosity is evidenced when he gifted his weapons to Drona, enhancing Drona’s prowess in the art of warfare.

Sages from Ramayan to Mahabharat

 Additional Immortal Figures

Apart from these three central characters,  several sages and divine figures appear in both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, reinforcing the timeless nature of Hindu mythology. Figures such as Narada, Bharadwaja, Durvasa, Agastya, Vishwamitra, Vibhisana, and even the architect Mayadanava—who is noted as the father of Mandodari (Ravana’s wife) in the Ramayana and later contributed to the construction of Indraprastha Palace for Yudhishthira in the Mahabharata—serve as enduring links between the two epics.

Conclusion

The recurring presence of Jambavan, Hanuman, and Parashurama across the Ramayana and the Mahabharata underscores the eternal nature of these characters and the timeless truths of Hindu mythology. While Parashurama is revered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Hanuman as a divine manifestation of Lord Shiva, Jambavan remains a unique, mortal character whose enduring spirit transcends time. Alongside numerous sages and divine personalities, these characters remind us that the cosmic order and the eternal pursuit of dharma continue to connect past, present, and future.