The epic tale of Ramayana and Mahabharata are the two most renowned stories of the Hindu mythology. These tales are known to have taken place in two different and distant time periods. The Ramayana is said to have taken place during the Treta yuga and the Mahabharata is said to have happened during the Dwapara Yuga. Both these events are separated by several millenniums, yet there are certain characters who have made an appearance in both these epics. Let us take a look at some of the characters who have been prominent in both these stories.

PARASURAM

The well renowned Parasuram is said to have been present in Ramayana, when he meets with Ram and Sita after their wedding. In Mahabharata, he is known as the teacher of Bhisma, Dronacharya and Karna. He makes an appearance when he and his disciples are forced to fight each other.

HANUMAN

Hanuman is one of the most prominent characters that appears in Ramayana, as the loyal devotee of Ram. But, Hanuman makes an appearance in Mahabharata also, when he meets Bhim during his quest to find the celestial flower. However, in Mahabharata, Hanuman is said to be old, but Bhim still could not lift Hanuman’s tail during their encounter.

SAGE DHURVASA

Sage Durvasa, is known to have predicted the separation of Rama and Sita. He was the son of Maharishi Atri and Anasuya. In Mahabharata, he visited the Pandavas during their exile. Dhurvasa gave a mantra to Kunti, the mother of eldest 3 Pandavas for getting children.

JAMBAVANTH

Jamabavanth is the king of bears in Ramayana, who was of great help in building the bridge to Lanka. Ram, pleased with his help and assistance granted him a boon. Jambavanth being slow in understanding, wished for a duel with Ram. Ram said his boon would be granted during his next avatar. This leads to the story of Symanthaka Mani, where Krishna goes in search of it, meets Jambavanth, and they have a duel, before Jambavan finally recognizes the truth.

MAYASURA

Mayasura is the father of Mandodari and the father-in-law of Ravan. He is known to have played a vital role in Mahabharata as well. In Mahabharata, he is one and only survivor during the burning of the Khandava forest. When Krishna realizes that he survived, he sent the Sudarashan Chakra at him to kill him. Mayasura looks for protection from Arjuna who assures that he will be safe. As part of the deal, Mayasura, himself an architect, designs the entire Maya Sabha for the Pandavas.