Description in the Javanese wayang retellings: She is the daughter of [Jembawan], an old monkey and Dewi [Trijata] (the daughter of Wibisana). She married Kresna when he was still known as Narayana. Before her marriage, she had been captured by [Trisanaya], and was liberated by Arjuna and Kresna. With him she had Samba and [Gunadewa]. Kresna did not care much for the latter, who had a monkey's tail.
Notes on the Indian retellings: She is known as Jambavati, the daughter of Jambavan. Jambavan was one of the most competent warriors in Rama's army during the war with Ravana in the Ramayana. He is known as the King of bears. Jambavan is also found in the Mahabharata where Krishna asks for the /Syamantaka/ gem of Prasena to be returned back to him. Jambavan refuses to do so and in the end, he is defeated by Krishna in combat. He gives his daughter Jambavati's hand in marriage to Krishna. She then changes her shape from a bear to a woman the moment she marries Krishna. She is one of the Ashtabharya (eight principle wives) of Lord Krishna.
H. Solichin, Suyanto, Sumari, Undung Wiyono, Sri Purwanto, 2017. Ensiklopedi Wayang Indonesia. Mitra Sarana Edukasi, Jakarta, pp. 115-116 (Vol. V). Heru S Sudjarwo, Sumari, Undung Wiyono, 2010. Rupa dan Karakter Wayang Purwa. Kakilangit Kencana, Jakarta, p. 756. Purwadi, 2013. Mengenal Gambar Tokoh Wayang Purwa dan Keterangannya. Cendrawasih, Surakarta, p. 130. Sudibyoprono, R.R., Suwandono, Dhanisworo, Mujiyono, 1991. Ensiklopedi Wayang Purwa. Balai Pustaka, Jakarta, p. 257.
Characters in the same scene (adegan) as Jembawati