Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c7.1242

c7.1242

5) Jāmbavān became old for ever. At the time of the incarnation of Vāmana, Jāmbavān was very strong and valiant. When Vāmana brought under control the three worlds by measuring three steps Jāmbavān travelled throughout the three worlds carrying the news everywhere. Within three moments Jāmbavān travelled eighteen times through the three worlds. In this travel of lightning-speed the end of the nail of his toe touched the highest peak of Mahāmeru, who considered it as an insult and said “You are arrogant of your speed and youth. Hereafter your body will not reach where your mind reaches and you shall be ever old.” Because of this curse Jāmbavān became old and unable to carry out what he wished. (Kamba Rāmāyaṇa, Yuddha Kāṇḍa).