Ṛṣabha (Rishabha) is a Vānara (Vanara) warrior, loyal to Sugrīva (Sugriva). At one place in Laṅkākāṇḍa (Lankakanda) it was mentioned that he was the son of Varuṇa (Varuna). Ṛṣabha (Rishabha) was a member of the team that was sent towards the south, in search of Sītā (Sita). When Aṅgada (Angada) asked the Vānaras (Vanaras) who among them, would be able to cross the sea, spread across hundred yojana (an unit of length-measurement), in a single jump , Ṛṣabha (Rishabha) said that he could cross forty yojana in one leap.

When Rāmacandra (Ramachandra) began his journey towards Laṇkā (Lanka) with his huge Vānara (Vanara) army, Vānara (Vanara) warrior, Ṛṣava (Rishava) was appointed to resist the opponent’s attack and to solve the other problems, being posted at the right side of the army. Ṛṣava (Rishava) was also one of the members who were engaged to clear the path for the movement of the army.

When Rāmacandra (Ramachandra) barricaded Laṇkā (Lanka) with his huge Vānara (Vanara) army, Ṛṣava (Rishava) was located near the south entrance of Laṇkā (Lanka), fighting under the leadership of Aṇgada (Angada). When Indrajit, being hidden behind the clouds, began his secret war, Rāmacandra (Ramachandra) ordered Ṛṣava (Rishava) to find the hiding place of Indrajit. But Ṛṣava (Rishava) failed to find where Indrajit had hidden himself. When Rāvaṇa (Ravana) came to the battlefield, Ṛṣava (Rishava) along with the other Vānara (Vanara) warriors attempted to attack Rāvaṇa (Ravana) with stones. While attacking Kumbhakarṇa (Kumbhakarna), Ṛṣava (Rishava) was seriously injured. The Rakṣasa (Rakshasa) warrior chief, Matta was killed by Ṛṣava (Rishava) in the duel. Ṛṣava (Rishava) was also injured while attacking Indrajit.

Then Ṛṣava (Rishava) could be seen in the enthronement ceremony of Rāmacandra (Ramachandra). He brought the pitcher of water from the south sea for the enthronement of Rāmacandra (Ramachandra).