Originally the name of a spell taught to an ascetic by a Garuda king who had unwittingly torn up by its roots a banyan tree which grew at the end of the ascetic's walk. The ascetic taught it to a poor brahmin of Benares who had gone into the forest to escape his creditors and who ministered to the ascetic.
The brahmin became known as Álambáyana after he learnt the spell. Having learnt it he left the forest and was walking along the banks of the Yamuná, when he came across a host of Nágas, sitting, after their sports, round the Nága gem which grants all desires. The Nágas, hearing the man repeat the charm, fled in terror, believing him to be the Garuda, and he took possession of their jewel. Soon after, Álambáyana met an outcast brahmin with his son, Somadatta, and on their agreeing to show him the Nága King, Bhúridatta, he gave them the jewel.
With the help of his spell Álambáyana tamed Bhúridatta and went about giving exhibitions of the Nága's skill. Bhúridatta was finally rescued by his brother Sudassana and his sister Accimukhí. In the contest of skill which Álambáyana had with Sudassana, Accimukhí assumed the form of a frog and let drip three drops of poison on her brother's hand, and these were allowed to fall into a hole specially prepared and filled with cow-dung. A flame burst out and Álambáyana was smitten with the heat. His skin changed colour and he became a white leper.
The story is told in the Bhúridatta Jataka (J.vi.179-97).
The name Álambáyana appears also as Álambána and as Álamba.