Hindu mythology is full of fascinating tales, many of which come from the numerous sacred texts in Hinduism. It’s likely that you’ve heard at least one of these epic stories, and perhaps you’ve come across a character. Immortal is also known as a Chiranjeevi. These are beings who have been blessed with eternal life. While some may find this hard to believe, there is evidence suggesting that some of these characters might still be alive today.
“अश्वत्थामाबलिर्व्यासोहनुमांश्च विभीषण:कृपश्चपरशुरामश्च सप्तैतेचिरंजीविन:।”
(Ashwathaama Balirvyaaso Hanumanshcha Vibhishanaha Krupascha Parshuramascha Saptaitey Chiranjivinaha)
“अश्वत्थामा बलिव्र्यासो हनूमांश्च विभीषण:। कृप: परशुरामश्च सप्तएतै चिरजीविन:॥ सप्तैतान् संस्मरेन्नित्यं मार्कण्डेयमथाष्टमम्। जीवेद्वर्षशतं सोपि सर्वव्याधिविवर्जित॥”
Ashwathaama Balirvyaaso Hanumanshcha Vibheeshanaha Krupaha Parshuramascha Saptaitey Chiranjivinaha Saptaitaan Samsmareynnityam Markandeymathaashtamam Jivedvarshshatam Sopi Sarvavyadhivivarjit
The message above suggests that by daily remembering these eight immortals, one can potentially be free from all diseases and live beyond 100 years.
Here are the 8 Chiranjivis in detail:
1. Ashwatthama
In the epic tale of Mahabharata, there’s a significant character who was the son of Dronacharya. He played a major role in the story. He sided with the Kauravas in the war against the Pandavas because of his close friendship with Duryodhana, the eldest Kaurava.
Being Dronacharya’s son, he was naturally skilled in weaponry. His father, out of affection, gave him the powerful weapon, Bramhastra, even though he might not have been the most suitable person to wield it.
From birth, he had a gem on his forehead, a gift from Lord Shiva, which protected him from injuries and sickness. However, due to his numerous wrongdoings, Lord Krishna took away this gem, leaving him vulnerable.
As a harsh punishment for his sins, he was cursed with immortality, forcing him to endure his suffering indefinitely. As a result, it is believed that he is still alive today.
2. Mahabali
Mahabali is a king from the Daitya race in Hindu texts. He is also known by other names like Bali, Māveli, or Indrasenan. He is the grandson of Prahlada, who is a descendant of the sage Kashyapa.
In Kerala’s traditions, Mahabali is seen as a prosperous and noble king. He is believed to have transformed his kingdom into a paradise on earth. But Vishnu’s Vamana avatar sent him to the underworld, Patal.
Despite this, Mahabali remained a devoted follower of Vishnu. He was blessed with a promise. He would become Lord Indra in the next cosmic era known as Mahayuga.
3. Vyasa
Vyasa is a key figure in Hindu literature. He is known for writing the epic Mahabharata. He also wrote other important works like the Puranas. He is traditionally seen as the compiler of the Vedas. Vyasa stands as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge.
He was born to Parashara who was a sage. His mother Satyawati was a fisherwoman. His great grandfather Vashistha was a sage too. Vyasa was born at the end of Treta Yug. He lived through the entire Dvapara Yug and into the start of Kali Yug.
The festival of Guru Purnima is dedicated to him. It is also known as Vyasa Purnima. This day marks his birthday and the day he divided the Vedas. According to Hindu tradition, Vyasa is still alive. He is one of the seven Chiranjivis who are believed to be immortal.
4. Lord Hanuman
Lord Hanuman, a key figure in the Ramayana, was born to Anjani and Kesari. Many believe he is a reincarnation of Lord Shiva. He is also known as Vaayu Putra, as he was the godson of Vaayu Dev. Hanuman and Lord Rama were destined to be together.
When Sita was kidnapped by Ravana and taken to Lanka, the only way to reach her was by flying due to the sea. Ravana used the Pushpak Vimaan to take her to Lanka. Hanuman, who could fly, went to Lanka to find Sita. He found her in Ashok Vatika, inside Ravana’s golden palace.
Upon meeting Hanuman in Lanka, Sita blessed him with immortality out of gratitude for finding her. After Rama defeated Ravana, Hanuman was asked to prove his loyalty to Rama. He did so by tearing his chest apart to reveal images of Rama and Sita. Rama, moved by this, healed Hanuman and offered him immortality. Hanuman initially refused but Rama insisted.
At the end of Treta Yuga, Rama and his people returned to the heavens by drowning themselves in the Sarayu River. Rama, now Lord Vishnu, asked the immortal Hanuman to stay on Earth and protect it. Some people still find traces of Hanuman and believe he is alive.
5. Vibhishana
Vibhishana was Ravana’s youngest brother in the Ramayana story. As children, the brothers Ravana, Kumbhkarana, and Vibhishana prayed to Lord Brahma for blessings. Ravana wished for great power and strength. Kumbhkarana yawned before making his wish. Vibhishana asked to always stand with the truth.
When Ravana and Lord Rama were at war, Vibhishana knew Lord Rama was right. He asked Ravana to free Sita and say sorry to Lord Rama. This made Ravana angry and he banished Vibhishana. Vibhishana then went to Lord Rama and told him how to defeat Ravana.
Even though Vibhishana was an asura, he was a devotee of Lord Rama and fought for what was right. For this, he was given the gift of immortality.
6. Kripacharya
7. Parashurama
Parashurama is seen as Lord Vishnu’s sixth avatar and he had an axe. He was a very good warrior and it’s said he won the whole world alone. He was born in a Brahmin family to get rid of the evil on Earth at that time. The evil was the Kshatriya class who used their powers to scare and oppress people.
His anger came out when a king named Kartavirya Arjuna took away their Surabhi cow from his hut while he was not there. When he came back and saw what happened, he fought Kartavirya Arjuna and won. This made the other kings angry and they all fought him but lost.
People believe Parashurama is immortal so he can teach Vishnu’s next avatar all the weapon arts to get rid of all evil.
8. Markandeya
