Seven chiranjeevis in Hindu mythology

The Seven Chiranjeevis are immortal beings blessed with eternal life in Hindu mythology.

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Hinduism, being the oldest religion, is filled with fascinating facts. We live in a world where life and death are inevitable, and every person born is destined to die one day. However, did you know there is a concept of Chiranjeevi in Hinduism, referring to beings blessed with immortality?

Who are Chiranjeevis?

Chiranjeevi is a Sanskrit term made of two words; Chiran means long and Jeevan means alive. Hence, person who is immortal and will stay on the Earth till the end of Universe.

Here is the list of seven Chiranjeevis of Hinduism:

HANUMANJI

KING BALI

SAGE KRIPACHARYA

ASHWATTHAMA

SAGE VED VYASA

VIBHISHANA

PARASHURAMA

Hanuman Ji

Popularly known as Maruti, son of King Kesari and queen Anjana, was a centric figure in the great epic, Ramayana. Also, Hanumanji is Rudra Awatar of Lord Shiva. This monkey god, was a sewak (follower) of hindu god Shri Ram, helped him to rescue Goddess Sita from Ravana. Additionally, he was blessed with Nav Nidhi (nine treasures of great value) and Asht Siddhis (eight super natural abilities). For his strength, valorous body and intelligence, he is worshipped at every hindu home.

When Lord Rama went for his final departure to Vaikuntha Dham at Guptar Ghat, Ayodhya, Lord Hanuman pleaded to accompany Lord Rama. In response, Shri Ram asked Hanuman to stay on Earth to uphold Dharma, blessed him with immortality. And, to protect his devotees from fear, anxiety and negative energies, he stayed back.

As per popular belief, being a Chiranjeevi, is present in every Ram Katha happens at any corner of the world.

King Bali

King Bali, also known as Mahabali, was a great and kind-hearted demon king. He was blessed by Lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar to be immortal until the end of this Mrityu Lok (Earth).

According to holy texts, once upon a time, King Bali performed a havana and vowed to fulfill the needs of the poor and needy who came to him. During this sacrifice, Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana (dwarf) avatar, visited him and asked for three paces of land. Bali agreed, and Vamana then expanded to cover the whole sky with one step and the entire Earth with the second step. For the third step, Vamana asked Bali where he should place his foot. Bali offered his own head.

Impressed by his utmost devotion, Vishnu granted him immortality and allowed him to return to Earth once a year. As per popular belief, King Bali visits his kingdom, Kerala, on the occasion of Onam, a grand festival celebrated in the southern part of the country.

Sage Kripacharya

Kripacharya was a significant character in the great epic, Mahabharata. Moreover, he was royal guru to the Kuru dynasty in the Mahabharata. Infact, he was known for his impartiality and wisdom.

As a Chiranjeevi, he continues to live, serving as a symbol of eternal wisdom to the world till next manavtarana yuga (change of yuga).

Also, he was a great teacher of archery, taught Kauravas and Pandavas the art of archery. Although, he was wise and martial skilled warrior of his time. Also, he faught from Kaurava side. Apparently, after death of Karna, Kripacharya asked Duryodhana (prince of Kaurava) to make treaty with Pandavas. Unfortunately, he declined and got killed in the war.

Futhermore, Kripacharya also taught archery, war skills and wisdom to King Parikshit (last kin of Pandavas). However, Sage Kripacharya also known as Kripa was born to warrior-sage Shardavan and apsara (nymph) Janapadi. Warrior Shardavan was valourous and a formidable archer, did penance to be the best archer in the world. On this Lord Indra send one of his Apsara Janapadi to him to divert him from his aim. Hence, twins, kripi and Kripa were born out of them. Later, King Shantanu adopted them.

Ashwatthama

Ashwatthama is popularly known as Drauni, Kripiputra, Dronaputra and Guruputra. As, he is the son of sage Dronacharya and Kripi. Apparently, being the son of guru Dronacharya to the Kauravas and Pandavas in the Mahabharata, he was blessed with meticulous war skills and strength. Sage Drona and Kripi did great penance at Tapkeshwar Mahadev, Dehradun, to get a son as strong as Lord Shiva. Consequently, they were blessed with Ashwatthama, born with a mani (precious stone) on his forehead, protecting him from hunger, thirst, fear, illness, fatigue, old age, diseases and much more.

As, Ashwatthama and his family was given shelter and memebership of council of Kuru Kingdom, he was loyal to Kuru dynasty. As a result, he faught from Kauravas side. Indeed he was capable of Brahmastra, Agniyastra and other divine weapons, he mischievously used warfare skills to kill the heirs of Pandavas by deception.

After the war, Ashwatthama was cursed by Lord Krishna to get a wound on his forehead with pus and blood running out of it. He would wander around the Earth for eternity, suffering from wounds and diseases as a punishment for his wrong actions during the war.

Parashurama

Lord Parashurama is the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to holy text, Parashurama was a Brahmin warrior with an axe (Parshu). It is believed that, he took birth to free the world from corrupt Kshatriyas (the warrior class). Subsequently, he killed Kshatriyas twenty-one times from the Earth.

He was short tempered, versatile and intelligent Brahmin and is believed to live forever, continuing to practice penance and protect righteousness. Although, he was given immortality to be guru of Lord Kalki (awatar of Shri Vishnu) in Kaliyuga.

Vibhishana

Vibhishana was the younger brother of the demon king Ravana, born to Sage Vishrava and the demoness Kaikesi. Vibhishana performed great penance to impress Lord Brahma. Eventually, he was blessed by Lord Brahma to choose the path of righteousness, leading him to align with Lord Rama in the Ramayana. After the killing of Ravana by Lord Rama, Vibhishana was crowned as the King of Lanka. For his devotion and support, Rama blessed him with immortality, making him the ruler of Lanka and a symbol of virtue.

Sage Vayasa

Particularly, sage Vaasa or Ved Vatasa was given a boon of immortality to spread knowledge and wisdom to the people of Earth by Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu. He did wrote Brahmasutra for quick learning of Srtuis. Not only this, he also wrote Upakhanyas and compiled teachings of eight Purana in it. Moreover, he was creator of the great epic of Hinduism, Mahabharata, written by Ekdant (Lord Ganesha).

As a Chiranjeevi, Vyasa continues to exist, symbolizing eternal wisdom and the perpetuation of knowledge.

Conclusion

Thus, we now know that these Chiranjeevis are revered in Hindu mythology for their unique roles and the blessings of immortality they received, representing eternal principles and values. These Chiranjeevis teach us to live life with righteousness, wisdom and unwavering devotion.

Let’s move to the path of Dharma, virtue, wisdom, inner strength, impartiality and truth as shown by these Chiranjeevis. Wish you a great time ahead.

About Author

Akansha Agarwal

Namaste! AKANSHA AGARWAL is on a mission to help people to fall in love with India and its richest culture. She holds M.A. and B.A. in Mass communications. Her 12 years of work experience as a copywriter and content writer has marked her journey more fun and enthralling. She strongly believe in Karma and abide by the Niyama and Yama of Hinduism. She has been a spiritual seeker, Reiki healer, teacher, guide and mentor to many young minds. She would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading.

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