25/10/2024
■The eight Chiranjeevis■
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In Hinduism, Chiranjeevis are immortal beings who were blessed with eternal life by gods for their actions. Some say that these beings still live among humans on Earth, but not everyone can see them.
The eight Chiranjeevis are:
●Ashwatthama: The Eternal Warrior, cursed by Lord Krishna to wander the Earth until the end of Kali Yuga
Ashwatthama is one of the most famous immortals in Hindu legends but unfortunately, his immortality was not a boon given to him.
After the Kurukshetra war, Ashwattham was filled with anger and rage and did what he should not have. He used the Brahmastra, one of the most powerful weapons, and shot it towards the Pandavas’ camp. But, instead of killing them, the Brahmahastra led to the death of Uttara’s unborn child. As a punishment, Lord Krishna cursed Ashwatthama to wander the earth for eternity, suffering from the pain of his wounds
●King Mahabali: The Benevolent Demon King, who visits Kerala during Onam
King Mahabali is remembered as a just, kind ruler and is worshipped particularly in Kerala, through the festival of Onam.
It is said that Mahabali was a follower of Lord Vishnu, and to test his devotion, Lord Vishnu came to him as a Vamana. He asked Mahabali for three paces of land and when Mahabali agreed he grew in size, and covered all of Earth and sky in just 2 steps. Then, Mahabali offered his head for the third step which pushed him down to the netherworld.
But as he was a good king, Lord Vishnu gave him the boon of immortality and allowed to return to his kingdom once a year to see his people.
●Vyasa: The Sage of Eternal Wisdom, who wrote the Mahabharata
Maharishi Ved Vyasa is also immortal according to scriptures and legends. He is considered one of the greatest sages of all time and is said to be a man of great wisdom and knowledge.
It is said that Ved Vyasa was granted the immortal status as a blessing so that he can continue to impart the knowledge of the scriptures to people. It is also said that he lives in the Himalayas, compiling the many other sacred texts that will be available to the people who will walk on Earth after the end of Kaliyug.
●Hanuman: The Devotee Par Excellence, who is believed to live in the Gandhamadan mountains
Lord Hanuman, the one who is a devotee before being a God, also has the status of an immortal. And for him, it is a mix of a blessing and a responsibility.
It is believed that Lord Hanuman was given immortality by various gods for his selfless service and devotion, and by Lord Ram so that he can continue to serve and protect those who worship him and Lord Ram. It is said that Lord Hanuman still roams Earth and is present in any and every place where the name of Lord Ram is being chanted.
And this is why when there is a Ramayan paath or Ram Katha, one seat is left empty for Lord Hanuman.
●Vibhishana: The Righteous Ruler
Vibhishan, the brother of demon King Ravan, was also granted immortality. And for him, it was in the form of a blessing.
It is said that Vibhishana was granted immortality by Lord Ram as a reward for his unwavering devotion and adherence to dharma. After the fall of Ravana, Vibhishana was crowned the king of Lanka, and Rama blessed him with immortality, so he could rule justly and continue to guide the people of Lanka.
●Kripacharya: The Perpetual Teacher
Kripacharya, from Mahabharat, was also granted the boon of immortality.
It is said that he was given the boon of immortality for his exceptional skills as a teacher and warrior by none other than Shri Krishna. He was one of the few survivors of the Kurukshetra war, and his immortality allows him to continue to spread his knowledge and guidance to future generations.
●Parashurama: The Warrior Sage
Parshuram, the Brahmin who took up weapons for justice, is also one of the immortals. It is said that he is the 6th avatar of Lord Vishnu and was aggressive in nature, completely opposite to his role of a Brahmin.
For Parshuram, his immortality isn't a boon or a bane, but rather a responsibility. Parshuram was given the responsibility to remain on Earth so that he could wait and then mentor Kalki, the last avatar of Lord Vishnu who will be the remover of evil and the dark age of Kaliyug.
●Markandeya: The Eternal Youth
Another immortal status that was given as a blessing was the one given to Markandeya by Lord Shiva.
It is said that Markandeya was destined to die at the tender age of 16. But, he became a devotee of Lord Shiva and started praying to him to remove the curse of death. When he turned 16 and Yamraj came to take him, Markandeya hugged the Shivling and refused to move.
This is when Shiv ji entered, pleased with little Markandeya’s devotion and love, and gave Markandeya the boon of immortality.
According to Hindu belief, remembering the names of the Chiranjeevis can help people live up to 100 years and be free from sickness.
"अश्वत्थामा बलिर्व्यासो हनूमांश्च विभीषण:। कृप: परशुरामश्च सप्तएतै चिरजीविन:॥ सप्तैतान् संस्मरेन्नित्यं मार्कण्डेयमथाष्टमम्।"
