Who are the Chiranjeevi? Exploring the Legend of the 8 Immortals

Hinduism is a philosophy of multiple beliefs it is a plethora of cultural richness, having varied practices, rituals, and religious following. There are six Astik schools in Hindu philosophy with major denominations of Viashnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and the Samarth Tradition, each believing in a different deity but having faith in truth, virtuousness, righteousness, and Bhakti Marg.

Within the context of these beliefs and traditions, there exists the belief of immortals in Hinduism who are blessed by the prime deities. Certain deities praised by each sect are among the prime deities of the universe. For instance, Shri Hari Vishnu, Shiv, and Brahma are the supreme trio responsible for the creation, preservation, and destruction of the world, and Shakti is the supreme power sourcing these three dividing herself for the process of regeneration of the world. This being the prime belief there are other prevailing beliefs in the existence of immortals in Hinduism mentioned in various scriptures like Veda, Purana, or Upanishad.

Who are the Chiranjeevi?

The concept of Chiranjeevi in Hinduism refers to human beings blessed with internal life, the term Chiranjeevi is derived from the Sanskrit word, Chiram which is long and Jivi meaning lived, denoting those who have long or eternal life and are believed to live forever until the end of the current cosmic cycle.

The Sanatana Dharma and belief have been passed down with Shruti and Smruti having stories of legends who created history living a life of example, the revered 8 Chiranjeevi names are among those. Each has a unique story and is associated with different occurrences in the Hindu scriptures offering moral lessons, and emphasizing the enduring qualities of righteousness, portraying dedication in the cosmic fabric of Hinduism. Even so, there is an ongoing debate on the existing numbers of Chiranjeevi or immortals in Hinduism.

How Many Chiranjeevi’s are There?

Traditionally there are known 7 Chiranjeevi names that have been famous in the Hindu traditions and scriptures. However different sources and beliefs have different mentions and some talk of 8 Chiranjeevi names that are celebrated for their longevity, virtues, and contribution to various legendary narratives. In essence, the philosophy of immortals in Hinduism reflects the belief that virtuous action, wisdom, and unwavering dedication transcends temporal boundaries resonating eternal principles shaping profound shades in spirituality and religious beliefs.

8 Chiranjeevi Names and their Attributes:

According to the scriptures the Chiranjeevi have their journey yet they are said to be associated with a specific aim of assisting the last Avatar of Shri Vishnu, Kalki that would appear at the end of Kaliyuga. This theory may or may not hold substance according to the orchestration of the divine yet the existence of immortals in Hinduism holds base attributing to their legends.

Following are Chiranjeevi’s names and their story as mentioned in the most popular tales or smruti and shruti,

• Parashurama

  The first would be the sixth avatar of Shri Vishnu himself Parashurama, who was born to one of the Saptarishi Jamadagni. With severe penance, he is said to have received a divine axe from Lord Shiva and training in fighting skills. He lived through Satyuga, Treta, and the recent Dwapar crossing through the life of Ram and Krishna playing a major role in both Ramayana and Mahabharata. According to scriptures, he is supposed to be the guide and teacher to Kalki the 10th avatar of Lord Vishnu.

• Hanuman

  Another revered among the immortals of Hinduism is Shri Hanuman an avatar of supreme lord Shiva who incarnated to serve his beloved god Shri Ram. At a young age, he was blessed with numerous boons making him invincible and eternal youth. Another cause is said to be his devotion he asked to live in the world until Lord Raam’s name would exist, also he was presented with the task of assisting and training the Kalki Avatar or Shri Vishnu along with Parshuram.

• Vibhishan

  Then there is Vibhishan who is considered in the 8 Chiranjeevi’s names, as he was granted longevity for his assistance and devotion to Shri Ram Avatar of Shri Vishnu and loyalty towards his subject. He is said to be the reason Lord Ram was able to obtain crucial information and be able to defeat Ravana and Vibhishan is said to have the same role in the life of Kalki Avatar

• Mahabali

  There is Mahabali popularly known as Bali the Daityaraj who was a benevolent and generous king. When Vishnu appeared in Vamana Avatar and asked him for three feet of space he agreed and when two feet of the Vamana covered all the living and nonliving in three worlds he offered his head for the third step, which took him to the highest heaven with the lord. Yet he wanted to keep tabs on the welfare of his subject and he was granted the same. This made him one of the immortals in Hinduism who would be able to ascend the world for his people once every year on Onam

• Ashwatthama

  Ashwatthama was the son of Dhronacharya and one among the Chiranjeevi names, which came into play because of the curse cast on him due to his inhuman act during the war of Kurukshetra. He planned to kill the Pandavas in aid of night yet ended up killing their sons and later unborn child of Abhimanyu and hence he was cursed to suffer until the end of time. Some scriptures mention he is to atone himself by assisting the 10th avatar of Shri Visnu

• Ved Vyas

  Another renowned figure who composed the Mahabharat is also counted among the 8 Chiranjeevi names. Ved Vyas was an ascetic who dedicated his life to humanity and decided to stay on earth till the end of Kali Yuga helping humanity and Kalki avatar of Lord Vishnu.

• Kripacharya

  Kripacharya also known as Kripa was also a warrior and teacher in Mahabharata who fought from Kaurava’s side until the end. He is also included in the immortals of Hinduism owing to the boon he received from Shri Krishna for being just and dedicated to his kingdom.

• Markandeya

  The last among the 8 Chiranjeevi’s names would be Rishi Markandeya who was a renowned devotee of lord Shiva and composed the life-saving Mahamrityunjaya Mantra that provides the practitioner with protection and long life, he was thus granted immortality aiding to his wisdom that would be used to help the 10th Avatar of Lord Vishnu

These immortals in Hinduism are revered each having a connection to one or the other form of Lord Vishnu even the almighty Shri Hanuman.