Hindu mythology is rich with tales of extraordinary beings who are believed to be immortal or possess exceptionally long lifespans. Among these revered figures are the Chiranjeevis, a group of eight eternal beings whose stories continue to inspire and captivate generations. Here, we delve into the legends of these mythical personalities:
Ashwatthama: Known as the son of Dronacharya, Ashwatthama is a central character in the epic Mahabharata. He is blessed (or cursed) with immortality, roaming the earth till the end of the Kali Yuga. Ashwatthama is revered for his valor and skills in warfare.
Maharaja Bali: Also known as Mahabali, he was a righteous king who once ruled over the entire universe. Despite being pushed to the netherworld by Lord Vishnu, he was granted the boon of visiting his kingdom and people once a year during the festival of Onam in Kerala.
Vyasa: Sage Vyasa, also known as Vedavyasa, is revered as the author of the Mahabharata, the epic narrative of ancient India. He is believed to have immortalized knowledge and wisdom through his writings and teachings.
Hanuman: The beloved devotee of Lord Rama, Hanuman is celebrated for his strength, courage, and unwavering devotion. He is said to be immortal and continues to serve as an emblem of loyalty and devotion in Hindu mythology.
Vibhishana: Vibhishana was the younger brother of the demon king Ravana, from the epic Ramayana. Known for his righteousness and devotion to Lord Rama, Vibhishana was granted immortality by Lord Rama himself.
Parashurama: The warrior sage Parashurama is considered one of the seven immortals (Chiranjeevis) in Hindu mythology. He is known for his fierce battle skills and is believed to still wander the earth, wielding his axe.
Kripacharya: Kripacharya was a royal sage and a respected teacher in the Mahabharata. Known for his loyalty and wisdom, he was granted immortality and continues to be revered for his knowledge and teachings.
Markandeya: Markandeya is a sage mentioned in ancient Hindu texts and is revered for his devotion to Lord Shiva. He is said to have conquered death through intense devotion and penance, thus becoming immortal.