The 7 Immortals : The immortals beings in hindu mythology
The mortal’s life had always felt like a divine intervention between themselves and the 7 Immortals. The beauty of Hinduism lies in the pages of, “A good thing has to be done, not because God is watching it but it is to be done because it should be done”. But fear is only something that prohibits our human psychology from doing something naughty or something that our inner heart knows is wrong. Therefore, to find human guidance in the pathway of humanity and seek answers to multifaceted questions, humans have always figured out a super powerful figure watching our deeds.
Hinduism also talks about the philosophy of mortality of life, that is, one day, every individual residing has to leave these worldly positions and possessions and would have to be mixed with the 5 elements of the earth. Someone’s death who had been on a righteous path is considered ‘moksha’ or the liberation of the soul. And someone who had been performing bad deeds in his or her life would have to go through many challenges and confessions even after death. Hinduism is not only about the inevitable deities living in colossal palaces and celestial realms but it also emphasizes the factor of 7 Immortals walking among us even in this omnipresent era.
In Hindu mythology, there exist seven extraordinary beings who have been blessed with the gift of immortality. These revered figures, known as the 7 immortals, transcend time and remain ever-present in the spiritual and cultural landscape of Hinduism. Their eternal existence serves as a symbol of divine power and timeless wisdom, inspiring countless generations with their tales of valor, devotion, and righteousness.
1. The bountiful king Bali
Now let’s talk about King Mahabali! Born to Devamba and Virochana and being the grandson of Prahlad, he ruled the kingdom of ‘Daitya’ and was a kind ruler among the Asuras, known for his generosity & fair governance. His story shines during Onam, a festival celebrated in Kerala.
After being deceived by the Devas, who drank the Amrit obtained from the Samudra Manthan, the Asuras got furious and a blood-sucking battle took place between both the teams. All the Asuras were killed and their king Bali was devasted. He went to Sukracharya requesting him to do something. Sukracharya with his mystical powers recited the ‘ Mrutasanjivni ‘ which revived the asuras once again.
Bali was so happy and again he went to Amravati to challenge Indra in a fierce battle. This time the Devas couldn’t make it and King Bali became the ruler of the entire planet. Terrified Devas went to lord Vishnu for help. Vishnu reassured them that he would put a full stop to this subjugation of Bali.
While he was performing ‘Vishwajeet yagya’, Vishnu was born as the son of Aditi and Kashyap, who named him Vamana ( as he was a dwarf ). Approaching King Bali, he asked Bali to gift him a land of his 3 steps. Mahabali agreed without hesitation. Within 2 steps of his feet, Vishnu had covered the entire universe, and taking out his third foot from his stomach, he asked Bali where would he keep his 3rd step. Bali willingly offered his head for placing the third foot.
Impressed with his devotion, Vishnu blessed him with immortality.
2. Parshuram A legendary Brahmin and a Kshatriya
A name heard by all and hailed by all is of Parshuram who is also the 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The story of Lord Parshuram is both fascinating and inspiring. His life is a blend of sage-like wisdom and valor like a warrior. Lord Parshuram was born to Saptarishi Jamadagni and his wife Renuka. He was named ‘Parshuram’ because of the axe (Parshu) he wielded. This weapon was given by Shiva and was a symbol of his purpose and his vow to protect dharma (righteousness) and fight against adharma (unrighteousness).
His father granted Pasrshuram’s immortality. The tale goes like this when Jamadagni asks his 4 sons to. cut the head of their mother without question, all of them denied except the youngest parshuram. He slashed off his mother’s head in a jiffy. Impressed with his service jamadagni blesses him with immortality and asks him for a boon. Parshuram in return asks his mother’s life back.
When his father was brutally murdered by Katarviya Arjuna, for not letting him take down the magical cow, kamdhenu, Parshuram became famous for wiping off 21 generations of corrupt Kshatriyas. According to legend, Parshuram will serve as an eternal guide to Kalki, which is the last and most powerful incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He will teach him the martial arts, and assist him in obtaining celestial weapons and vast knowledge.
3. A beacon of trust and devotion:- Lord Hanuman
Let’s not forget about Lord Hanuman! He is possibly the most famous among the 7 immortals. Known as the Vaanar god and devotee of Lord Rama, Hanuman has legendary strength & unwavering faith in Rama.
Born to Anjana and Kesari, he had once misunderstood the sun to be a fruit and had flown away in the direction of the sun to swallow it. Lord Surya, frightened, rushed to Indra for help. Indra allegedly had used the robust weapon of ‘Vajra’ to stop Maruti. This deadliest weapon made Hanuman lie on the floor senseless along with a broken chin, eventually giving him the name of Hanuman.
His father, the wind god, in anger, had outwitted all of himself from the universe which had caused high damage to the overall population aboding. Indra, for his repentance and arrogance, asked Vayu for forgiveness and blessed Hanuman with a boon of,” You shall only die when you choose to die”. Then only, Vayu’s anger was quest and he again prevailed himself on the earth.
Rama himself granted him immortality so he could protect devotees on Earth forever! Whenever you speak or chant Rama’s name, it’s said that Hanuman is nearby, ready to bless & help you—a true sign of courage & selfless service!
4. A paragon of truth over family:- Vibhishana
Then we have Vibhishana, who was Ravana’s brother—a really interesting character from the Ramayana! He was born to sage Vishrava and Kaikesi. Despite himself being a Rakshak and having a demonic heritage, he had chosen the righteous path of Dharma. Vivishan had also requested his elder brother to release mother Sita from his claws, which when he had denied, he teamed up with Lord Rama.
Unlike Ravana, Vibhishana chose goodness & teamed up with Lord Rama instead. His loyalty earned him Rama’s respect, which led to him becoming king of Lanka after Ravana fell. Lord Rama granted him immortality so he could keep ruling Lanka fairly and uphold dharma (righteousness). Vibhishana’s story shows that sometimes right choices mean more than family ties!
5. The Sage of Sages: Rishi Ved Vyas
Ved Vyas, revered as the author of the Mahabharata, is considered immortal in Hindu tradition. He is believed to be a Chiranjivi, one of the seven eternal beings who remain alive through the ages to guide humanity. Vyas’s immortality is symbolic of his timeless wisdom and enduring influence on Hindu philosophy, culture, and scripture. As a sage who compiled the Vedas and authored numerous Puranas, his teachings continue to inspire and guide devotees. His presence is often invoked during spiritual practices, signifying his eternal role in preserving and transmitting sacred knowledge across generations.
Because he is immortal, he can keep sharing wisdom and guiding people throughout time. People see him as an avatar of Lord Vishnu too—he holds an immense amount of knowledge! His eternal life symbolizes how spiritual wisdom lasts forever and how sacred teachings get passed down.
6. The catching attention warrior:- Ashwatthama
Ashwatthama, son of Dronacharya. He’s a really interesting character from the Mahabharata. Famous for his incredible skills in war and his friendship with Lord Krishna, Ashwatthama had a big role in the epic battle at Kurukshetra.
But there’s a twist! His immortality came as a curse. After the war ended, he, in a fit of anger & revenge, killed the sleeping sons of the Pandavas. And also tried killing the unborn child of Arjun’s daughter-in-law, Uttara. Because of this act, Lord Krishna cursed him to wander Earth forever, suffering from painful sores and deep loneliness. His endless life reminds us about the dangers of anger and revenge.
7. The last immortal:-Kripacharya
one of the revered figures in Hindu mythology is celebrated for immortality. He was the royal teacher of the Kuru princes and played a significant role in the Mahabharata. Born to the sage Shardwan and the celestial nymph Janapadi, Kripacharya was granted the boon of immortality by Lord Krishna. This divine gift made him one of the seven Chiranjivi (immortal beings) destined to live through the ages. His unwavering devotion, wisdom, and martial prowess exemplify his enduring significance in the epic tales, serving as a timeless guardian of dharma (righteousness) and spiritual knowledge. His presence underscores the values of dedication, duty, and the perpetual guidance of the righteous path.
Is there any existence of 8th cheeranjivi?!
Well, Yes the 8th cheeranjivi existing is Rishi Markandeya from the Maharishi Bhrigu Dyanstys. His journey begins with lots of hardships. His father, sage Mrukunda, and his mother, Manasvini were longing for a child. After performing severe and rigorous penances to Lord Shiva.
Impressed with their unwavering devotion, Shiva appeared before them and gave them 2 options to choose. Either they would have a brilliant child with a short living period of 16 years or would have a dull-witted but long-living child. They had opted for the first option and as a result, had an exceptional child.
Markandeya was highly devoted to Lord Shiva from his babyhood but he had witnessed the sadness in his parents’ eyes due to his awaiting fate. But not affected by this, he had been highly religious.
On his 16th birthday, God of death, Lord Yama using his ” Mrutyupasha” tried capturing Markandeya’s soul. In a jiffy, afraid Markandey clings to Shiva Linga, and Shiva bursts into a blud of anger. Formiding, Markenday was given the title of Cheeranjivi by Shiva and was freed from the clasps of death.
Why Are They Immortal?
According to the oddessy of Hindu mythology , there would be a colossal demon who would be christened Kali Purush when the Kali Yug would be at its apex. And when he is born, the last manifestation of lord Vishnu will incarnate himself termed Kalki. And to train Lord Kalki all these 7 cheeranjivis are meditating deeply somewhere in this cosmos.
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People Also Ask (FAQ)
The Immortals of Hindu mythology are King Bali of Satya Yuga, in Tretya Yug there were Hanuman; Vibhishan; Parshuram, in Dwapar yug there were Vyasa dev; Ashwatthama; kripacharyaa.
the 5 cheerenjivi gods are still alive in kaliyug. Hanuman, Parshuram, vyasa dev, Ashwatthama and kripacharyaa.
All the 7 cheerenjivis are immortal and are hidden without any body. They are waiting for the Kalki avatar of lord Vishnu to train him in different warfare. Some sources say Parshuram still abodes in the mahendragiri mountain, vibhishan resides in Lanka, hanuman is present everywhere when Ramayan is being recited.
Kalki is now in kalapa village in Uttar Pradesh in the house of Vishnu jasa.
Kalki will be born in shambhala in the house of Vishnu jasa in the Kali Yuga.
