Celebrating Hanuman Jayanti: The Eight Immortal Beings in Hindu Mythology

Hanuman Jayanti Celebration

On April 6, the entire nation is celebrating Hanuman Jayanti. Lord Hanuman is revered as the 11th Rudra incarnation of Lord Shiva. According to Sanatan Dharma, Hanuman is considered Chiranjeevi, meaning he is immortal. It is believed that he still exists on Earth today. In addition to Hanuman, there are seven other Chiranjeevis who are also immortal. In this article, we will explore their stories.

Hanuman

As an incarnation of Lord Shiva, Hanuman possesses the boon of immortality. According to tradition, when Lord Rama was about to leave Ayodhya for Vaikuntha, Hanuman requested him to stay on Earth. Unable to refuse, Lord Rama granted him the wish to remain immortal on Earth.

Parshuram

Parshuram is known as the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu and appeared before Lord Rama. He too has received the boon of immortality and is a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. His intense penance and devotion earned him this blessing, and it was Lord Shiva who granted him the divine weapon, the axe, which he always carries.

Vibhishan

Vibhishan, the younger brother of Ravana, is also a devotee of Lord Rama. He played a crucial role in helping Rama defeat Ravana and rescue Sita. Pleased with his loyalty, Lord Rama not only made him the king of Lanka but also blessed him with immortality.

King Bali

King Bali was the ruler of the demons and was so powerful that he defeated all the gods. His tyranny caused great distress in the realms. In response, the gods sought help from Lord Vishnu, who took the form of a dwarf and asked Bali for three paces of land. With two steps, he covered the Earth and the heavens, leaving Bali with no choice but to retreat to the netherworld, where he is said to reside to this day.

Rishi Markandeya

Rishi Markandeya is also included in the list of Chiranjeevis. He received the boon of immortality from Lord Shiva after performing severe penance and mastering the Mahamrityunjaya mantra. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva granted him eternal life.

Maharishi Ved Vyas

Maharishi Ved Vyas is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, born to Rishi Parashara and Satyavati. He authored several sacred texts, including the Srimad Bhagavatam. According to mythology, he is destined to live until the end of the Kali Yuga and will then reappear with the Kalki avatar.

Ashwatthama

Ashwatthama, the son of Guru Dronacharya, is known for his role as the commander of the Kauravas in the Mahabharata war. He is also immortal, but his condition is a curse rather than a blessing. He possessed a jewel on his forehead that granted him immortality, but after it was forcibly removed by Arjuna, Lord Krishna cursed him to wander the Earth for eternity.

Kripacharya

Kripacharya, the maternal uncle of Ashwatthama, served as a teacher to both the Kauravas and Pandavas. His sister, Kripi, was married to Dronacharya. He is counted among the seven great sages and was one of the three ascetics who had the privilege of meeting Lord Krishna. He advised Duryodhana to negotiate peace with the Pandavas, but his counsel was ignored. Nevertheless, due to his virtuous deeds, he was granted immortality.