Celebrating Hanuman Jayanti: The Eight Immortal Beings in Hindu Mythology
Hanuman Jayanti Celebration
On April 6, the entire nation is celebrating Hanuman Jayanti. 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 this earth. In addition to Hanuman, there are seven other Chiranjeevis who are also immortal. Today, we will explore their stories.
Hanuman
Hanuman, known as an incarnation of Lord Shiva, has been granted the boon of immortality. According to beliefs, when Lord Rama was about to leave Ayodhya for Vaikuntha, Hanuman requested him to stay on earth. Unable to refuse Hanuman's plea, Lord Rama granted him the wish to remain immortal on earth.
Parshuram
Parshuram is recognized 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 blessings from Shiva granted him this boon, and it was Shiva who, pleased with his devotion, bestowed upon him the axe 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 was instrumental in rescuing Devi Sita from captivity. In gratitude, Lord Rama not only crowned him as the king of Lanka but also blessed him with immortality.
King Bali
King Bali was the ruler of the demons and possessed immense power, having defeated all the gods. His tyranny caused chaos across the realms, prompting the gods to seek help from Lord Vishnu. Disguised as a dwarf, Vishnu asked Bali for three paces of land, which he measured with two steps on earth and the third in the heavens. Consequently, Bali had to leave both realms but was granted the netherworld in return, where he is said to reside even today.
Rishi Markandeya
Rishi Markandeya is also included in the list of Chiranjeevis. He received the boon of immortality from Lord Shiva due to his unwavering devotion. He performed severe penance to please Shiva and mastered the Mahamrityunjaya mantra. Pleased with his dedication, Lord Shiva granted him the gift of eternal life.
Maharishi Ved Vyasa
Maharishi Ved Vyasa is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, born as Krishna Dvaipayana to Rishi Parashara and Satyavati. He authored several sacred texts, including the Srimad Bhagavatam. According to ancient scriptures, he is destined to live until the end of the Kali Yuga and will then continue his existence with the Kalki avatar.
Ashwatthama
Ashwatthama, the son of Guru Dronacharya, is well-known as the commander of the Kauravas during the Mahabharata war. He is also immortal, but unlike others, his immortality is a result of a curse rather than a boon. He possessed a gem on his forehead, which was forcibly removed by Arjuna, leading to Lord Krishna cursing 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. Kripacharya 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 Duryodhana ignored his counsel. Nevertheless, due to his virtuous deeds, Kripacharya was granted the boon of immortality.