Chiranjivi: Eternal Beings from the Past to Forever

The term “Chiranjivi” in Hinduism refers to beings who are immortal or have exceptionally long lives and are destined to live through the current age (Kali Yuga). According to Hindu mythology, the seven Chiranjivi are

1. Ashwatthama

• Parentage: Son of Dronacharya and Kripi.
• Significance: Ashwatthama was a mighty warrior in the Mahabharata, known for his unwavering loyalty to the Kauravas.
• Curse: After the war, he attempted to kill the Pandavas in their sleep but ended up killing their sons. In anger, Lord Krishna cursed him to roam the earth for 3,000 years with festering wounds that would never heal.

2. King Mahabali

• Parentage: Grandson of Prahlada.
• Significance: Known for his generosity and devotion, Mahabali was a powerful demon king who ruled over the three worlds.
• Immortality: Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar, granted him the boon of visiting his kingdom once a year, a day celebrated as Onam in Kerala. He was also promised immortality.

3. Vyasa

• Parentage: Son of the sage Parashara and Satyavati.
• Significance: Vyasa is the author of the Mahabharata and the Puranas. He is revered as one of the greatest sages in Hinduism.
• Role: As the compiler of the Vedas, Vyasa’s contributions to Hindu scriptures are immense, and his wisdom is considered timeless.

4. Hanuman

• Parentage: Son of Anjana and Kesari, with the wind god Vayu also playing a role in his birth.
• Significance: Hanuman is one of the central characters in the Ramayana, known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama and his extraordinary strength and abilities.
• Immortality: Blessed with immortality, Hanuman is believed to continue living to protect and serve those who are devoted to Rama.

5. Vibhishana

• Parentage: Brother of Ravana, the demon king of Lanka.
• Significance: Unlike his brother, Vibhishana was righteous and chose to side with Rama during the battle in the Ramayana.
• Immortality: After the war, Lord Rama appointed him the king of Lanka and blessed him with immortality to rule justly.

6. Kripacharya

• Parentage: Son of Shardwan and Janapadi.
• Significance: Kripacharya was the teacher of the Kauravas and Pandavas, known for his impartiality and wisdom.
• Role: He is one of the few survivors of the Kurukshetra war and was given the boon of immortality, ensuring his presence in the ongoing story of humanity.

7. Parashurama

• Parentage: Son of sage Jamadagni and Renuka.
• Significance: Parashurama is the sixth avatar of Vishnu, known for his mission to rid the world of corrupt Kshatriya warriors.
• Role: Although he retired from worldly affairs after completing his mission, he is believed to continue living as an immortal, imparting knowledge to those who seek it.

These seven Chiranjivi are considered eternal beings who have significant roles in Hindu mythology, serving as protectors, guides, and symbols of eternal principles such as righteousness, devotion, and justice.