Who are the seven Chiranjeevis?

September 23 2025, 14 min reading time

Who are the seven Chiranjeevis and why are they only seven? Is there a reason why the Chiranjeevis exist? Why are some Chiranjeevis not talked about at all and some others so famous?

Who are the seven Chiranjeevis?

When we think of immortality, our minds often wander to fantasy novels, superheroes or science fiction.

But Indian mythology has its own timeless heroes, the Chiranjeevis, who are said to live through centuries watching over humanity as silent witnesses of history. These are not just characters from old epics as they are powerful symbols of courage, wisdom, devotion and sometimes even punishment.

The idea that seven individuals still walk the earth, unseen yet present, has fascinated generations and continues to spark curiosity today.

Understanding who these seven Chiranjeevis are is like taking a walk through the most celebrated chapters of the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas, meeting warriors, sages, kings and devotees whose lives still hold lessons for us in the modern world.

Who is Ashwatthama?

Ashwatthama is one of the most intriguing and tragic characters from the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata. He was the son of Guru Dronacharya, the royal teacher of both the Pandavas and the Kauravas and was known for his exceptional skill in warfare, particularly with weapons like the bow and arrow.

From birth, Ashwatthama was special as he carried a jewel on his forehead that gave him protection from hunger, thirst and fear, making him almost invincible.

During the Kurukshetra war, he fought fiercely on the Kaurava side and was considered one of the most fearsome warriors of his time. However, the end of the war marked a turning point in his life.

Consumed by grief and rage after the death of his father, Ashwatthama committed a terrible act as he killed the five sons of the Pandavas while they were asleep, mistaking that act as revenge for his father’s death. This deed was considered a grave sin, even in the rules of war.

This is where Ashwatthama’s connection with being a Chiranjeevi comes in. After this cruel act, Lord Krishna cursed Ashwatthama with a unique form of immortality. He was doomed to wander the earth for eternity, carrying the burden of his actions.

The jewel on his forehead was taken away, leaving him with an unhealing wound that would forever remind him of his mistake.

Unlike some other Chiranjeevis, for whom immortality was a boon, Ashwatthama’s immortality became a punishment. He was destined to live through ages, witnessing the passage of time and suffering constant pain and isolation until the end of the current cosmic cycle.

His story is often seen as a cautionary tale as a reminder that anger and revenge can lead even the mightiest warrior to ruin and that immortality without peace is no blessing at all.

Who is King Mahabali?

King Mahabali, fondly remembered as Maveli in Kerala was one of the most noble and beloved rulers in Indian mythology. He belonged to the Asura (demon) lineage, but unlike the usual portrayal of Asuras as cruel and power-hungry, Mahabali stood out for his compassion, justice, and generosity.

His kingdom is often described as a land where everyone was equal, where no one lied and where prosperity reigned supreme as almost like a paradise on earth.

However, Mahabali’s growing influence started to worry the Devas (gods), who feared that his power might upset the cosmic balance.

To restore order, Lord Vishnu took his fifth avatar as Vamana, the dwarf Brahmin, and approached Mahabali during a sacrificial ritual. Vamana asked for just three steps of land and the ever-generous Mahabali granted it without hesitation.

To his surprise, Vamana grew into a cosmic form, covering the earth and heavens in just two steps. With nowhere left for the third step, Mahabali offered his own head, symbolizing ultimate humility and surrender.

Instead of punishing him, Lord Vishnu was so moved by Mahabali’s devotion that he granted him a unique boon of immortality in spirit and the chance to visit his people once every year.

This annual visit is celebrated as Onam in Kerala, where people decorate their homes with flower carpets, prepare a grand feast and welcome their beloved king as if he still walks among them.

Being a Chiranjeevi does not mean Mahabali physically roams the earth forever like some of the other immortals, but rather that his presence, blessings and watchful care are eternal.

In a way, Mahabali represents the ideal king whose love for his subjects is so strong that it transcends time. His story beautifully illustrates that true immortality lies not just in living forever but in being remembered with love and gratitude for generations.

Who is Ved Vyasa?

Ved Vyasa, also known as Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa, is one of the most revered sages in Indian spiritual tradition and often called the “literary architect” of Hinduism.

He is credited with compiling the four Vedas, Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda which are the very foundation of Hindu philosophy. He also wrote the epic Mahabharata, which is considered the longest poem in the world and within it, he included the timeless Bhagavad Gita, a spiritual guide for humanity.

Vyasa’s contribution doesn’t stop there as he is also said to have composed the 18 Puranas and the Brahma Sutras, which explain complex philosophical ideas in a way that even ordinary people can understand.

In many ways, Vyasa is not just a sage but a teacher for all generations, preserving and passing on wisdom that would otherwise have been lost to time.

Vyasa’s status as a Chiranjeevi ties deeply to his life’s purpose as the preservation of knowledge and Dharma (righteousness). Unlike some other immortals who were cursed or blessed to live forever for their deeds, Vyasa’s longevity is seen as a divine necessity.

As long as humanity needs guidance, Vyasa is believed to remain present in the world, continuing to watch over seekers and inspire spiritual learning.

His immortality is not about personal gain but about ensuring that sacred knowledge is never forgotten. In a sense, Vyasa’s life reminds us that immortality can be meaningful when it is devoted to service, wisdom and the betterment of mankind.

He is not just living forever as he is ensuring that the light of knowledge continues to shine across ages, even in the darkest of times.

Who is Lord Hanuman?

Lord Hanuman is one of the most revered and loved figures in Indian mythology, known as the perfect example of devotion, strength and humility. Born to Anjana and Kesari, Lord Hanuman is described as a Vanara (a divine monkey-like being) and is blessed with extraordinary powers from birth. He is an ardent devotee of Lord Rama, and his entire life revolves around serving Lord Rama with unwavering dedication.

Lord Hanuman’s role in the Ramayana is nothing short of heroic as he leaps across the ocean to find Goddess Sita, burns down Lanka with his fiery tail and plays a key role in the battle that leads to Ravana’s defeat. What makes Lord Hanuman so beloved is not just his strength but his humility and selflessness.

Despite his unmatched powers, he never seeks glory for himself as everything he does is in service of Lord Rama. This quality makes him more than a mythological hero as he is seen as a symbol of faith, courage and selfless action.

Lord Hanuman’s connection to the concept of Chiranjeevi is both fascinating and deeply meaningful. At the end of the Ramayana, after Lord Rama’s mission on earth is complete, Lord Hanuman requests a unique boon as he wishes to stay alive as long as people continue to chant Lord Rama’s name.

Pleased by his devotion, Lord Rama grants him this boon, making Lord Hanuman one of the seven Chiranjeevis as immortals destined to live until the end of the current cosmic age.

This means that Lord Hanuman is believed to still be present in the world today, wherever devotion to Lord Rama exists. For devotees, this makes him not just a figure of the past but a living, accessible protector who responds to sincere prayers.

His immortality is not a curse but a blessing as a chance to eternally inspire humanity to be brave, righteous, and devoted. In many ways, Lord Hanuman as a Chiranjeevi reminds us that true devotion never dies as it continues to guide and protect us across time.

Who is Vibhishana?

Vibhishana is one of the most fascinating characters from the Ramayana, often remembered as the younger brother of the mighty demon king Ravana.

But unlike Ravana, who let pride and ego cloud his judgment, Vibhishana was a figure of wisdom, righteousness, and deep moral conviction. Despite being born in the same family of Asuras, he stood apart with his commitment to Dharma (righteousness).

When Ravana abducted Goddess Sita, Vibhishana repeatedly advised him to return her to Lord Rama and avoid a destructive war. His pleas fell on deaf ears, and when he realized that staying silent would make him complicit in Ravana’s wrongdoings, he took the bold step of leaving Lanka and seeking refuge with Lord Rama.

This decision was not an easy one as it meant betraying his brother and risking being branded a traitor forever but Vibhishana chose Dharma over blind loyalty making him one of the rare mythological figures who prioritized justice above blood ties.

After Ravana was defeated and Sita Mata was rescued, Lord Rama crowned Vibhishana as the rightful king of Lanka. But his story did not end there. According to Hindu belief, Vibhishana was granted the boon of immortality, making him one of the seven Chiranjeevis.

His role as a Chiranjeevi is unique as while others like Lord Hanuman or Parashurama are known for their physical strength or divine missions, Vibhishana’s immortality symbolizes the eternal presence of justice and good governance.

It is said that he still rules Lanka, ensuring that Dharma prevails on the island even today. In a way, Vibhishana’s immortality is a reward for choosing what was right over what was easy, reminding us that standing for truth can have a lasting impact not just on one’s own life but on entire generations.

His story encourages us to stay steadfast in our values even when faced with the toughest moral dilemmas.

Who is Kripacharya?

Kripacharya is one of those rare figures in Indian mythology who is remembered more for his wisdom and balance than for his might on the battlefield though he was a skilled warrior too.

Born to Sharadvan and nurtured by King Shantanu of Hastinapur, Kripacharya grew up to become the royal preceptor and teacher for both the Pandavas and the Kauravas. He was an exceptional archer and a brilliant strategist but what made him truly respected was his impartiality and sense of duty.

In a world torn apart by the rivalries of the Mahabharata, Kripacharya was one of the few who remained largely detached from hatred or vengeance. His life represents the ideal of living with integrity even while being in the service of a royal court that was full of conflict and politics.

Kripacharya’s story takes a unique turn after the devastating Kurukshetra war, where almost every great warrior met his end. Unlike many others, he survived and went on to become the counselor and teacher for Parikshit, the grandson of Arjuna thus ensuring that the lineage of wisdom continued into the next generation.

According to Hindu belief, Kripacharya was blessed with immortality, making him one of the seven Chiranjeevis.

His presence on earth is said to act as a guiding light, preserving Dharma (righteousness) in a world that often tilts toward chaos. In this sense, Kripacharya represents the eternal mentor as someone who is always there to guide future warriors and leaders, ensuring that the knowledge of the past is not lost with time.

His immortality is not just a boon but a responsibility, reminding us that wisdom must live on as long as humanity itself.

Who is Parashurama?

Parashurama is one of the most fascinating figures in Hindu mythology because he is both a sage and a warrior. He is considered the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu and is often depicted carrying an axe (parashu), which gives him his name.

Parashurama was born to sage Jamadagni and Renuka at a time when the world was overwhelmed by the arrogance of the Kshatriya class (the warrior-rulers). His story is one of fiery determination and divine purpose as he is said to have rid the world of corrupt and oppressive Kshatriyas twenty-one times to restore balance and justice.

But Parashurama was not merely a destroyer. He was a teacher, a law-giver, and a guide who passed down knowledge of warfare and martial arts. According to tradition, he taught legendary warriors like Bhishma, Drona and Karna, shaping the very history of the Mahabharata. Parashurama stands at the crossroads of discipline and power showing how might can be used as a force to re-establish Dharma (cosmic order).

What makes Parashurama truly unique among Vishnu’s avatars is that he is immortal as one of the seven Chiranjeevis destined to live until the end of the current cosmic cycle. Unlike Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, who left the mortal world after fulfilling their divine missions, Parashurama chose to stay back.

Scriptures say he continues to live in deep penance on Mahendra mountain, patiently waiting for the arrival of Kalki, the final avatar of Lord Vishnu.

In fact, Parashurama is prophesied to become Kalki’s guru, teaching him the art of warfare to destroy evil and end Kali Yuga. This link to the future makes Parashurama’s immortality significant as it is not just an endless existence but a divine responsibility.

His presence is a reminder that divine justice is a continuous process and that the knowledge of Dharma must be preserved and passed on for when the world needs it most.

Therefore, these seven immortals are more than just characters from old books. They are archetypes, living ideas woven into the fabric of Hindu consciousness. They remind us that life is defined not by its length but by its purpose.

They walk among us in stories, festivals and prayers, timeless guides teaching lessons about devotion, justice, knowledge and the consequences of our actions, waiting for their final curtain call at the end of time itself.

Written by: Nikita, Article and Content Writer, Editor, Strategist at Rudraksha Hub

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