Seven Chiranjivis

In Hindu tradition, the Seven Chiranjivis (literally meaning “the seven immortals”) are revered beings who are believed to live eternally through the ages (yugas), awaiting the end of the current cosmic cycle. The word Chiranjivi is derived from Sanskrit — chiram (long or eternal) and jivi (living) — signifying those who are blessed with immortality. Each Chiranjivi is associated with divine purpose, embodying virtues such as righteousness, devotion, strength, and wisdom.

Concept of Chiranjivi

According to Hindu philosophy, life in the material world is transient, yet certain beings were granted immortality by divine will so that they might fulfil special roles in preserving dharma (righteousness) across the ages. The concept of the Chiranjivis is found in various Puranas, epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and devotional literature.
The seven traditional Chiranjivis are: Ashwatthama, Mahabali, Vyasa, Hanuman, Vibhishana, Kripa, and Parashurama. A popular Sanskrit verse often recited to remember them states:
“Ashwatthama Balir Vyaso Hanumanascha VibhishanahKripacharya cha Parashuramascha Saptaite Chiranjivinah.”
This means: “Ashwatthama, Bali, Vyasa, Hanuman, Vibhishana, Kripa, and Parashurama — these seven are known as the immortals.”

1. Ashwatthama

Ashwatthama, the son of Dronacharya and Kripi, was a warrior in the Mahabharata. He fought on the Kaurava side and was known for his valour and mastery of divine weapons (astras). After the war, enraged by the defeat of his side, he released the Brahmastra against the Pandavas. As punishment for this act, Lord Krishna cursed him to immortality, condemning him to roam the earth forever with unhealed wounds and suffering.
Ashwatthama thus became a symbol of the burden of immortality — a life of endless wandering and remorse. In folklore, he is believed still to roam in solitude, representing the consequence of anger and pride.

2. King Mahabali

Mahabali, also known as Bali, was a benevolent demon king and the grandson of Prahlada. His reign was marked by prosperity, generosity, and devotion. When his power began to threaten the gods, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, the dwarf Brahmin, to subdue him.
Bali offered three paces of land to Vamana, who expanded to cosmic size (Trivikrama) and covered heaven and earth in two steps. With no space left, Bali offered his own head for the third step. Impressed by his humility and devotion, Vishnu granted him immortality and the right to rule Sutala, a lower but blissful world. It is believed that Mahabali visits his subjects once a year during the festival of Onam, celebrated in Kerala.

3. Vedavyasa

Vedavyasa, also known as Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa, is the legendary sage who compiled the Vedas and authored the Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics of world literature. He also composed the Puranas and the Brahma Sutras, earning him the title Adi Kavi (the first poet).
Vyasa is believed to have been blessed with immortality to continue guiding humanity in the path of wisdom and righteousness. He is considered one of the Seven Great Sages (Saptarishis) of the current age and a spiritual link between divine knowledge and human understanding.

4. Hanuman

Hanuman, the mighty vanara devotee of Lord Rama, symbolises strength, devotion, and humility. A central figure in the Ramayana, he played a vital role in locating Sita and aiding Rama in the battle against Ravana.
After the completion of Rama’s earthly mission, Hanuman wished to remain on earth as long as Rama’s name was remembered by devotees. Rama blessed him with immortality, granting him the ability to exist wherever devotion to God is expressed.
Hanuman is thus believed to live eternally, inspiring courage, faith, and service. He embodies the ideal of selfless devotion (bhakti) and remains one of the most beloved deities in Hindu worship.

5. Vibhishana

Vibhishana, the younger brother of Ravana, is celebrated for his righteousness and devotion to Lord Vishnu. When Ravana defied moral law by abducting Sita, Vibhishana counselled him to return her to Rama. Upon being rejected, he left Lanka and joined Rama’s side in the battle.
After Ravana’s defeat, Rama crowned Vibhishana as the king of Lanka and blessed him with immortality. He was instructed to rule righteously and uphold dharma through the ages. Vibhishana is often regarded as a symbol of integrity, demonstrating that loyalty to righteousness transcends family ties.

6. Kripacharya

Kripacharya, one of the teachers of the Kuru princes in the Mahabharata, was the son of Sage Sharadvan and Janapadi. Known for his impartiality, wisdom, and mastery of archery, he served as a counsellor and warrior during the great war.
After the destruction of both the Kauravas and Pandavas, Kripacharya was chosen by King Yudhishthira to be the preceptor of the next generation. Owing to his ascetic discipline and devotion, he was blessed with immortality, symbolising the eternal preservation of knowledge and duty.

7. Parashurama

Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is a Brahmin warrior famed for his strength and asceticism. He is known for eradicating corrupt Kshatriya rulers twenty-one times to restore righteousness. Parashurama is a bridge between the age of myth and recorded history.
As an immortal, he is believed to reside on earth even today, continuing his spiritual penance. Tradition holds that he will reappear to instruct Kalki, the tenth and final avatar of Vishnu, at the end of the present Kali Yuga. Parashurama embodies the balance between divine justice and spiritual discipline.

Symbolism and Significance

The concept of the Seven Chiranjivis carries profound philosophical meaning. Each immortal represents an enduring aspect of life and virtue:

• Ashwatthama – eternal consequence of actions and the burden of ego.
• Mahabali – humility, devotion, and sacrifice.
• Vyasa – wisdom and preservation of divine knowledge.
• Hanuman – devotion, courage, and service.
• Vibhishana – righteousness and moral integrity.
• Kripa – duty, patience, and continuity of learning.
• Parashurama – divine justice and martial discipline.

Together, they symbolise the eternal principles of dharma that sustain the universe across the ages.

Cultural and Religious Legacy

The Seven Chiranjivis continue to occupy a revered place in Hindu belief and folklore. Their stories are recited in epics, scriptures, and devotional songs, inspiring moral and spiritual reflection. In temple iconography and traditional literature, they remind devotees that the divine presence persists eternally through wisdom, virtue, and faith.