Who Are the Chiranjivis ?
In Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism), Chiranjivis are the immortal beings who are believed to live until the end of the current Kali Yuga. The word Chiranjivi (चिरंजीवी) means "one who lives forever" (Chiran = long, Jivi = living). They are mentioned in Hindu scriptures as individuals who were granted immortality due to their devotion, penance, or divine blessings.
The Seven Chiranjivis (Sapt Chiranjivi)
According to Hindu mythology, seven great beings are considered Chiranjivis:
1️⃣ Ashwatthama – Son of Dronacharya, cursed to wander the earth forever after the Kurukshetra war.
2️⃣ King Mahabali – A great devotee of Lord Vishnu, ruling in Sutala Lok (a lower celestial world), waiting to return in the next Satya Yuga.
3️⃣ Ved Vyasa – The sage who compiled the Mahabharata, Vedas, and Puranas.
4️⃣ Hanuman – The mighty devotee of Lord Rama, believed to still reside on Earth and help true devotees.
5️⃣ Vibhishana – Younger brother of Ravana, granted immortality by Lord Rama to guide future rulers with dharma.
6️⃣ Kripacharya – A teacher in the Mahabharata war, blessed with immortality for his great wisdom.
7️⃣ Parashurama – The sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, still alive and believed to reappear as a guru for Kalki Avatar.
Chiranjivi Mantra (For Remembering the Immortals)
Hindus recite this shloka to recall the names of the Chiranjivis:
अश्वत्थामा बलिर्व्यासो हनूमांश्च विभीषणः |कृपः परशुरामश्च सप्तैते चिरजीविनः ||
(Ashwatthama, Bali, Vyasa, Hanuman, Vibhishana, Kripa, and Parashurama – these seven are the Chiranjivis.)
Why Are Chiranjivis Important?
🔹 They represent different qualities like devotion, knowledge, righteousness, and strength.
🔹 Their presence ensures the continuity of dharma (righteousness) in the world.
🔹 Some believe that they still walk the earth in different forms.