7 immortals who are still alive? Where are they now?
by Rohit
Updated Apr 04, 2023
7 Immortals who are still alive
In Indian mythology, there are several characters who are believed to be immortal, but there is no fixed set of seven immortals. Different Hindu scriptures and mythological stories mention various characters who are believed to be immortal in different ways. Here are some examples of characters who are believed to be immortal in Indian mythology:
- Ashwatthama: Ashwatthama is a character from the epic Mahabharata who is believed to be immortal due to a curse he received from Lord Krishna. He is said to wander the earth, seeking redemption for his sins.
- Krupacharya: He was a highly respected teacher and mentor to the Pandava and Kaurava princes, who were engaged in a great war for control of the kingdom of Hastinapura. Krupacharya was one of the warriors who fought on the side of the Kauravas, who ultimately lost the war. Despite this, Krupacharya was revered for his wisdom, loyalty, and skill as a warrior.
- Hanuman: Hanuman is a popular deity in Hinduism who is believed to be immortal. He is worshipped as a symbol of strength, courage, and devotion and is often depicted as an ally of Lord Rama in the epic Ramayana.
- Parashurama: Parashurama is a legendary warrior and a prominent character in Hindu mythology. He is believed to be immortal and is said to have lived through several ages.
- Vibhishana: Vibhishana is a character from the Ramayana who is believed to be immortal. He was the younger brother of the demon king Ravana, but he helped Lord Rama in his battle against Ravana and was rewarded with immortality.
- Ved Vyasa: Ved Vyasa, is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology. He is believed to be immortal and is credited with composing the Mahabharata, the Puranas, and other Hindu scriptures.
- King Mahabali: Bali is a demon king in Hindu mythology who is believed to be immortal.He is the grandson of Prahlada and is known for his benevolent and just rule. According to Hindu mythology, he was defeated by Lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar and was sent to rule the netherworld, but he is still remembered and celebrated as a symbol of good governance and prosperity. The harvest festival of Onam is also associated with the legend of King Mahabali as he is believed to visit Kerala during the festival to see his subjects happy and prosperous.
Where are the 7 Chiranjivi now?
It is not possible to say where the Chiranjeevis are currently located as they are immortal beings from Hindu mythology and are not considered to exist in the physical realm. The stories and beliefs about the Chiranjeevis emphasize their enduring presence as exemplary spiritual figures, and their teachings continue to inspire and guide individuals seeking to lead a meaningful life.
Why are 7 Immortals waiting for Kalki Avatar?
According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the 7 Chiranjivis are waiting for the arrival of the Kalki Avatar, which is the prophesied tenth and final avatar of Lord Vishnu. The Kalki Avatar is said to appear in the future to end the current age of Kali Yuga, which is believed to be a period of darkness and chaos, and to usher in a new age of enlightenment and righteousness. The 7 Chiranjivis are said to be waiting for the Kalki Avatar to arrive and fulfill this prophecy, and it is believed that they will continue to exist until the arrival of the Kalki Avatar.
How The 7 Immortals of Hindu Mythology attained Immortality?
According to Hindu mythology, the 7 Chiranjivis attained immortality through various means, such as boons from gods or through their great deeds. Here is how each of them is believed to have attained immortality:
- Ashwatthama: Ashwatthama was a powerful warrior and the son of Guru Dronacharya. During the Kurukshetra War, Ashwatthama once used the brahmastra (a powerful weapon) to attack the Pandavas' camp in the middle of the night, killing many soldiers and Draupadi's sons who were sleeping. Lord Krishna became angry and cursed Ashwatthama that he would suffer for 3000 years with incurable injuries and wounds, and that he would roam the earth like a ghost, with neither food nor shelter, and no one will relieve him from his pain. However, Lord Krishna also granted him the boon of immortality so that the curse would not bring about his death. Thus, Ashwatthama became one of the seven Chiranjivis or immortals in Hindu mythology, who are destined to live until the end of the Kali Yuga or epoch, at which time the universe would be destroyed and a new one created.
- Vyasa: There are different versions and beliefs about how Ved Vyasa achieved immortality in Hindu mythology. One belief is that he achieved it through his great devotion and service to Lord Vishnu. It is said that he compiled and classified the four Vedas and composed the Mahabharata, which are considered to be some of the most important texts in Hinduism. He is also believed to have written the Puranas and the Brahma Sutras. Another belief is that he was granted immortality by Lord Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, as a reward for his great contributions to humanity. However, it is important to note that there is no one definitive answer to this question and the specifics of Ved Vyasa's immortality may vary depending on the source and interpretation.
- Hanuman: Hanuman achieved his immortality through a combination of boons from different gods. One story suggests that when Hanuman was a child, he flew up into the sky and tried to catch the sun because he thought it was a fruit. In an attempt to stop Hanuman's mischief, Indra, the king of gods, struck Hanuman with his lightning bolt, which knocked him unconscious and injured him badly. To heal his injuries and restore his strength, the god Vayu (the god of wind) entered Hanuman's body and gave him the gift of immortality. In another version, after Hanuman helped Lord Rama defeat Ravana and rescue Sita, Lord Rama granted Hanuman immortality and asked him to stay on earth forever to help those who seek his assistance.
- Vibhishana: Vibhishana, who was brother of Ravana, was granted immortality by Lord Rama after the end of the great war described in the epic Ramayana. Vibhishana had defected to the side of Lord Rama and helped him in his war against Ravana. After the war was over, Lord Rama ruled Ayodhya for many years before ascending to his true form of Vishnu and returning to Vaikuntha. Before departing, Lord Rama granted immortality to Vibhishana and appointed him as the ruler of Lanka. Vibhishana is considered to be one of the eight Chiranjivis (immortals) in Hindu mythology 1, who are destined to live until the end of the Kali Yuga or epoch, at which time the universe would be destroyed and a new one created.
- Kripacharya: Kripacharya was granted immortality by Lord Krishna through a blessing. Kripacharya was a highly respected martial arts teacher and warrior, who fought on the Kaurava side of the great war described in the epic Mahabharata. Despite being a member of the losing side, Kripacharya was highly respected for his knowledge, skill and loyalty to his students. After the war, Kripacharya retired to the forest to live as an ascetic. Lord Krishna, who was highly impressed by Kripacharya's devotion to duty and his knowledge, offered him a boon of immortality, which Kripacharya accepted. This made Kripacharya one of the famous "Chiranjivis," or immortals in Hindu mythology, destined to live until the end of the Kali Yuga, the last yuga or epoch, at which time the universe would be destroyed and a new one created.
- Parashurama: Parshuram was granted immortality by Lord Shiva. After fulfilling his duty as a warrior and killing numerous enemies, Parshuram wanted to retire and lead a peaceful life. However, he was concerned that he might be killed while he was asleep or otherwise defenseless, and he did not want to die before he had completed his lifelong mission. He approached Lord Shiva for help and asked for a way to ensure his immortality. Lord Shiva granted Parshuram a powerful weapon known as the "Rudra Shastra," which made him invincible and guaranteed his immortality. Those who received the Rudra Shastra could only be killed by Lord Shiva himself. With this weapon, Parshuram became immortal and was able to retire and live a peaceful life.
- King Mahabali:He was granted a unique form of immortality in which he was allowed to visit his people once a year during the festival of Onam, which is still celebrated in Kerala, India. It is said that King Mahabali's virtuous rule and his devotion to Lord Vishnu impressed the gods, who granted him this privilege.
These are the popular beliefs about the attainment of immortality by the 7 Chiranjivis in Indian mythology.
The Teachings and Lessons of the Stories of the 7 Immortals in Hindu Mythology
Some of the teachings and lessons that can be derived from the stories of the 7 Chiranjivis in Hindu mythology include the importance of loyalty, devotion, and righteousness. The Chiranjivis are renowned for their unwavering commitment to their duties and loyalty to their chosen sides, making them exemplars of honorable conduct.
They are also notable for their charitable and selfless acts, which emphasize the importance of sacrifice and service to others. For example, Hanuman's unwavering devotion to Lord Rama is considered the highest form of selfless service, while Parashurama's actions demonstrate the importance of standing up against injustice even in the face of great adversity.
Another lesson that can be derived from the stories of the Chiranjivis is the value of spiritual pursuits and self-realization. Vyasa, for example, is renowned for his meditative practices and devotion to knowledge, setting an example for the importance of spiritual growth and the pursuit of wisdom.
The stories of the 7 Chiranjivis emphasize values such as loyalty, righteousness, selflessness, and spirituality, providing a rich source of inspiration and guidance for individuals seeking to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life.
7 immortals who are still alive: FAQs
The 7 immortals in Hindu mythology are Ashwatthama, King Mahabali, Vyasa, Hanuman, Vibhishana, Kripacharya, and Parashurama.
The 7 immortals are revered for their heroic deeds, unwavering devotion, and selfless service to others. Their stories serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for individuals seeking to lead a meaningful life.
Each of the 7 immortals gained their immortality through different means.
Yes, the 7 immortals continue to be worshipped and revered in modern Hinduism. They are often depicted in artwork and their stories are still told in religious texts and folklore.
The stories of the 7 immortals emphasize the importance of loyalty, righteousness, selflessness, and spirituality. They provide guidance and inspiration for individuals seeking to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life.