The Chiranjivis in Hindu mythology 12/7/14

“Chiram” refers to long and “Jiv” refers to life. So, chiranjivi refers to long life, not necessarily immortality.

1. Aswathaama – from Mahabaratha (until the end of Kali yuga) • The son of Drona, who was very a skilled warrior, having learnt warfare from his father who was also the teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas. Aswathaama was also well versed in the scriptures and the vedas and was born with a jewel on his head that signified his superiority over other life forms. 2. Bali - From Vaamana avatar (Onam festival in Kerala). • King Bali, was a good king and generous. However, he performed many penances and received many boons from Lord Brahma, which made him think he was invincible. Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana, the young boy who asked for three steps on land as his alms at a sacrifice from Bali. Then, Vamana took a large form and covered the earth and the heavens with two steps and for his third step placed it on King Bali’s head and pushed him to paathaloka. Since Bali was a good king, Lord Vishnu allowed Bali to return to earth every year to celebrate the Onam festival in Kerala with his subjects. 3. Hanuman – From Ramayana (until the name of Rama is uttered no more on Earth) • After Lord Rama defeated Ravana, he returned to Ayodhya and ruled the kingdom for many years. Finally, when he was ready to return to heaven, he asked Hanuman, his most devoted disciple to go with him. At that time, Hanuman, requested Lord Rama to let him stay on earth as long as the name of Rama is uttered (said) by the people on earth. Therefore, it is believed Hanuman is still living on earth as Lord Rama’s name is still mentioned daily on earth. 4. Kripacharya – From Mahabaratha (Teacher to the princes and uncle of Aswathaama) • Kripacharya is the twin brother of Kripi (mother of Aswathaama) and was born to Shardwan, a great archer and saint. Kripa and Kripi were raised by the great grandfather of the pandavas (King Shantanu) and he was assigned as the teacher to the Pandava and Kaurava princes. He fought for the Kauravas during the great war and was one of the few people who lived after the war. He was appointed the teacher for Parikshit, the grandson of Arjuna, and son of Abhimanyu. 5. Parashurama – From Parashurama avatar (Teach Kalki the art of war and then leave Earth) • Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu is believed to still live on earth with the sole purpose of awaiting the Kalki avatar so he can teach that avatar the art of warfare so as to defeat the evil that will have to be defeated. 6. Vibeshana – From Ramayana (Until the end of this yuga) • In the story of Ramayana, Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu defeats Ravana, the evil King of Lanka. Vibeshana, the good brother of Ravana was appointed the ruler of Lanka by Rama. Lord Rama requests Vibeshana to remain on earth and teach the people the value of devotion to the Lord and the importance of truth and dharma. Therefore, it is believed that Vibeshana is still alive to teach the values of devotion until the end of this yuga. 7. Vyasa – From Mahabaratha (Lived in three yugas – tretayuga, dwaparayuga, and Kaliyuga) • The author of the Mahabharata, the bagavata purana, and the parser of the veda into four parts is also the grandfather of the pandavas and the kauravas. He is believed to be a chiranjivi and expected to live till the end of this yuga.