The Eight Immortals In Hindu Sanatan Dharma.
In the Hindu belief system, life is seen as a continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. This cycle, known as samsara, continues endlessly until one achieves liberation, or moksha. It is only through good karma or the attainment of nirvana that one can break free from this cycle. While no being is ordinarily immune to the inevitabilities of life and death, Hindu Dharma speaks of eight exceptional individuals who have been granted the unique gift—or perhaps the curse—of immortality. These beings are known as the Astha Chiranjeevi, or the Eight Immortals.
The term “Chiranjeevi” combines two Sanskrit words: “Chiram,” meaning long, and “Jivee,” meaning lived. Together, they describe someone who lives an exceptionally long life, even to the point of being immortal. These
eight Chiranjeevi have existed through the ages, from the ancient Satyayuga and are believed to remain alive even today, enduring until the arrival of the next Satyayuga. These revered figures include Asura King Mahabali, the sage Markandeya, Vishnu’s sixth avatar Parashurama, Vibhishana, Hanuman, Ved Vyasa, Kripa-Charya, and Ashwatthama.
Here are those list of Eight Immortals explained in Brief.
1.Mahabali
King Mahabali was a benevolent ruler of the Asura race, known for his fairness and devotion to his people. His reign was marked by peace and prosperity, but his growing power worried the gods. To curb his influence, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, and tricked Mahabali into giving up his kingdom by requesting land that could be covered in three steps. Vamana then expanded to a colossal size, covering the earth and heavens in two steps, and sent
Mahabali to the underworld with the third. Despite this, Vishnu was so pleased with Mahabali’s righteousness and devotion that he allowed him to visit his kingdom once a year, an event celebrated as the festival of Onam in Kerala.
2.Sage Markandeya
Sage Markandeya is celebrated for his unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva. Born to Mrikandu or Martand Rishi and Marudmati after they prayed to Shiva for a son, Markandeya was destined to die young, at the age of 16. On the day of his foretold death, he clung to a Shivalingam and continued his worship. When Yama, the god of death, tried to take his life, Shiva intervened, defeating Yama and granting Markandeya immortality as a reward for his deep devotion. Markandeya’s story is a powerful testament to the protective power of true devotion.
3.Parashurama
Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, is a unique figure who straddles the worlds of both the Brahmins and Kshatriyas. Born into a Brahmin family but possessing the warrior traits of a Kshatriya, Parashurama was a fierce and respected warrior. His most famous act was his revenge against the corrupt Kshatriya class, particularly King Kartavirya Sahasrarjuna, who had wronged his family. Parashurama is believed to still be alive, residing on earth as an Avesha Avatar (where Vishnu’s spirit inhabits a human), and is said to reappear as the martial instructor of Vishnu’s final avatar, Kalki.
4.Vibhishana
Vibhishana, the younger brother of the demon king Ravana, is known for his unwavering commitment to Dharma (righteousness). Unlike his brother, Vibhishana chose the path of righteousness and allied himself with Lord Rama during the epic battle of Ramayana. After Ravana’s defeat, Rama crowned Vibhishana as the king of Lanka, where he
ruled with justice and guided his people toward the path of Dharma. His story exemplifies the triumph of good over evil and the importance of following the righteous path, regardless of personal loyalties.
5.Hanuman
Hanuman, the mighty monkey god and devotee of Lord Rama, is one of the most revered figures in Hindu mythology. Known for his immense strength, unwavering devotion, and wisdom, Hanuman played a crucial role in the Ramayana, helping Rama rescue Sita from Ravana. Hanuman is considered immortal due to his blessing from Sita, ensuring that he would live as long as the name of Rama is chanted on earth. He remains a symbol of devotion, courage, and selfless service, and is worshipped by millions for his protective and healing powers.
6.Ved Vyasa
Ved Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata
and one of the greatest sages in Hindu tradition, is also among the Chiranjeevis. He is credited with compiling the Vedas and writing the Puranas, which are foundational texts in Hinduism. Vyasa is believed to have lived through the Dvapara Yuga and into the Kali Yuga, continuing to guide humanity through his teachings and writings. His work has left an indelible mark on Hindu thought and philosophy, making him a central figure in the preservation and transmission of Hindu knowledge.
7.Kripa-Charya
Kripa, also known as Kripa-Charya, was a royal guru in the Mahabharata and the chief priest at Hastinapur. Born miraculously to the sage Shardwan, Kripa was adopted by King Shantanu. Despite his involvement in the Kurukshetra war, Kripa survived and was appointed as the teacher of the Kuru princes. Due to his immense knowledge of the scriptures and his impeccable conduct, Kripa was blessed with immortality. His story
highlights the virtues of loyalty, wisdom, and the importance of upholding Dharma in all circumstances.
8. Ashwatthama
Ashwatthama, the son of Dronacharya, is known for his unmatched warrior skills and the tragic curse that rendered him immortal. After the defeat of the Kauravas in the Mahabharata, Ashwatthama, in a fit of rage, committed a grievous act by killing the sons of the Pandavas, mistaking them for their fathers. For this, he was cursed by Lord Krishna to live forever with unhealing wounds, wandering the earth in pain and isolation. Ashwatthama’s immortality is more of a curse than a blessing, serving as a reminder of the consequences of anger and vengeance.
These eight Chiranjeevis are revered not only
for their immortality but also for the powerful moral and spiritual lessons their stories impart. They continue to inspire believers and are seen as living examples of the virtues and challenges associated with following the path of Dharma.
Vibhishana, the noble Rakshasa, stands out among the Chiranjeevis for his righteousness. The younger brother of the demon king Ravana, Vibhishana chose the path of Dharma over loyalty to his family. When Ravana kidnapped Sita.
In conclusion, these eight Chiranjeevis are not just mythological figures; they are embodiments of timeless lessons on devotion, righteousness, and the complexities of life and immortality. Their stories continue to inspire and remind us of the eternal battle between good and evil, and the enduring nature of Dharma.
