Are They Watching You Right Now? The 7 Immortals Hinduism Says Still Walk the Earth

Tanmay | Jun 02, 2025, 11:15 IST
Immortal
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This article explores the fascinating concept of Chiranjivis—the seven immortals in Hindu mythology who are believed to still walk the Earth. Each of these legendary figures was granted eternal life for their unique virtues, roles, or divine purposes. The article presents a compelling narrative around each immortal:Ashwatthama – Cursed to live forever in pain for his crimes in the Mahabharata.King Mahabali – A just ruler promised an annual return during the festival of Onam.Veda Vyasa – The divine sage and author of the Mahabharata, who continues to guide through wisdom.Hanuman – The ever-living devotee of Lord Rama, known for his strength and loyalty.Kripacharya – The eternal teacher, symbolizing moral guidance and wisdom.Parashurama – The fierce warrior-sage awaiting his return to train the future avatar, Kalki.Markandeya – The boy-sage blessed with eternal youth after conquering death through devotion.Blending mythology with spiritual reflection, the article invites readers to consider whether these immortals truly roam among us today—perhaps unseen, but forever influencing the world. Their stories serve as timeless reminders of righteousness, sacrifice, devotion, and divine purpose.

Are They Watching You Right Now? The 7 Immortals Hinduism Says Still Walk the Earth


Have you ever felt the presence of something ancient and powerful — like someone is watching over you, not with malice, but with a timeless sense of duty? According to Hindu mythology, this isn’t just a feeling. It might be real. Hindu scriptures speak of seven immortals, known as the Chiranjivi, who still walk the Earth. They are believed to have been blessed with immortality — not in the physical sense we see in sci-fi movies, but in a spiritual and mystical way.

In a world dominated by change, these figures represent the eternal. Let’s explore who they are, what they stand for, and why many believe they are still here, quietly influencing the fate of humankind.

The Concept of Chiranjivi – The Immortals of Hinduism

The term Chiranjivi comes from the Sanskrit root "chiram" meaning "long" and "jivi" meaning "living." Unlike the modern idea of immortality, these beings aren’t invincible superheroes. They live among us (as believed by many), sometimes hidden, sometimes watching from afar, bound by divine purpose rather than time.

These seven immortals were not chosen at random. Each one was granted eternal life for a specific reason — a symbol of values such as knowledge, devotion, strength, righteousness, and sacrifice.
Here they are — the 7 Immortals in Hinduism:

1. Ashwatthama – The Cursed Warrior

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The Cursed Warrior
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Ashwatthama was the son of Dronacharya, the martial teacher in the Mahabharata. A mighty warrior and a key figure in the Kurukshetra war, he was granted a boon by Lord Shiva to be immortal. But his immortality came with a curse.

After the war, Ashwatthama committed a horrific act — he killed the five sons of the Pandavas while they slept. For this, Lord Krishna cursed him to wander the Earth for eternity, suffering pain, disease, and isolation, with no love or home, bearing the guilt of his sins.

Where is he now?
There are countless stories of people claiming to have encountered Ashwatthama — from the dense forests of Madhya Pradesh to the old forts of Rajasthan. Locals describe a tall man with a bleeding wound on his forehead, endlessly wandering.

He represents the burden of wrongdoing and the torment of guilt. Immortality, in his case, is not a gift but a punishment.

2. King Mahabali – The Righteous Demon King

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The Righteous Demon King

King Mahabali was a generous and noble Asura (demon king) who ruled with justice and devotion. The gods, threatened by his growing power, sent Lord Vishnu in the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin. Vamana asked for three steps of land. With one step he covered the Earth, with the second, the sky. With nowhere else to step, Mahabali offered his own head.

Impressed by his humility, Lord Vishnu granted Mahabali immortality and allowed him to return to his people once every year — an event celebrated in Kerala as Onam.

Where is he now?
It is believed Mahabali resides in Sutala, a world below Earth, and still watches over his people, returning during Onam to bless them.

He symbolizes humility, sacrifice, and the just use of power — showing that even demons can attain grace through devotion and righteousness.

3. Ved Vyasa – The Eternal Sage

Ved Vyasa is one of the greatest sages in Hindu tradition. He is credited with composing the Mahabharata, compiling the Vedas, and writing the Puranas — the very foundation of Hindu spiritual literature.
Vyasa was granted immortality to preserve and pass on divine knowledge across generations. His name itself means “the compiler.”

Where is he now?
Many believe Ved Vyasa lives in the Himalayas, continuing his spiritual work, invisible to the ordinary eye. Some mystics claim to have seen him in deep meditation, guiding other sages.
He stands as a symbol of wisdom, learning, and spiritual truth, reminding us that knowledge, like the soul, is eternal.

4. Hanuman – The Devoted Protector

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Hanuman
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Lord Hanuman, the monkey god and ardent devotee of Lord Rama, is perhaps the most beloved of the immortals. Blessed with superhuman strength, wisdom, and unwavering devotion, Hanuman played a crucial role in the Ramayana, especially in the battle against Ravana.
After Rama’s departure from Earth, Hanuman chose to stay and live forever, so he could continue chanting Rama’s name and serving his devotees.

Where is he now?
Hanuman is believed to be wherever Rama’s name is chanted with love. Countless people claim that he has helped them in moments of dire need — in temples, on battlefields, in hospitals, or during accidents.
He embodies devotion, service, courage, and humility, reminding us that true power comes from faith and surrender.

5. Vibhishana – The Just Brother of a Demon

Vibhishana was Ravana’s younger brother. When Ravana refused to return Sita to Lord Rama, Vibhishana opposed him and joined Rama’s side, despite being a Rakshasa (demon).
After the war, Rama crowned Vibhishana the king of Lanka. Impressed by his virtue and honesty, Rama blessed him with immortality so he could rule Lanka and guide it with dharma (righteousness) forever.

Where is he now?
It is believed Vibhishana still rules the spiritual dimension of Lanka, unseen by the mortal eye. His immortal life is a reward for choosing truth over family ties, showing that righteousness has no boundaries of race or blood.

6. Kripa – The Eternal Teacher

Kripacharya, or Kripa, was the royal teacher of the Kuru dynasty. He fought in the Mahabharata war and survived. Known for his wisdom, discipline, and impartiality, he was appointed as a teacher and guide to the next generation.
He was granted immortality for his loyalty, honesty, and deep knowledge of dharma.

Where is he now?
Kripa is believed to live in the Himalayas, guiding souls in the subtle realms and appearing on Earth when true guidance is needed.
He represents education, ethical conduct, and balanced judgment, qualities much needed in the modern world.

7. Parashurama – The Warrior Sage

Parashurama is the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, a fierce warrior born to rid the world of corrupt Kshatriyas (warrior kings). He wielded an axe gifted by Shiva and is believed to have annihilated evil kings 21 times over.
Unlike other avatars, Parashurama never died. He was granted immortality and is believed to be waiting for the arrival of the final avatar, Kalki, to train him in warfare.

Where is he now?
Legends say Parashurama resides in the Western Ghats and appears at sacred sites like Mount Mahendragiri in Odisha. He is expected to return to Earth when Kalki appears at the end of Kali Yuga.
He symbolizes strength used wisely, discipline, and the fight against corruption.

Why Are These Immortals Still Here?

Each Chiranjivi was given eternal life not for personal gain, but for a cosmic purpose. They are reminders of:
  • Justice and morality (Vibhishana, Parashurama, Kripa)
  • Devotion and service (Hanuman)
  • Knowledge and truth (Vyasa)
  • Sacrifice and humility (Mahabali)
  • The consequences of karma (Ashwatthama)
These immortals are not hiding in caves waiting for glory — they are believed to be active in subtle ways: influencing events, guiding the righteous, protecting the good, and punishing the wicked.

Are They Watching You Right Now?

It’s a fascinating idea. The thought that ancient beings of divine energy still move among us — unseen, perhaps cloaked in normal human form, or watching from the astral plane.
Maybe when you escape a fatal accident, find unexpected guidance, or feel a powerful presence in a temple, you’re not alone. Maybe a Chiranjivi is nearby, fulfilling their vow.
Whether you believe literally or symbolically, the presence of these immortals challenges us to live better — to act with integrity, seek truth, serve others, and remember that what we do today echoes far into eternity.

Final Thoughts

Hindu mythology is filled with stories that blend philosophy, symbolism, and mysticism. The concept of the seven immortals — the Chiranjivi — is not just a tale of beings who defied death, but a powerful reminder of the eternal forces of dharma, devotion, and knowledge.
They live not just in ancient texts or mountain caves, but perhaps in every act of truth, every moment of courage, every stand for justice.
So the next time you feel like someone is watching over you — maybe, just maybe — it’s not your imagination.


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