7 Legendary Hindu Chiranjeevis Who Never Die – Where Are They Now?
Riya Kumari | Jan 13, 2025, 19:29 IST
Immortality has always captured our imagination—an endless life, untouched by death, sounds like the stuff of legends. In Hindu mythology, this idea isn’t just fantasy; it’s a reality for a select few known as Chiranjeevis, or “immortal beings.” But their immortality isn’t a gift for personal gain—it’s a divine responsibility to uphold dharma and guide humanity through the ages.
In Hinduism, Chiranjeevis are immortal beings destined to live until the end of Kaliyuga. These divine personalities were granted immortality with a specific purpose: to guide, protect, and preserve dharma in a world often plagued by adharma (unrighteousness). Here’s a closer look at these legendary Chiranjeevis, their current whereabouts, and the purpose of their eternal existence.
1. Ashwatthama
Cursed by Lord Krishna for unleashing the Brahmastra weapon on the Pandavas’ lineage, Ashwatthama was condemned to wander the Earth with unhealed wounds. His immortality serves as a lesson in humility, repentance, and the consequences of unchecked anger and ego. Ashwatthama is believed to roam forests and remote areas, avoiding human contact. Some stories suggest he is still searching for redemption, and occasional sightings of a mysterious figure with a gem-like mark on the forehead keep the legend alive.
2. Hanuman
Blessed with immortality by Lord Rama, Hanuman vowed to remain on Earth to assist devotees of Rama, protect dharma, and inspire devotion. His presence ensures that the values of selfless service, courage, and devotion continue to flourish. Hanuman is said to dwell in places where Lord Rama’s name is chanted. He is believed to invisibly protect his devotees and has even been linked to miraculous interventions. Sacred temples, such as the Anjaneya Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh, are considered places of his divine presence.
3. Parashurama
As the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, Parashurama’s purpose is to train the next Vishnu incarnation, Kalki, in warfare to end Kaliyuga and restore dharma. Until then, he is tasked with preserving knowledge of martial arts and guiding righteous warriors. Parashurama is believed to meditate in the Mahendra Mountains or dwell in secluded hermitages. Some traditions state that he appears to deserving individuals to impart divine knowledge, especially in times of great need.
4. Vibhishana
Vibhishana was blessed by Lord Rama with immortality to guide humanity on the path of dharma. As the king of Lanka after Ravana’s defeat, he serves as a symbol of righteousness even in a world filled with material temptations. It is believed that Vibhishana still rules over a mystical, spiritual version of Lanka, hidden from mortal eyes. His purpose is to govern with dharma, ensuring that the teachings of Lord Rama continue to influence humanity.
5. Kripacharya
Kripacharya was granted immortality to preserve and propagate Vedic knowledge. His role is to mentor future generations and guide humanity during times of moral crisis. As a living repository of ancient wisdom, his purpose is to ensure dharma’s continuity. Kripacharya is believed to reside in hermitages or sacred sites, quietly guiding seekers and safeguarding sacred texts. His occasional reappearances in mythology symbolize the timeless relevance of knowledge and dharma.
6. Markandeya
Markandeya, a great sage and devotee of Lord Shiva, was granted immortality after he was saved from death at a young age. His story serves as a testament to the power of devotion and the divine grace of Shiva. Markandeya is often depicted as meditating, traveling the Earth, or residing in places where divine knowledge is revered. His continued existence symbolizes the victory of devotion over mortality and the eternal flow of spiritual wisdom.
7. Bali (Mahabali)
Bali, the Asura king, was granted immortality by Lord Vishnu after being defeated in the form of Vamana (the dwarf avatar). His immortality serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and the cyclical nature of life and death. Bali’s return is also linked to the promise of Vishnu’s protection. Bali is believed to rule over the netherworld (Patala), where he resides in peace and prosperity. Every year, during the Onam festival, it is believed that Bali returns to visit his people, symbolizing the ongoing protection he provides.
Why the Chiranjeevis Matter Today
The Chiranjeevis were not just granted immortality for their own benefit—they serve as divine custodians of dharma, helping humanity through their wisdom, strength, and spiritual presence. Their continued existence ensures that the principles of righteousness, devotion, and humility remain alive, even in an age like Kaliyuga, where moral decay is prevalent. Whether they physically walk among us or exist in a spiritual form, their stories inspire us to uphold dharma, seek redemption, and remain steadfast in our values.
1. Ashwatthama
Ashwatthama
Cursed by Lord Krishna for unleashing the Brahmastra weapon on the Pandavas’ lineage, Ashwatthama was condemned to wander the Earth with unhealed wounds. His immortality serves as a lesson in humility, repentance, and the consequences of unchecked anger and ego. Ashwatthama is believed to roam forests and remote areas, avoiding human contact. Some stories suggest he is still searching for redemption, and occasional sightings of a mysterious figure with a gem-like mark on the forehead keep the legend alive.
2. Hanuman
Hanuman
Blessed with immortality by Lord Rama, Hanuman vowed to remain on Earth to assist devotees of Rama, protect dharma, and inspire devotion. His presence ensures that the values of selfless service, courage, and devotion continue to flourish. Hanuman is said to dwell in places where Lord Rama’s name is chanted. He is believed to invisibly protect his devotees and has even been linked to miraculous interventions. Sacred temples, such as the Anjaneya Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh, are considered places of his divine presence.
3. Parashurama
Parashurama
As the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, Parashurama’s purpose is to train the next Vishnu incarnation, Kalki, in warfare to end Kaliyuga and restore dharma. Until then, he is tasked with preserving knowledge of martial arts and guiding righteous warriors. Parashurama is believed to meditate in the Mahendra Mountains or dwell in secluded hermitages. Some traditions state that he appears to deserving individuals to impart divine knowledge, especially in times of great need.
4. Vibhishana
Vibhishana
Vibhishana was blessed by Lord Rama with immortality to guide humanity on the path of dharma. As the king of Lanka after Ravana’s defeat, he serves as a symbol of righteousness even in a world filled with material temptations. It is believed that Vibhishana still rules over a mystical, spiritual version of Lanka, hidden from mortal eyes. His purpose is to govern with dharma, ensuring that the teachings of Lord Rama continue to influence humanity.
5. Kripacharya
Kripacharya
Kripacharya was granted immortality to preserve and propagate Vedic knowledge. His role is to mentor future generations and guide humanity during times of moral crisis. As a living repository of ancient wisdom, his purpose is to ensure dharma’s continuity. Kripacharya is believed to reside in hermitages or sacred sites, quietly guiding seekers and safeguarding sacred texts. His occasional reappearances in mythology symbolize the timeless relevance of knowledge and dharma.
6. Markandeya
Markandeya
Markandeya, a great sage and devotee of Lord Shiva, was granted immortality after he was saved from death at a young age. His story serves as a testament to the power of devotion and the divine grace of Shiva. Markandeya is often depicted as meditating, traveling the Earth, or residing in places where divine knowledge is revered. His continued existence symbolizes the victory of devotion over mortality and the eternal flow of spiritual wisdom.
7. Bali (Mahabali)
Bali (Mahabali)
Bali, the Asura king, was granted immortality by Lord Vishnu after being defeated in the form of Vamana (the dwarf avatar). His immortality serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and the cyclical nature of life and death. Bali’s return is also linked to the promise of Vishnu’s protection. Bali is believed to rule over the netherworld (Patala), where he resides in peace and prosperity. Every year, during the Onam festival, it is believed that Bali returns to visit his people, symbolizing the ongoing protection he provides.