Hanuman Isn’t the Only One: The Untold Stories of Hindu Mythology’s Chiranjeevi

In Hindu mythology, the concept of Chiranjeevi (the immortals) holds a fascinating place. The term refers to individuals blessed with immortality, who continue to live across the ages to serve divine purposes or as a result of divine blessings. While most people are familiar with Lord Hanuman as a Chiranjeevi, Hindu scriptures mention other notable immortals who hold significant roles in mythological tales and spiritual traditions.
Let’s delve into the intriguing lives of the seven principal Chiranjeevi and the reasons for their immortality, alongside their roles in Hindu lore.

The Seven Principal Chiranjeevi and Their StoriesAshwatthama, the son of Guru Dronacharya, was a mighty warrior in the Mahabharata. After the Kauravas’ defeat, he sought vengeance by killing the sleeping sons of the Pandavas in their camp. When he tried to use the Brahmastra against the unborn child of Abhimanyu, Lord Krishna intervened and cursed him to live eternally with a festering wound on his forehead as a punishment for his heinous acts.
What Ashwatthama Represents: A cautionary tale of unchecked anger and ego. His immortality is a reminder of the consequences of straying from righteousness.

The sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, Parashurama, was both a sage and a warrior. Known for annihilating the oppressive Kshatriyas 21 times, he later renounced violence and embraced spiritual life. Unlike other Vishnu avatars, Parashurama did not merge back into the divine but remained immortal to guide humanity whenever dharma is threatened.
Role in Mythology: A protector of righteousness and an exemplar of transformation from violence to wisdom.
Lesson for Today: The balance between power and humility is vital in upholding justice.

In the Ramayana, Vibhishana, the younger brother of Ravana, stands out as a beacon of virtue. Despite being born into the demon clan, he chose to side with Lord Rama, abandoning his brother when Ravana’s ego and arrogance clouded his judgment. Pleased by his unwavering loyalty to dharma, Rama blessed him with immortality and entrusted him with the kingship of Lanka.
What Vibhishana Teaches Us: Virtue and righteousness are not determined by one’s birth but by one’s actions.
Modern Parallel: Standing by the truth, even if it means going against one’s own, is a mark of true courage.


Kripacharya was a revered teacher in the Mahabharata, known for his deep wisdom and impartiality. As the royal preceptor of the Pandavas and Kauravas, he played a significant role in shaping their destinies. Blessed with immortality, Kripacharya continues to represent the timeless value of knowledge and the role of a teacher in guiding humanity.
Role in Mythology: A symbol of eternal wisdom and the transmission of knowledge.
Why It Matters: His story emphasizes that true immortality lies in the impact of wisdom shared across generations.
Markandeya’s tale is one of unshakable faith. According to legend, he was destined to die at 16. However, his unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva saved him from death, and he was blessed with eternal life. He later became the narrator of the Markandeya Purana, a sacred text that includes stories of creation and destruction.
What Markandeya Symbolizes: The power of devotion and the protection it offers.
Life Lesson: True faith and surrender to the divine can help overcome even the gravest of challenges.

King Mahabali, an Asura, was known for his generosity and devotion. During his reign, he was pushed into the netherworld by Lord Vishnu in the form of Vamana, but his humility and virtue earned him immortality. Vishnu promised Mahabali that he could visit his kingdom once a year, a tradition celebrated as Onam in Kerala.
Role in Mythology: A symbol of humility and the cyclical nature of power.
Takeaway: Greatness lies in humility and selflessness, even in the face of loss.

Hanuman, the mighty vanara from the Ramayana, is the most well-known Chiranjeevi. His unmatched devotion to Lord Rama earned him immortality, allowing him to live eternally and serve humanity.
Why Hanuman Is Special: He is the epitome of strength, humility, and selfless service.
Impact on Devotees: Hanuman is believed to still reside on earth, coming to the aid of those who chant Lord Rama’s name.

The Symbolism of ChiranjeeviThe Chiranjeevi are not just immortals but symbols of virtues that transcend time. Their immortality represents the eternal nature of values like devotion, righteousness, humility, and wisdom. These stories remind us of the consequences of our actions and inspire us to align with dharma.
Do the Chiranjeevi Still Exist?The existence of Chiranjeevi is a matter of faith and belief. There are many tales of encounters with figures resembling Ashwatthama or Hanuman, particularly in remote areas. While their physical presence is debated, their spiritual essence and the lessons they embody continue to resonate.
How the Chiranjeevi Inspire Us TodayAshwatthama: Caution against anger and ego.
Parashurama: The need to protect righteousness while evolving as individuals.
Vibhishana: Standing by the truth, regardless of personal cost.
Kripacharya: The enduring power of knowledge and teaching.
Markandeya: The strength of faith and devotion.
Mahabali: Humility in power and grace in loss.
Hanuman: Selfless service and unwavering devotion.

Final ThoughtThe Chiranjeevi are more than mythical immortals; they are eternal reminders of human potential and divine grace. Their stories, steeped in spirituality and morality, offer timeless guidance for navigating life’s complexities. By learning from their virtues and flaws, we can strive to lead lives that resonate with truth, purpose, and harmony.