Hindu mythology
Hindu mythology is full of twists, turns, and mysteries. It has given us all-powerful Gods and Goddesses along with demons so cruel that their names used to make humans shiver and shake. Our mythology is also full of characters so pious and righteous that they were given the boon of living forever and also some grey characters that were not granted salvation and given immortality as a curse.
Mixed with some of both, here we mention five chiranjeevis (immortals) of Hindu mythology.
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Lord Hanuman
Hanuman ji is known far and wide for his loyalty to Lord Ram and his unwavering dedication towards him. He was the first person to find Mata Sita in the Ashok Vatika and gave her Lord Rama’s ring. According to some, Mata Sita blessed him with immortality after receiving the ring. According to more beliefs, after Lord Rama defeated Ravana, Hanuman ji displayed his devotion by revealing Rama and Sita in his chest. Touched by this gesture, Lord Rama granted him immortality. When the Gods were going back to heaven, they asked Hanuman ji to stay on Earth, for he was immortal, to make sure everything here worked right and all life was protected.
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Ved Vyasa
The author of the epic scriptures, Ved Vyasa is one of the immortals according to many beliefs. Born as the son of Sage Parashara and Satyavati, he is the great-grandson of Sage Vashistha according to certain texts. Ved Vyasa's birth spanned the end of Treta Yuga, enduring through Dvapara Yuga and into the onset of Kali Yuga. He is worshipped in Hindu traditions and families as the great saint who served the knowledge of the epics to everyone. It is said that Ved Vyasa is immortal for he wished to spread the knowledge of right conduct and behaviour to help people in the Kali Yuga.
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Ashwatthama
The son of Dronacharya, Ashwatthama was an important character in the Mahabharata. He fought against the Pandavas due to his loyalty to Duryodhana, and was given exceptional skills and training in both war and weapons. He also had a gem on his forehead that protected him from disease and death. But, his one mistake earned him Lord Krishna’s wrath. As revenge for his father’s death, he killed five Pandava children which angered Lord Krishna. Post the incident, Krishna removed the gem, leaving Ashwatthama cursed with immortality so that he served his punishment in the form of suffering.
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Parashurama
Lord Parashurama is the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who was born in a Brahmin family but developed the traits of a warrior. He wielded an axe and was a skilled warrior. It is said that Lord Parshuram arose to rid the world of Kshatriyas, who had turned oppressive instead of protective. Lord Parashurama defeated many evil kings and was granted immortality to teach the next incarnation of Lord Vishnu all about weaponry and victory against evil.
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Vibhishana
Vibhishana was demon King ‘Ravanas’ younger brother. When Lord Brahma asked them about their wishes, Vibhishana chose to ask for unwavering dedication to truth and honesty. During the war of Lanka and before, when Ravana abducted Mata Sita, Vibhishana recognized the wrong in his brother and went on to side with Lord Rama, for he always stood with the truth. Eventually, he joined Lord Rama’s army during the war of Lanka and despite being an asura, his loyalty and fight for justice earned him immortality.
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King Bali
King Mahabali is known as the greatest Asura ruler who conquered the three realms. It is beleived that while he resides in the Patal Lok, he annually revisits Earth.
Legends goes that during the Ashvamegha Yagna, Vamana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, asked for 3 steps of land. As Vamana expanded, he claimed heaven and Earth. Mahabali then offered his head for the 3rd step. As Vamana put his feet on Bali's head, he was pushed down to the netherworld. Impressed, Lord Vishnu honoured him by giving him kingship of the Patal lok, immortality and the chance to be the next Indra.
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