Hindu mythology describes the 7 Chiranjeevis as a group of seven remarkable beings who received the gift of immortality. Numerous scriptures, such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, have included these Chiranjeevis. In total, seven immortals in Hinduism drastically shaped the traditions and beliefs of Hindus throughout the ages by either being eternally blessed or cursed. While most believe that these beings continue to exist but remain in hiding and often unseen, there is no factual evidence to substantiate their existence as religious texts purely describe them based on the concepts of faith, mythology, and cultural storytelling.
Who Are the 7 Chiranjeevis?
The 7 Chiranjeevis are:
- Hanuman
- Ashwatthama
- Vibhishana
- Vedavyasa
- Parashurama
- Markandeya
- Kripacharya
Millions of devotees still worship these immortals, all of whom play prominent roles in Hindu mythology. This raises the question, if these beings possess such remarkable attributes, then where do immortals go? And where do immortals live? Let’s take a deep dive into the scriptures, folklore, and historical retellings to define their presumed locations.
Lord Hanuman: The Eternal Devotee
One of the notable Chiranjeevis, Hanuman, was granted immortality by Lord Ram. It is believed that he stays in the Gandhamadan Mountains chanting the name of Lord Ram. His devotees believe that Hanuman is always present during the chanting of Lord Ram, which makes him one of the most active of the seven immortals in Hinduism. Some spiritual scriptures discuss Hanuman as a being who exists in every corner of the world eternally; still, no one can provide any modern proof of his existence.
Ashwatthama: The Cursed Warrior
He was one of the main characters in the Mahabharata; Ashwatthama was given a curse by Lord Krishna to be forced to wander the earth forever for the unauthorized use of the Brahmastra. It’s said he now wanders around the Narmada River in complete agony while his wounds remain unhealed. There have been some accounts over the years, but none of them are verifiable so far. His story is best categorized as a blend of mythology and faith, not substantiated fact.
Vibhishana: The Righteous King of Lanka
As Ravana’s brother, Vibhishana fought for Lord Ram during the war with Lanka. He was gifted immortality and reign over Lanka due to his steadfast loyalty and morality. Some legends believe he takes the shape of a spirit, protecting and blessing Lanka and her people. In mythology, his rule is said to be extensive, but contemporary views argue he symbolizes the triumph of dharma over adharma instead of being immortal and living for eternity.
Vedavyasa: The Sage Who Wrote the Mahabharata
The supposed writer of the Mahabharata, Vedavyasa, is said to constantly meditate in the Himalayas, in an unknown location deep within Badrinath. He is known to manifest during auspicious recitations of his work, granting favors to those who keep the custom alive. While in Vedic literature, Vedavyasa is indeed a prominent person, historians think he stands for a dynasty of sages instead of one immortal human being who still exists.
Parashurama: The Warrior Sage
The Hindus state that Parashurama, an avatar of Vishnu who exterminated corrupt Kshatriya rulers, is still alive today. It is said he dwells in the Mahendragiri Mountains, where he instructs select divine disciples in warfare. Some spiritual seekers claim that Parashurama teaches arcane martial arts and dharmic principles to future warriors in hopes of preparing them for future cosmic battles. But like other Chiranjeevis, his historical existence is devoid of any records outside mythology.
Markandeya: The Eternal Youth
Unlike others, Markandeya is said to have attained immortality because of his devotion to Lord Shiva. His tale comprises unfaltering devotion, and he is said to be eternally meditating in caves, surfacing occasionally to bless his devotees. Some ancient scrolls believe that Markandeya is one of the many guardians of cosmic equilibrium and invisibly guides every aspiring individual. While his tale may be inspiring, it cannot be backed by proof of his existence.
Kripacharya: The Eternal Guru
Kripacharya is one of the greatest teachers of the Mahabharata and is famous for his unmatched knowledge in the Vedas. As per the legends, he still lives somewhere and is continuing to teach unseen by any human beings. Some tellings say that advanced mystic practitioners received some form of wisdom from nowhere, which they have always believed is the guidance of Kripacharya. Still, like the others, he is an account of faith and not history.
Where Do Immortals Go? Where Do Immortals Live?
The seven Hindu mythological immortals are said to live in regions that are beyond the reach of normal human beings. From the Himalayas to the forests and mountains of Lanka, the Chiranjeevis are said to still be existing and quietly influencing the world, as per traditions. While some, like Vedavyasa and Hanuman, are said to show up in certain spiritual functions and gatherings, others, like Ashwatthama and Kripacharya, prefer solitude and are waiting for the Kalyuga to end. Despite all these claims, they remain unproven outside religious and mythological texts.
The stories of the 7 Chiranjeevis demonstrate how even in the contemporary world, ancient knowledge can be preserved. Their presence, whether seen or unseen, continues to inspire millions. Each of these immortals has a story that adds value to Hindu mythology, be it Hanuman’s devotion, Ashwatthama’s suffering, Vibhishana’s righteousness, or Parashurama’s penance. Their being explains the frequently asked question, Where do the immortals go? Most likely, they are much closer than we assume, watching over us in silence and guiding and protecting the entire world.
Although one can see that these characters are still modern symbols instead of literal immortals, scholars and historians tend to disagree. These tales play a bigger part in moral, ethical, and spiritual reasoning rather than a surprisingly exact literal claim. As much as faith keeps the narratives alive, it is, on the contrary, hard to prove with physical evidence. Believing in 7 Chiranjeevis for some could be just a matter of logic, but for others, it can be seen as intermixing different aspects of faith and mythology.
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