Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages in India, tells us that "Chiran" means long or permanent and "jivi" means living, hence "Chiranjeevi" means "Immortal". Hindu religious texts describe seven Chiranjeevi's or Immortals who will exist till the end of Kaliyuga. There is a mantra about seven immortals. This mantra contains 7 names of Cheeranjeevi's. This mantra is recited every day for good luck and long life.
"Ashwatthama Balir Vyaso Hanumanash cha Vibhishana
Krupacharya cha Parashuramam Saptaita Chiranjeevanam".
which means Ashwatthama, Mahabali, Vyasa, Hanuman, Vibhishana, Krupacharya and Parashurama are the 7 immortals still alive in Kaliyuga. Some religious texts explain that each of these immortal represents an attribute of humanity and their purpose is to guide Kalki the last avatar of Vishnu.
ASHWATTHAMA
Mythological stories say that Ashwatthama born to Dronacharya and Kripi. He is one of the 11 Rudra's and possesses the same valour as Lord Shiva. Ashwathama fought for the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra battle. He and his maternal uncle Kripacharya are the only two survivors of the war. Ashwathama an invincible warrior is believed to be the master of science of weapons. He possesses the complete mastery over 64 forms of Arts and 18 Vidya or branches of knowledge religious texts say that he will be the next Vyasa and also become one of the Saptarishi's.
BALI
Bali is also known as Mahabali in mythological stories. Bali was born to Virochana and Devamba, also the grandson of Prahlada. Bali is one of the greatest devotees in Indian mythology. Mahabali was known for his valour and charity although he was an Asura. Mahabali was a very pious, religious and righteous king who took great care of his subjects. His empire extended from the Vindhyas in the north to fall down south with Kerala as his capital. Lord Vishnu took the form of a Vamana or a small boy and asked the King Mahabali for three strides of land, Mahabali agreed. The Vamana (Lord Vishnu) grew in size and measured the entire sky and earth with two strides. Mahabali was Unable to fulfil the promise of Vamana (Lord Vishnu). Mahabali asked Lord Vishnu to place the third stride on his head, the third stride of Lord Vishnu sent him to Patal Lok. But Mahabali impressed Lord Vishnu by his benevolence and humility, Lord Vishnu blessed him to be a Chiranjeevi. He also granted him the boon of being the Indra during the time of the eighth Manu. Once every year Mahabali descends on earth to visit his people and they warmly welcomed him by celebrating the day as Onam. The grandson of Prahlada, one of the greatest devotees in Indian mythology. Mahabali was known for his valour and charity.
VEDA VYASA
Mythological stories say that Veda Vyasa born to Maharshi Parasa and Satyavati he was named as Krishna Dwaipayana. Vyasa means compiler in Sanskrit. He is famously known as Veda Vyasa as he classified the Vedas. It is believed that Vyasa is one of the forms of Lord Vishnu who came in Dwaparayuga to make the Vedic knowledge available in written form. He also split the Vedas into four to make it easy to read. The famous epic Mahabharata was composed and narrated by him to Lord Ganesha. He also appeared as a character in the epic. His birthday is celebrated as Vyasa Poornima or Guru Poornima throughout India.
HANUMAN
Mythological stories say that Hanuman one of the foremost devotees of Lord Rama. Hanuman was born as Maruti to the monkey King Kesari and his wife Anjana. He is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Lord of the wind Vayu is known to be his Godfather and hence he is also called as Vayu Putra. In the Ramayana, it is Hanuman who found Sita in Lanka. He sat above a tree in Ashok Vatika and saw many rakshasees troubling her, to motivate her he recited the Ram mantra and gave her Lord Rama's ring. Thrilled to see Lord Rama's messenger Sita blessed him with immortality. It is believed that wherever Lord Rama's name is chanted Hanuman will be present there. Few stages of this era like Tulsidas, Raghavendra and Madhavacharya are believed to have got his darshan.
VIBHISHANA
Mythological stories say that Vibhishana was the youngest son of sage Vishrava and Kaikesi. Vibhishana was the brother of the ten-headed Ravana and the mighty Kumbha Karna. Although born in a demon family Vibhishana was righteous, pious and an ardent devotee of Lord Rama. He did not appreciate his brother abducting someone else's wife, despite his repeated requests and advice Ravana continue to keep Sita captive and decided to wage a war against Lord Rama. Constantly insulted by his brother Vibhishana surrendered to Lord Rama. In fact, it was Vibhishana who disclosed the secret of Ravana's end to Lord Rama helping him vanquish him. Lord Rama not only crowned him as the King of Lanka but also granted him the boon of immortality.
KRIPACHARYA
Mythological stories say that Kripacharya was one of the prominent characters in the Mahabharata. Kripa is also known as kripacharya. Although born to Sharadvana and Janapadi. He was adopted by King Shantanu. His twin sister Kripi married the great warrior Drona. Kripa became an acharya or teacher to the royal children he fought on the Kauravas side in the Mahabharata war and was one of the survivors. Bhishma declared Kripa as a mighty warrior who was capable of fighting 60,000 warriors simultaneously. He was adept in the
mastery of weapons and combat skills. He was appointed as the teacher of Parikshit the grandson of Arjuna. Kripa is also believed to become a Sapthrishi in Kaliyuga.
PARASHURAMA
Mythological stories say that Parashurama born to Jamadagni and Renuka. Parashurama is said to be the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the Dashavatar. He received his Bow Vijaya(Bilvidya) and acts from Lord Shiva who also taught him kalarippayattu the mother of all martial arts. His father was killed by the mighty king Kartavirya Arjuna hence Parasurama decided to rid the world of Kshatriyas. He said to have single-handedly conquered the world and killed over crores of Kshatriyas. Parashurama was a teacher to warriors like Bhishma, Drona and Karna. Meghanadha Ravana's son and Parashurama the two humans who possess the three ultimate weapons Brahmandastra, Vaishnavastra and Pashupatastra. Religious texts code that Parashurama will reappear as a martial arts teacher to the tenth avatar of Lord Vishnu Kalki.
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