Hindu tradition holds that seven beings are immortal — they live on through every age (yuga) until the dissolution of the current creation cycle. They are collectively called the Saptachiranjeevi (सप्तचिरञ्जीवी): sapta = seven, chira = eternal, jeevi = living beings. Hanuman is one of the seven.
The Shloka
The seven immortals are named in a traditional shloka recited at dawn:
अश्वत्थामा बलिर्व्यासो हनुमांश्च विभीषणः ।
कृपः परशुरामश्च सप्तैते चिरञ्जीविनः ॥
Ashwatthama Balir Vyaso Hanumamshcha Vibheeshanah |
Krupah Parashuramascha Saptaite Chiranjeevinah ||
Translation: “Ashwatthama, Bali, Vyasa, Hanuman, Vibhishana, Kripa, and Parashurama — these seven are the chiranjeevi (immortals).”
Reciting this shloka at dawn is said to remove all sins and grant long life. It is part of the traditional pratah smarana (morning remembrance) practice in many Hindu households.
The Seven Immortals
1. Ashwatthama
Son of Dronacharya, the great teacher of the Kurus and Pandavas. Ashwatthama was a partial avatar of Shiva and an outstanding warrior. But at the end of the Kurukshetra war, he committed a terrible act: in anger at the Pandavas’ victory, he released the Brahmastra weapon at the womb of Uttara, wife of Abhimanyu, to destroy the Pandava lineage. Krishna intervened and revived the child (who became Parikshit), but cursed Ashwatthama: he would live forever, but would suffer — bearing the wound of his own gem (which was embedded in his forehead) removed, wandering through forests in pain, shunned by all beings. His immortality is a curse, not a blessing. Some traditions say he wanders the earth to this day, seeking absolution.
2. Bali (Mahabali)
Bali was the righteous asura king of the three worlds — the grandson of Prahlada. His generosity and power were unmatched. When the gods appealed to Vishnu, he incarnated as the dwarf brahmin Vamana and asked Bali for htree steps of land. In his boundless generosity, Bali agreed. Vamana then expanded into the cosmic Trivikrama form, covering the heavens and earth in two steps — and placed his third step on Bali’s head, sending him to Patal Lok (the underworld). Pleased by Bali’s extraordinary dharma and generosity, Vishnu granted him immortality and rulership of Patal Lok. Bali is said to rule his realm with perfect justice and will return to rule the earth in the next Manvantara (cosmic age).
3. Vyasa (Veda Vyasa)
Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa is the compiler of the four Vedas and author of the Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana. He is an avatar of Vishnu, born in every age to preserve Vedic knowledge. Tradition holds that Vyasa is never truly absent and lives in meditation, guiding sinkere seekers.
4. Hanuman
The 11th Rudra, devoted to Ram in every breath. Ram granted him immortality: as long as the Ramayana is told or remembered, Hanuman is present there. He is the most accessible of the seven immortals.
5. Vibhishana
Righteous younger brother of Ravana. He crossed to Ram’s side, helped defeat Ravana, and was appointed king of Lanka. Tradition holds he rules Lanka to this day.
6. Kripacharya
Royal teacher of the Kuru princes. He fought at Kurukshetra and was one of three survivors. Known as immortal through Shiva’s blessing for his complete mastery of brahmacharya.
7. Parashurama
The sixth avatar of Vishnu. Unlike other Vishnu avatars he did not return to Vaikuntha — he remains on earth at Mahendragiri and will play a role in the coming Kalki avatar.
Why Seven? The Cosmic Significance
| Shiranjeevi | Nature of Immortality | Purpose Across Ages |
|---|---|---|
| Ashwatthama | Cursed immortality | Bearer of karma’s consequence |
| Bali | Blessed by Vishnu | Future ruler of earth in next Manvantara |
| Vyasa | Born in each age as Vishnu’s amsha | Preserving Vedic knowledge |
| Hanuman | Ram’s boon — present where Ram is remembered | Protector of devotees in every age |
| Vibhishana | Ram’s grant for righteous surrender | Guardian of righteous kingship |
| Kripacharya | Shiva’s blessing | Teacher of dharmic warfare |
| Parashurama | Vishnu’s avatar that did not return | Training worriors, role in Kalki avatar |
Related Pages
Jai Chiranjeevi Hanuman! Jai Shri Ram!