Introduction
Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas describe seven long-lived personalities in the Hindu Pantheon. If you read the Ramayana, you are familiar with the Hanuman, who finds Sita and helps Rama defeat Ravana. If you read the Mahabharata, you are familiar with Vyasa, one of the central characters in the epic, as well as the author. Those two along with another five characters belong to the Chiranjivi.
What are the Chiranjivi?
The Chiranjivi are immortal living beings in Hinduism. There are seven main Chiranjivi, and they represent different attributes (or virtues) found among mankind. As long as they live, these attributes will exist among humanity.
In this project, I will present you with stories about three of the Chiranjivi: Hanuman, Vyasa, and Parashurama. We will also explore the concept of immortality. The feats that you have to perform to earn it, the different kinds of immortality, and the downsides of being immortal.
Hanuman
He serves Lord Rama. Central character in the Ramayana. He stands for selflessness, courage, devotion, strength, and righteous conduct. There are lots of stories about Hanuman. Here is my story of how Hanuman saved the world, helped out the sun, and became immortal.
Vyasa
Revered figure in Hindu traditions. Son of sage Parashara and grandson of sage Vashishtha. He is also called Veda Vyasa as he's "the one who classified the Vedas." He is the author of the Mahabharata as well as a central character. He represents Erudition and Wisdom. In my storybook, you will get to learn Vyasa's secret to immortality
Parashurama
Sixth avatar or Vishnu. He, along with only Hanuman and Indrajit, is considered to be one of the very few Atimaharathi warriors ever born on Earth. He carried a number of Warrior traits traits, which included aggression, warfare and valor. However, he was also known as the chastiser of the kshatriyas, and possessed serenity, prudence and patience. In my story, you will learn about Pashurama, including his views on immortality.
Although I do not mention any other Chiranjivi character in the stories. Here is a quick overview of the rest of the Chrianjivi:
Vibhishana
He was the brother of Ravana, the king of Lanka in the legendary epic Ramayana. He disagreed with his brother Ravana in fighting Rama, and advised him to return Sita. He stands for righteousness as he stands with Rama to fight against his brother.
Ashwatthama
The son of Drona, a great warrior. He might be immortal but Krishna gave him a curse that he would live forever but can neither communicate with anyone nor touch anything, with his body covered with painful sores and ulcers that would never cure.
Maha Bali
He was the virtuous emperor of the three worlds and son of Virochana and grandson of Prahlada who were of Asura descent. When he appeared as the Vamana avatar, Lord Vishnu blessed him to be a Chiranjivi.
Kripa
Kripa is the fourth Avatar of Brahma and is an important character in the Mahābhārata. Kripa became an acharya, teacher of the royal children.