Who Are The 7 Chiranjeevis?

As Amitabh Bachchan 'brings to life' mythology's 'Ashwatthama' in the Prabhas-starrer 'Kalki 2898 AD', let's take a look at the 7 Chiranjeevis in Hinduism.



Ashwatthama, the son of Dronacharya, is one of the Chiranjeevis. He plays a major role in the Mahabharat.

Ashwatthama's gem, 'Syronratna', which protected him from hunger, thirst, and fatigue, was taken by Lord Krishna.

Krishna cursed Ashwatthama for directing a Brahmastra towards Uttara's womb to kill Abhimanyu's unborn child. He was cursed to roam the earth with a festering wound on his forehead where the gem was.

Ashwatthama's uncle Kripacharya is a Chiranjeevi. He was among the few survivors of the Mahabharat war. He is destined to be one of the saptarshis in the next Manvatara (Hindu cyclic period).

Vyas Dev, the creator of Mahabharat, is believed to be one of the 7 Chiranjeevis.

Hanuman, Lord Ram's greatest devotee, is one of the 7 Chiranjeevis. The Vanara race god symbolises strength, courage, and devotion.

Rakshas king and Ravan's brother Vibheeshan was blessed to be a Chiranjeevi by Lord Ram for his righteousness.

Mahabali, a benevolent Asur king, was blessed by Lord Vishnu to be a Chiranjeevi.

Parashuram, the 6th Visnu avatar, is prophesised to emerge at the end of Kali Yuga as the guru of Kalki, the 10th avatar of Vishnu.