In Hindu mythology, there are said to be a group of Ashta-Chiranjeevis (Eight ‘Immortals’, Chiran- Long, and Jeevi- Lived). These eight ‘immortals’ are said to still live on the Earth in flesh and blood today, for various different reasons. Specifically, Chiranjeevis are those born human, but blessed or cursed with extremely long life (perhaps not immortality per se). Recently there have been reported sightings of some of these, though there is materially only little significant proof. I’ll explore how an immortal could exist in today’s world.

To start with, I’ll explain in brief the stories of these eight long-lived beings. Firstly, the story of the Asura King Mahabali, who having conquered the three worlds of Heaven, Earth and the Underworld had developed unhealthy pride. The Lord Vishnu manifested himself as Vamana, the dwarf, to regain the kingdoms of Heaven and the Underworld for the Devas and banishing Bali to the underworld. Bali’s pious deeds Dharma whilst on Earth afforded him the boon to be able to visit his subjects once a year, to ensure that they are prosperous. The King’s capital was said to have been in Chotanikkara in Kerala, and for this reason Keralans celebrate the annual return of the King on Onam.

Second is the tale of the axe-wielding sixth avatar of Vishnu- Parashurama, who descended on Earth with the purpose of exterminating the sinful and irreligious monarchs who neglected their duties. With this purpose in mind, it is obvious why he was granted Chiranjeevi status- to keep the world free from sin in a broad sense. The Kalki Purana states that Parashurama will be the martial guru of the final Vishnu Avatar- Kalki, hence his Chiranjeevi boon.

Next is the Demon brother of Ravan, Vibhishan, who is crowned King of Lanka on Ravan’s defeat. Vibhishan fought on the side of Lord Ram and his role in Ram’s victory was enough to win Ram’s approval to stay on Earth as the King of Lanka, to guide people the world-over on the path of Dharma. Not much was heard about Vibhishan after the Ramayan, though he is mentioned in Ved Vyasa’s Mahabharat epic, and is said to still uphold his rule over Lanka.

Hanuman needs no introduction, he is devotion personified, and his strength, form and knowledge characterise him. He is the manifestation of Shiva, the son of the wind, and the protector of all mankind. It is said that whilst other characters from the Ramayan achieved their sought-after Moksha, Hanumanji shunned the heavens and requested to remain on Earth as long as Lord Ram is venerated by people, to reside wherever the name of Ram is taken- such was, and is his Love for God. Whoever recites the glories of Lord Hanuman is supposedly certain to overcome life’s miseries and obstacles- in this Kalyug he is the ideal subject of worship. It is also said that the person who arrives first, and leaves last from a Ram Katha is always Hanuman- look out for him next time!

The next Chiranjeevi is Ved Vyasa, the author of the epic Mahabharat as well as the Puranas, and the ‘splitter’ of the Vedas. Some say he is an incarnation of the God Vishnu and that he divides the Vedas in every Dwaparva Yug (third age, before Kalyug), hence he lives wherever the true and faithful exist, as a Chiranjeevi.

After Maharishi Vyasa, let us take Ashwatthama, the son of the Brahmin warrior and Kuru Guru Drona. He, unlike the majority of the others, did not achieve this status of longevity of life as a blessing. After his unlawful execution of Draupadi’s sons whilst they slept, Krishna and Arjun sought to find and punish Ashwatthama. Once found, he murdered Arjun’s grandson Parikshit, whilst still in his mother Uttara’s womb, Krishna decided that the punishment for that must be the ultimate. Ashwatthama was blessed with a gem in his forehead that guaranteed protection from disease,

weapons and snakebites. Krishna ordered this gem cut out and cursed him such that the wound would never heal and he would suffer for eternity- as a Chiranjeevi.

Next is Kripacharya, the Clan Guru of the Kurus during the period of the Mahabharat war. His Chiranjeevi status is actually disputed, and little is known about why Kripa was given this boon. The most common story is that Krishna offered this to Kripa because of his universally renowned impartiality to his students, and so he is seen as the ideal Guru to all sacred disciples eternally.

Finally we take Markandeya, the ancient Rishi devoted to Lord Shiva. He became a Chiranjeevi when Shiva saved him from the Lord of Death, Yama, on the day of Markandeya’s promised mortality. Shiva brought death to death himself to save his devotee, and revived Yama on the condition that Markandeya Rishi would be allowed to live eternally.

Is it possible that eight people live almost eternally on this Earth? Whilst it may sound phantasmagorical at best, there are some remarkable pieces of evidence that have come to light in the recent past, which made me think in more depth about this issue.

In 1998 in Mansarovar, a person is said to have taken a picture of a light he saw in a cave there. The traveller died of unknown reasons shortly after, and the picture attached to this article is that exact photograph. It seems to show a being of Monkey-form, evident by the tail and feet, studying what looks like the Vedas.

There have been a number of reported sightings of an oversized man with a wound in the position of the third eye- exactly Ashwatthama’s characteristics. There is also the claim of locals in Asirgarh near Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh, that between the Mandir gates shutting in the night and opening the next morning, a red rose appears on the Shivling supposedly accredited to the Chiranjeevi. Again, the locals say that he is often seen asking for butter to soothe his wound.

Similarly, ‘Maha Avatar Baba’ claims to have been blessed in meeting Kripa at Baljuri Peak in the Himalayas, along with Vyasa, Jesus Christ and the Buddha and others. The Mahatmas conferred about the future of mankind according to the monk.

Though none of the stories come from entirely credible bases, I doubt that so many different stories from unconnected sources could be entirely fabricated. Of course the first failing in the evidence is that of the death on taking the picture in Mansarovar- why would someone die on witnessing God? Would God really allow that? Surely it’s a blessing to witness God. There are enough other arguments to reject the evidence available, and whilst it’s easy to that, let’s take a moment to think about the theory, the stories, and the word of God, regardless of the evidence.

The Shastras tell us these stories of Chiranjeevis, and whilst many would say that this should be taken only on its metaphorical relevance, it is presumed from this literature that Chiranjeevis will actually live in flesh and blood on our Earth. Just consider, Hanuman has his 8 Siddhis and 9 Nidhis, using which he could become invisible, or could assume the diminutive form in which he appeared before Sita in Ashok Vatika. Perhaps even the descriptions we have of all of these characters aren’t correct at all, and have weathered over time, making it impossible for us to spot them on Earth. It’s not too hard for them to become scarce.

Furthermore, Aswatthama’s curse was the word of Lord Krishna, Vibhishan’s prolonged life the word of Lord Rama, Markendaya’s status the word of Shiva, and so on- as long as those recording are true, so are the boons (and curse) of immortality.

I’m certain that the Chiranjeevis do exist though the exacts are unclear- e.g. it seems impossible for the layman to comprehend how Hanuman can be at all the places in which Lord Rama’s name is revered. Thinking more deeply about this though may help it make sense.

The closest we can get in verifying the ‘blood and flesh’ idea is through these supposed sightings- unfortunately there’s no solid proof as yet. However we can all comprehend and appreciate the benefits to the world of having these immortals- protection from misery, divine educations, and undying devotion are just some of the things we gain which may have more than a little to do with these Chiranjeevis.