In Hindu mythology, there are said to be a group of Nava -Chiranjeevis (Nine ‘Immortals’, Chiran- Long, and Jeevi- Lived). These nine immortals are said to still live on the Earth in flesh and blood today, for various different reasons. Specifically, Chiranjeevi's are those born humans, but blessed or cursed with extremely long life (perhaps not immortality as we know it, but I’ll use the word immortal for simplicity anyway).
caution: u need to read a lot and it is one of my longest written articles
1. Markandeya
Markendeya is a devotee of Lord Shiva and was granted immortality by him when Shiva and Yama (the God of death) fought to decide the Rishi’s destiny. Markendeya’s story
Mrikandu was a great rishi. Marudvati was his wife. For a long time, they had no children.
The rishi prayed to Lord Siva. Lord Siva appeared to him, and said, "I am pleased with you, Mrikandu. Tell me, do you want a hundred sons, who will live for a long time, but will all be foolish?
Or, do you want one very intelligent son, who will live for only sixteen years?"
The rishi at once said, "Lord, give me that one intelligent son."
Lord Siva said, "Good! You shall have him."
Soon the rishi got a son. He named him Markandeya. The boy grew to be very intelligent and handsome. The rishi invested him with the sacred thread. Markandeya learned the Vedas and Sastras, easily. Everyone liked him.
As the boy was getting on to be sixteen, Rishi Mrikandu became sadder and sadder. One day Markandeya asked his father: "Father, why do you look so sad?"
The rishi said, "Son! What shall I say? When Lord Siva gave you to me, he said you would live only sixteen years. You are now about to reach that age. How can I and your mother bear to lose you as we will at the end of this year?"
Markandeya said, "Father! Is that the reason? Lord Siva is very kind to His devotees. You yourself told me that. He has saved many from death before. I have read about it in the Puranas. I shall therefore worship Lord Siva day and night from today. I am sure, He will save -me too! "
RishiMrikandu was very happy to hear his son say this. He blessed his son.
Markandeya built a Siva-Linga at a spot on the sea-shore. He started worshipping Lord Siva morning, noon, and night. He sang bhajans and often danced in joy.
On the last day, Markandeya was about to sing bhajans, when Yama, the Lord of Death, came to him. Yama rode on a buffalo. He held a noose in his hand. He spoke to Markandeya, "Stop your bhajan! You boy! Your life in this world is over. Be ready to die."
Markandeya was not afraid. He clung to the Siva-Linga as one clings to one's mother.
Yama threw his noose round the boy's neck and pulled him along with the Siva- Linga.
Then the Siva-Linga burst open and Lord Siva came out of it, Lord kicked Yama in the chest, and said, "Yama, begone! Don't touch this boy. He is my beloved devotee. He will live forever!"
Yama went away crestfallen. Markandeya then prayed to Lord Siva more fervently than ever. This prayer says at the end of each line, "What can Death do to me?" Many people recite this prayer even now.
Markandeya came home and fell at the feet of his parents. They embraced him and wept with joy. Markandeya became a great rishi and lived very long.
A tale from the Bhagavata Purana states that once sage Narayana visited Markandeya and asked him for a boon. Markandeya prayed to sage Narayana to show him his illusory power or Maya since sages Nara-Narayana is the incarnation of Supreme Lord Narayana. To fulfill his wish, Vishnu appeared in the form of a child floating on a leaf and declared to the sage that he was Time and Death. Sage Markandeya entered into his mouth and save himself from the surging water. Inside the boy's stomach, Markandeya discovered all the worlds, the seven regions, and the seven oceans. The mountains and the kingdoms were all there. So we're all living beings. Markandeya did not know what to make of all this. He started to pray to Vishnu. The sage spent a thousand years with Vishnu. He composed the Bala mukundashtakam at this moment.
3.Bali Chakravarthi
The legendary story of King Mahabali is fascinating. He was an Asura and a big devotee of the Lord Vishnu. Still today, he is most popular in the beautiful state of Kerala and was greatly respected in his kingdom as he was considered to be wise, judicious, and extremely generous. Without a doubt, Kerala witnessed its golden era in the reign of King Mahabali, when everybody was happy and there was no discrimination on the basis of caste or class. It as believed that there was neither crime nor corruption, hence, people did not even lock their doors, as there were no thieves in that kingdom.
He was truly a was a great ruler who was immensely loved and respected by his people. The people were very happy and prosperous under his rule. Mahabali was the grandson of Prahlada and the son of Virochana. He was taught the Vedas by his grandfather Prahlada and later by his teacher Shukracharya.
Shukracharya was a very good teacher, hence with his help, Bali soon conquered the three worlds. Through which, Bali defeated Lord Indra, the King of the Gods, and took over the heavens. Shukrachharya once called him, ‘Bali, You have now conquered the three worlds but if you wish to always be the Lord of the three worlds, you have to perform 100 Ashwamedha Yagnas.
In Bali’s extensive hall of sacrifice, there was the recitation of Vedas and the “jam auspicious sounds of music of the instruments. Shukracharya was officiating as the head-priest at the hundredth horse sacrifice. The saints, Gandharvas, and the subjects from the three worlds had come in large numbers to witness the sacrifice.
At one place there were heaps of pearls and precious stones from which gifts were given. At another place cows and jewelry were distributed as gifts. Adorned with clothes made of gold-thread, Bali sat with his wife Vindhyavali before the holy fire and performed Homa.
Shukracharya approached Bali and whispered, “O king Bali, it is time to complete the sacrifice. You have to be very careful now. Who can guess the deceitful ways of the Devas? They may even send Vishnu to this hall of sacrifice. Bali said, “O preceptor, is that so? Then advise me how I should conduct myself if Vishnu himself comes here.” Shukracharya said,
“Listen, this is my advice. If Vishnu comes and asks for any gift, deny it cleverly. Plead your inability to give anything to the Almighty and All-powerful and send him away.”
Bali was not pleased with this advice and so he said,
“Acharya, what kind of talk is this?
You know that I have vowed to give charity.
The merit earned by giving charity alone has reduced sorrow, poverty, and disease and therefore people are happy in my kingdom. Before my time, did not the great emperors Dadheechi and Shibi gave away even their bodies in charity? I, who is ready to give my soul in charity, cannot deny anything to anyone who asks for it. Is it not a pleasure to give something dear to us in charity to others instead of enjoying it ourselves? I beg of you not to place hurdles before me when I wish to give charity.”
Even as they were talking thus, the hall of sacrifice filled with murmurs of ‘Make way, make way.’ Everyone moved aside and made way for the new guest. Bali and his queen stood up eagerly and looked towards the entrance gate. A little bachelor of about eight years was making his way towards them. His face was shining with a smile. He held an umbrella over his head. A plait of hair was hanging at the back of his head.
He wore the sacred thread on his bare body the lower part of which was covered with cloth made of fiber. His hands held the staff of an ascetic and a water jug. There was deerskin under his armpit.
He wore the mark of sandalwood paste on his forehead. It looked as though he had combined all branches of knowledge in his young body. He was taking his steps towards Bali. Everyone saw what was happening in silence.
The young ascetic addressed Bali and said, “O King Bali, let auspicious things happen to you.” Bali, his queen Vindhyavali, their son Bana and the rest were struck with wonder and went on admiring his stature for a time.
The young ascetic continued speaking and said,
“King of the Daityas, this is a splendid sacrifice. I can judge what a righteous man you are from the flames rising to the skies from the place of sacrifice; from the kind of eatables served to people at this festivity; from the gifts of pearls and precious stones given in charity; from lakh and lakh of admiring subjects who have gathered here out of love and from the chanting of the Vedas. You must give me a gift suitable to this superb sacrifice.”
Bali felt elated and proud. He turned to his queen and said, “Vindhyavali, how pleasant and meaningful are the words of this little ascetic! We are indeed fortunate to set our eyes on this jewel of learning. Bring holy water in a golden jug.
Let us wash his feet and earn merit.” Vindhyavali brought a jugful of water. Bali and his queen washed the feet of the young ascetic, offered flowers and sandalwood paste and worshipped him. Then Bali made him sit on a precious seat and spoke to him, “Great man, though you are young and short, your learning has made you shine above all others. Who are you? Your handsome body is a feast to the eyes. Your words are sweet like honey. What can I do for you? What can I give you? Ask whatever you desire or everything that I have. I shall give anything that you ask.”
The young ascetic said “O kings of Danavas I came here to ask you for a gift only because I know you will give all I ask, as you are the lord of the three worlds. I am the son of Kashyapa and my name is Vamanamurthy. I am a bachelor and so I do not need either a kingdom or wealth. I have been just initiated into the knowledge of Brahman and started wearing the sacred thread. I am yet to give my Guru Dakshina to my preceptor.
My preceptor Bharadwaja needs a few paces of land to perform the religious rites of ‘Agnihotra’.
Therefore I ask you to give me only three paces of land to be measured by my feet. That will satisfy me.”
Bali burst with laughter on hearing Vamana’s request. He said, “One who asks me for anything should not feel the need to ask for gifts from anyone else later.
Even if you ask for one of the kingdoms under my authority, I shall grant it. I feel ashamed to give you this little bit of land. What do you gain from this? At least ask for more land.” Vamanamurthy said, “O king, my work will be fulfilled with the grant of my request. Therefore make me the gift of the three paces of land that I ask.” Bali replied, ‘Well, let me fulfill your desire.
Wait till I bring the golden jug containing water from the hermitage” and went inside the hermitage. At once Shukracharya followed Bali into the hermitage and said,
“What is this foolishness, 0 King? Without consulting anyone you have promised to give charity to the young ascetic. Do you know who this boy really is? He is the friend of the Devas. It is Vishnu in the form of Vamana who has come here as your enemy!”
Bali said calmly, “Is that so, Gurudeva? Has Narayana, to please whom saints and wise men perform austerities for years, come on his own to ask for charity from me? Has he become Vamana only to take a gift from me? I am indeed fortunate that Narayana has come to my place to take a gift from me. This could only be due to the merit earned by me in my previous life.”
But Shukracharya said, “King Bali, you feel proud only because of your ignorance. At least now, be wise and take my advice. It is not a sin to go back on one’s word in self-defense. So do not give what he asks. If you do not take my advice, it will bring about the ruin of yourself and the Danavas. As soon as he takes the gift from you, Sri Hari will undo you just as he undid Hiranyakashipu.”
Bali replied,
“Gurudeva, charity given regardless of the hardships is the best. If Sri Hari asks, I am prepared to give even my head. Can there be greater glory former than giving when Sri Hari’s hand is spread out to receive the gift? Please do not stop me from giving.”
Having spoken thus, Bali walked straight to Vamana with the golden jug full of water. He addressed Vamanamurthy and said, “Deva, I am ready to give; extend your hand and receive it.” Vamana stretched his hands under the hand of Bali. Bali placed his hand with Tulasi leaves upon Vamana’s hands, while Vindhyavali poured water from the golden jug as the priest’s chanted verses symbolic of the act of giving. At once the heavenly drums began to sound from all directions of the earth. Heavens rained petals of flowers on Bali and Vamana.
Vamana Became Trivikrama
Vamanamurthy was not short now. He grew from height to height. People wondered at the sudden growth. He now measured from his first foot all the empire of Bali on earth and the underworld. He then measured Bali’s empire in Heaven with his second step and asked Bali where he should take his third measure.
Danavas who witnessed this could not be silent spectators. They had aspired to occupy the other worlds and rule them under the overlordship of Bali. They became mad with anger. With uplifted weapons, they came to attack Vamana.
There were frightening sounds everywhere. Bali who stood with folded hands stopped them and said, “Danavas get back. Vamana is Vishnu, Lord of the World. You defeated Devas once with his blessing. He is now with Devas. Therefore it is natural that they should win against you.” Hearing these words, Danavas stepped back.
After that, he asked
Vishnu’s Blessings on Bali
Banasura became unhappy seeing his father’s condition. He addressed Vamanamurthy and said: “Lord of the World, my father gave you what you asked in charity. He has not offended you in any way. You asked for three paces of land in the guise of a short ascetic. Is it fair for you to measure the land with your extraordinary feet now? My father has given away the whole of his empire to you.
What is left with him now to give you further? You, who should have been impartial, have taken sides with the Devas and have done injustice to us.”
Vamana replied:
“Banasura, it is I who received the gift and I have measured the land-only with my feet and not with anyone else’s. Hear my argument against your charge of my partiality to Devas. I gave Shaker, the husband of Shachidevi, the status, and power of Indra and arranged for the proper functioning of the system of worlds. Bali had to be punished for removing Indra from his position before the expiry of his tenure.”
Then Vamana turned to Bali and said: “0 King Bali, this is only a test of your vow to give charity.
You did not hesitate to give what I asked even in the middle of your difficulties. You never regretted your charity even though I claimed all your empire. You never felt unhappy when you were bound to your vow. You did not feel sorry even though your kith and kin deserted you. Though your preceptor Shukracharya cursed you, you did not give up your truthfulness.
Who has your patience? You have earned a higher place than the Devas by your fame. Be immortal! Now ask me for any boon that you want.” Bali said,
“O Lord of the World, I am not pained at being defeated by you. The pride of insolence is bad. You have taught Danavas swollen with insolence a good lesson. I can tolerate all this but not the disgrace of having to eat my words as one who could not fulfill his vow to give charity. Please place your third step on my head and be pleased to accept it in fulfillment of my promised gift.”
Vamana agreed to Bali’s request. Having received Sri Hari’s foot on his head, Bali was discharged from his debt. People who witnessed this shouted, “King of devotees, the soldier of charity, emperor Bali, honored of the world.” Tears of joy flowed down their eyes.
Vamana gave the three worlds he had received as a gift from Indra; The Devas praised Vamana in their happiness and Bali for his charily. Vamana addressed Bali in the presence of all and said,
“Danavendra, I give you the Kingdom of Sutala in the underworld. I shall give you one more boon.
I shall protect your fort as Janardana and keep watch over your fort and defeat your enemies.
You may ask one more boon.” Bali said, “O Lord, as the protector of my fort you have given me the privilege of seeing you every day. For such a privilege even Rudra, Brahma, and Lakshmi are not entitled. What else is there for me to ask? But since you want me to ask for a boon, I do so. Though I go to Sutala in the underworld, I cannot forget the subjects of my erstwhile kingdom on earth. Therefore let me see the happiness of my subjects at least once a year.
“Vamana granted his request and said:
“The auspicious day on which you gave me charity will be celebrated as a festival on earth every year in the future. On that day the whole earth will be the kingdom of Bali. People will worship you during the day and light lamps at night as a symbol of their ideals and joy.”
Having spoken thus, Vamana departed with Brahma. Pious Bali went to Sutala along with Prahlada and other kith and kin. He constructed a beautiful temple there for Janardana. Sri Hari took his stand as Janardana, as the guardian and protector of Bali’s fort and palace.
4.Lord Hanuman
Lord Hanuman really needs no introduction, he is devotion personified, and his strength, form, and knowledge characterize him. 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. It is also said that the person who arrives first and leaves last from a Ram Katha is always Chiranjeevi Hanuman. There is one very interesting story about a pilgrimage in Mansarovar in the Himalayas in 1998. A pilgrim supposedly saw a light in the cave, of which he took a photo. He died shortly after and when his fellow travelers had the photo developed. It depicts a monkey-formed being, studying what looks like the reading Vedas
How hanuman became immortal??
Hanuman's immortality is a combination of multiple boons. First of all, as described in the Kishkindha Kanda of the Ramayana, when Hanuman was a child, he saw the sun and thought it was a fruit, so he flew toward it in an attempt to eat it. When Indra saw Hanuman coming, he threw his Vajra (thunderbolt) to strike him down, in the process injuring Hanuman's left cheekbone. Vayu the wind god, who was Hanuman's father, was furious at his son's injury, so he refused to circulate air in the world anymore
Then on observing that you are mutilated, highly infuriated is that scent-wafter Air-god and that tempestuous Air-god has not physically circulated throughout the triad of worlds. When the triad of worlds is being roiled with breathlessness, all the administrative gods of the universe are bewildered, and they started to supplicate the Air-god for his grace. Oh, a chivalric warrior at war, while the Air-god is being supplicated, oh, dear boy, Brahma gave you a boon decreeing your "indestructibility by any missile." On scrutinizing that you are unhurt even after hit by Thunderbolt, oh, ablest Hanuma, the Thousand-eyed Indra kind-heartedly gave you the choicest boon saying that your death occurs only by your own volition.
So Brahma's boon and Indra's boon are two of the causes of his immortality.
The third is described in the Uttara Kanda of the Ramayana. After Rama was told by Yama the god of death that his time on earth is over, Rama prepared to go into the Sarayu river along with his brothers Bharata and Shatrughna (as Lakshmana was already dead). Before he did so, he gave boons to various people, and in particular this was the boon he gave to Hanuman:
[Rama] said to Hanuman: "It is settled that thou shalt live forever, do thou, now observe thy promise. As long as my history shall run current in this world do thou at my command live happily." Being thus addressed by high-souled Raghava Hanuman attained to great delight and said: "As long as the sacred theme shall pass current in this world I shall live here carrying out thy commands."
Finally, you asked whether Rama told Hanuman to stay with the whole Vanara army in the Himalayas. It doesn't look like it; he just gives Jambavan, Mainda, Dvivida, and five other Vanaras (presumably including Nila and Nala) the following boon: "As long as the Kali Yuga exists do ye all live."
Lord Indra ... spoke the following words: "Because this baby’s jaw was broken by a thunderbolt hurled by my hand, this tiger among monkeys will be known by the name Hanuman. I grant him the supreme and wonderful boon that from this day onwards he will be invulnerable to my thunderbolt."
The venerable sun-god, who dispels darkness, then said: ‘I bestow upon him one percent of my effulgence. When he is able to study the scriptures, I shall give him an understanding of the scriptures, by which he will become eloquent. There will be no one like him in the understanding of the scriptures."
Varuna granted him the boon that for millions of years he would not die from his noose or from water.
Yama granted him health and invulnerability to his rod of chastisement.
Then Kuvera, the lord of wealth, said: "I am very pleased. I grant him the boon that my mace will not cause his death in combat and that he will not become tired in combat."
Lord Shiva said: “I grant this child the supreme boon that he will be invulnerable to death by me or my weapons."
After glancing at the child, the wise Vishvakarma, the best of technicians, granted him the following boon: "Being invulnerable to the divine weapons made by me, he will be long-lived.’
Lord Brahma said: ‘This child will be long-lived and great. He will be invulnerable to my rod of chastisement and to curses uttered by Brahmanas... This best of monkeys will be able to assume any form he chooses. He will be able to go wherever he wants as fast as he wants."
5.Kripacharya
sage Gautama had a grandson named Shardwan, who was born with a bow and arrow. Shardwan learned archery and became the greatest archer on the earth. Once he engaged himself in a tough penance and acquired the art of all warfare. This evoked the fears of the gods and especially Indra, the king of gods who sent a beautiful nymph called apsaras to allure Shardwan and deter him from his penance.
Apsaras charmed Shardwan, but Shardwan remained firm without being tempted. However, due to loss of concentration, some of his semen fell on the ground splitting a weed into two halves. From this fallen semen, two children were born, a boy and a girl, who was named Kripa and Kripi respectively. The boy came to be called as Kripacharya later in his life.
Shantanu, the great grandfather of the Pandavas was passing by the scene when the two children were lying on the ground in the forest. Being attracted by the beauty of the children, he carried them and nurtured them in the palace. Later, Shardwan came to know of this fact and performed the various rituals meant for them and taught them under his tutelage.
Kripacharya is one of the most striking and important characters in the Mahabharata. He taught warfare to the young princes of Mahabharata. After the Kurukshetra war, he also taught Parikshit, the grandson of Arjuna. Kripacharya is being referred to in different episodes throughout the Mahabharata.
Mahabharata describes the power of Kripacharya by stating that, “Kripacharya was capable of managing 60,000 warriors single-handedly in the battlefield. He ravaged the whole of the foe's army like a blazing fire. In fighting the battles bravely, he is comparable only to Karthikeya, the son of Lord Shiva who vanquished the demons.”
Kripacharya is one of the epitomes of the virtue of impartiality. Though he was aware that the Kauravas were resorting to immoral ways, he impartially carried out his duty and proved his gratitude to the Kauravas as they nurtured him with food and shelter in the palace.
Kripacharya is considered very special since in the first place he was not born from the human womb like any other human being and directly emanated from the semen of his father Shardwan that fell on to the ground. He had secured a very important place in the epic of Mahabharata by his strict adherence to values.
Immortality was conferred on Kripacharya by Lord Krishna through a blessing. Kripacharya was prioritized for the conference of immortality even above Dronacharya since Kripacharya demonstrated some great virtues like truth, righteousness, and impartiality. Even under highly stressful conditions he was not prepared to compromise with his values and in this regard, he stands out as the noblest among men.
6.Parashurama
How did parshuram became immortal???
Rishi Jamadagni, A descendant of sage Bhrigu, was born to Sage Richika and Satyavati, daughter of King Gaadhi.
Reṇukā was born out of a yajna that was performed for peace and good health, By King Rekuka.
When she was eight, Agastya, who was the guru of king Reṇuka, advised him to have his daughter married to Jamadagni when she reached maturity.
Together they had a daughter, and 5 sons. The Daughter was called Anjana. The sons were called Vasu, Viswa Vasu, Brihudyanu, Brutwakanwa and Rambhadra(Parashurama).
Renuka would wake up early in the morning to bathe in the Malaprabha River with complete concentration and devotion. Her devotion was so powerful that she was able to create a pot to hold water made only of sand, one fresh pot every day. She would fill this pot, on the bank of the river and would use a snake which was nearby, turning it into a rope-like convolution and placing it on her head, so that it supported the pot. Thus, she brought the water to Jamdagni for his rituals of oblation.
One day while at the river, a group of Gandharvas passed by in the sky above in a chariot. Filled with desire for only a moment, the unbaked pot that she was carrying dissolved into the river. Afraid to go back to her husband, she waited at the river bank.
Meanwhile, Jamadagni noticed that his wife had not yet returned from the river. Through his yogic powers, he divined all that had taken place and was filled with rage. Jamadagni called his eldest son, told him what had happened, and asked him to execute his mother. Horror-stricken, his son refused to perform this deed. He then asked all of his sons, and as they refused, he turned them one by one to stone. Finally, only his youngest son, Parashurama, was left. Ever-obedient and righteous, Parashurama beheaded his mother with an axe.
Pleased, Jamadagni offered two boons to Parashurama. Parashurama asked that his mother's head be restored to life and his brothers to be turned from stone back to flesh. Impressed by his son's devotion and affection, Jamadagni granted the boons. His brothers and mother were reformed from stone without having the memory of experiencing death as an additional wish of Parashurama. The purpose of this trial was to demonstrate the dharma ("rightful duty") of a son towards his father.
It is also stated that, after this altercation, Rishi Jamadagni was so so pleased with the Obedience and Dedication, He gave Parashurama the boon that made Parashurama an Immortal.
7.Vibhishana
The brother of Ravan, Vibhishan, who fought on Ram’s side in the Ramayan. He was made a Chiranjeevi to maintain morality and righteousness in Lanka and to guide people over the world in Dharma.
He became immortal by lord ram blessing
8.Vyasa
Vyasa is the author of the Mahabharata, Vedas, and Puranas, some of the most important works in the Hindu tradition. He is also called Veda Vyāsa or Krishna Dvaipāyana. The festival of Guru Purnima is dedicated to him
According to the Vedas themselves, Vyasa is not immortal, but he can live for a very long lifetime. The main reason for that is that he was able to achieve all yogic siddhis due to his connection with the divine.
9.Ashwattama
In the Hindu epic the Mahabharata, Ashwathama, or Drauni is the son of Guru Drona and the grandson of the sage Bharadwaja. Ashvatthama is a Maharathi who fought on the Kaurava side against the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra War
He became a Chiranjivi (immortal) due to a curse put on him by Lord Krishna after he shot the Brahmashirastra over Uttara's womb. The deceptive plot of his rumored death led to the beheading of his grieving father Drona, who was incapacitated while meditating for his son's soul.