8 Chiranjeevis of Hinduism

Immortality is a word that piques people’s interest easily for it is something that we don't see, feel, or experience often. To be immortal is to have the world in your fingers, as it enables you to live through the right and the wrongs, and helps you to be ready for what is to come.
And while very few religions have people who are immortals, in Hinduism, there are said to be 8 chiranjeevis (immortals) who got immortality as a boon or as a bane.
Here we mention the 8 immortals and why they got that status.

Ashwatthama is one of the most famous immortals in Hindu legends but unfortunately, his immortality was not a boon given to him.
After the Kurukshetra war, Ashwattham was filled with anger and rage and did what he should not have. He used the Brahmastra, one of the most powerful weapons, and shot it towards the Pandavas’ camp. But, instead of killing them, the Brahmahastra led to the death of Uttara’s unborn child. As a punishment, Lord Krishna cursed Ashwatthama to wander the earth for eternity, suffering from the pain of his wounds

Another Chiranjeevi in Hindu legends is King Mahabali.
King Mahabali is remembered as a just, kind ruler and is worshipped particularly in Kerala, through the festival of Onam.
It is said that Mahabali was a follower of Lord Vishnu, and to test his devotion, Lord Vishnu came to him as a Vamana. He asked Mahabali for three paces of land and when Mahabali agreed he grew in size, and covered all of Earth and sky in just 2 steps. Then, Mahabali offered his head for the third step which pushed him down to the netherworld.

But as he was a good king, Lord Vishnu gave him the boon of immortality and allowed to return to his kingdom once a year to see his people.

Parshuram, the Brahmin who took up weapons for justice, is also one of the immortals. It is said that he is the 6th avatar of Lord Vishnu and was aggressive in nature, completely opposite to his role of a Brahmin.

For Parshuram, his immortality isn't a boon or a bane, but rather a responsibility. Parshuram was given the responsibility to remain on Earth so that he could wait and then mentor Kalki, the last avatar of Lord Vishnu who will be the remover of evil and the dark age of Kaliyug.

Vibhishan, the brother of demon King Ravan, was also granted immortality. And for him, it was in the form of a blessing.
It is said that Vibhishana was granted immortality by Lord Ram as a reward for his unwavering devotion and adherence to dharma. After the fall of Ravana, Vibhishana was crowned the king of Lanka, and Rama blessed him with immortality, so he could rule justly and continue to guide the people of Lanka.

Lord Hanuman, the one who is a devotee before being a God, also has the status of an immortal. And for him, it is a mix of a blessing and a responsibility.
It is believed that Lord Hanuman was given immortality by various gods for his selfless service and devotion, and by Lord Ram so that he can continue to serve and protect those who worship him and Lord Ram. It is said that Lord Hanuman still roams Earth and is present in any and every place where the name of Lord Ram is being chanted.
And this is why when there is a Ramayan paath or Ram Katha, one seat is left empty for Lord Hanuman.

Kripacharya, from Mahabharat, was also granted the boon of immortality.

It is said that he was given the boon of immortality for his exceptional skills as a teacher and warrior by none other than Shri Krishna. He was one of the few survivors of the Kurukshetra war, and his immortality allows him to continue to spread his knowledge and guidance to future generations.

Another immortal status that was given as a blessing was the one given to Markandeya by Lord Shiva.
It is said that Markandeya was destined to die at the tender age of 16. But, he became a devotee of Lord Shiva and started praying to him to remove the curse of death. When he turned 16 and Yamraj came to take him, Markandeya hugged the Shivling and refused to move.
This is when Shiv ji entered, pleased with little Markandeya’s devotion and love, and gave Markandeya the boon of immortality.

Maharishi Ved Vyasa is also immortal according to scriptures and legends. He is considered one of the greatest sages of all time and is said to be a man of great wisdom and knowledge.
It is said that Ved Vyasa was granted the immortal status as a blessing so that he can continue to impart the knowledge of the scriptures to people. It is also said that he lives in the Himalayas, compiling the many other sacred texts that will be available to the people who will walk on Earth after the end of Kaliyug.