Lord Hanuman, one of the most celebrated figures in Hindu mythology, is regarded as Chiranjeevi—an immortal being who continues to live and inspire devotees. Known for his unshakable devotion to Lord Rama, unparalleled strength, and humility, Hanuman's immortality is deeply rooted in blessings from divine beings and is well-documented in Hindu scriptures.
In this blog, we delve into the reasons behind Hanuman's immortality, explore key events that granted him this eternal status, and cite Sanskrit shlokas from Hindu literature as proof of this profound belief.
The Concept of Chiranjeevi
The term Chiranjeevi (चिरञ्जीवी) refers to beings blessed with eternal life to fulfill divine purposes on Earth. According to Hindu traditions, there are seven immortals (Sapta Chiranjeevi) mentioned in the scriptures who are destined to live until the end of Kali Yuga:
- Ashwatthama
- Bali
- Vyasa
- Hanuman
- Vibhishana
- Kripacharya
- Parashurama
A popular Sanskrit shloka from the Mahabharata encapsulates this:
अश्वत्थामा बलिर्व्यासो हनूमांश्च विभीषणः।
कृपः परशुरामश्च सप्तैते चिरञ्जीविनः॥
Transliteration:
Ashwatthama Balir Vyaso Hanumanscha Vibhishanah,
Kripacharya cha Parashuramam Saptaite Chiranjeevinah.
Translation:
Ashwatthama, Bali, Vyasa, Hanuman, Vibhishana, Kripacharya, and Parashurama are the seven immortals who will live until the end of time.
Divine Blessings That Granted Immortality to Hanuman
Hanuman's immortality is the result of several blessings he received during his life. Each divine encounter added to his power and ensured his eternal presence in the world.
1. Blessing from Lord Brahma
After Hanuman mischievously disrupted sages during his childhood, the gods blessed him for his innocence and divine purpose. Lord Brahma bestowed upon Hanuman immunity from all weapons and the ability to travel anywhere at will.
श्री ब्रह्मोवाचः
अस्त्राणामभेध्यत्वं ग्रहाणां चैव मोक्षणम्।
शीलमात्मवतां शस्त्रं त्वं भव भविष्यसि।।
Translation:
Lord Brahma said: "You shall be immune to all weapons and free from the effects of planetary influences. Your character will always be your greatest strength, and you shall live eternally."
2. Blessing from Lord Shiva
Hanuman is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, born to assist Lord Vishnu in his Rama avatar. Lord Shiva blessed Hanuman with unparalleled strength, devotion, and immortality, ensuring his role as a protector of dharma.
शिवोवाचः
मदंशेन भविष्यस्त्वं वानरेन्द्र सुतो ह्यजः।
शक्तिं परमाम् दास्यामि त्वं जीवितं चिरञ्जीविनः।।
Translation:
Lord Shiva said: "You shall be born from my essence as the son of the vanara king and possess supreme strength. You will live forever as an immortal being."
3. Blessing from Lord Rama
After the successful completion of the war in Ramayana, Lord Rama acknowledged Hanuman’s unparalleled devotion and blessed him with immortality. Rama proclaimed that as long as his story is remembered, Hanuman would live to serve his devotees.
रामोवाचः
यावद्रामकथा लोकॆ भविष्यति धरात्मज।
तावच्छरीरपात्रं ते भविष्यति वसुंधरायाम्।।
Translation:
Lord Rama said: "As long as my story is remembered in the world, you shall remain on Earth, your body immortal and ever-present."
This blessing makes Hanuman inseparable from Rama’s story and ensures his eternal presence wherever Rama’s name is chanted.
Sanskrit Shlokas Highlighting Hanuman’s Immortality
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From the Hanuman Chalisa:
असुर निकंदन राम दुलारे।
कृपा सिंधु सुमति के सागरे।।
Translation:
Hanuman, the destroyer of demons and beloved of Lord Rama, is an ocean of compassion and wisdom. -
From the Ramayana (Yuddha Kanda):
त्वत्प्रसादात् समृद्धोऽहम् श्रीरामेति नमोऽस्तुते।
ममाश्रय भविता लोके मानुषेषु धनादिवत्।।
Translation:
By your grace, I am fulfilled, O Rama. Your name shall be my refuge, just as Kubera is revered by humanity. -
From Hanuman Ashtak:
जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुण सागर।
जय कपीश तिहुँ लोक उजागर।।
Translation:
Victory to Hanuman, the ocean of knowledge and virtue. Victory to the king of vanaras who illuminates the three worlds.
Hanuman’s Role in Kali Yuga
Hanuman’s immortality extends beyond mythology; it makes him a living force of inspiration and protection in Kali Yuga. Devotees believe that Hanuman is ever-present wherever Lord Rama’s name is chanted. Temples dedicated to Hanuman, such as the famous Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya and Sankat Mochan in Varanasi, are considered sacred spaces where his eternal energy is most palpable.
Conclusion
Hanuman’s immortality is a testament to his unparalleled devotion, strength, and humility. His blessings from the gods and the numerous shlokas in Hindu literature serve as eternal reminders of his presence and role in the preservation of dharma. To this day, Hanuman inspires millions with his virtues and remains a living embodiment of unwavering devotion to Lord Rama.
Chanting “Jai Hanuman” invokes his eternal energy and protection, ensuring that his divine legacy continues to guide humanity.
