Written By Shraddha NS (Grade 10)
Once upon a time, in a quaint little village nestled amidst lush green valleys and flowing rivers, there lived a wise grandmother named Sudha, and her curious and imaginative grandchild, Vaidehi. Every evening, Vaidehi would sit beside her grandmother, eager to hear stories from the past, tales of legendary heroes, and mystical beings.
One warm summer evening, as the sun began to set, Vaidehi settled down beside Sudha, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. “Grandma, tell me a story about the Chiranjeevis,” she said, her voice filled with excitement.
Sudha smiled warmly at her grandchild and began, “Oh, the Chiranjeevis, my dear, are known as the eternal beings in Hindu mythology. They are seven legendary figures blessed with immortality, and they have played a significant role in shaping the course of history.”
“Wow, immortality? That’s incredible! Please tell me more, Grandma,” Vaidehi urged, her eyes wide with wonder.
“Certainly, my dear,” Sudha replied, her voice tinged with nostalgia. “Let me tell you about each of the seven Chiranjeevis and where they are believed to be living now.”
“Ashwatthama, the son of Dronacharya, was a mighty warrior and a devoted friend. After the great Kurukshetra war, when he saw the destruction caused by his actions, he was cursed with eternal life and endless suffering. Legend has it that Ashwatthama is now roaming the earth, seeking redemption for his sins.”
“Maharishi Vyasa, the sage who compiled the sacred Vedas, is another Chiranjeevi. He is said to have taken up residence in the remote Himalayan caves, where he continues to meditate and impart wisdom to those worthy of his teachings.”
“Ah, Hanuman, the mighty and loyal devotee of Lord Rama! He is known for his boundless strength and devotion. Hanuman is believed to reside in the Himalayas, where he continues to serve and protect humanity in times of need.”
“Vibhishana, the virtuous brother of the demon king Ravana, sided with Lord Rama during the battle of Lanka. Impressed by his righteousness and loyalty, Lord Rama granted him immortality. Vibhishana is said to live in the mystical city of Lanka, watching over the welfare of its people.”
“Kripacharya, the illustrious teacher and warrior from the Mahabharata era, is another Chiranjeevi. He now resides in a serene ashram in the forests, where he imparts knowledge to disciples and guides them on the path of righteousness.”
“Parashurama, the fierce and relentless warrior with an axe, is known for his fiery temper and commitment to upholding justice. He is believed to dwell in the Mahendragiri mountains, spending his days in penance and meditation.”
“Last but not least, there’s King Mahabali, a benevolent and mighty ruler. He was known for his generosity and compassion towards his subjects. After being defeated by Lord Vishnu in the form of Vamana, he was granted immortality and now lives in the netherworld, Patala, where he continues to be revered by the people.”
Vaidehi listened with rapt attention, her imagination taking her to far-off lands and ancient times. “Grandma, these stories are extraordinary! But are there any tales of their interactions or adventures together?” she asked eagerly.
Sudha smiled at her inquisitive grandchild and continued, “Indeed, there are, my dear. It is said that during times of great turmoil and impending calamities, the Chiranjeevis come together to aid humanity. They form a powerful council, ensuring that balance is restored in the universe.”
“Incredible! I wish I could meet them and learn from their wisdom,” Vaidehi exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.
Sudha gently patted Vaidehi’s head and said, “While meeting them may be beyond our reach, their stories and teachings have been passed down through generations. Their deeds inspire us to be courageous, compassionate, and to seek the path of righteousness.”
As the night deepened, Sudha and Vaidehi continued their conversation, sharing stories of gods, goddesses, and heroes from the mythological world. The young girl’s heart was filled with awe and admiration for the Chiranjeevis, and she knew that their tales would stay with her forever.
From that day onwards, Vaidehi often found herself daydreaming about the seven Chiranjeevis and the magic that surrounded them. Their legendary histories and the places they were believed to reside became an inseparable part of her imagination, inspiring her to be a better person and to seek knowledge and wisdom in all aspects of life.
And so, in the small village, the flame of storytelling continued to burn bright, passing on the ancient wisdom and the tales of the Chiranjeevis from one generation to the next, keeping their legend alive for eternity.
Featured Image Courtesy – Quora
