We get many examples in our scriptures about people who have lived for hundreds of years. Could this be true?

According to 'Manusmriti', the longevity of men during the Krita Yuga (Satya Yuga) was 400 years. In Treta Yuga, it was 300 years. In Dwapara Yuga, it was 200 years, and in Kali Yuga, it got reduced to 100 years.

According to 'Shabara Meemamsa', Prajapatis (progenitors) performed tapas lasting 1000 years as part of creation. Devas and Rishis performed yajnas lasting thousands of years. Later, when they were handed down to ordinary men, yajnas were shortened to 12 days or even 6 days.

What is behind the long life of Rishis?

• Tapas
• Yoga
• Brahmacharya
• Consumption of Rasayanas (Ayurvedic formulations)

Some evidence from Mahabharata times:

• Lord Krishna left his body at the age of 125 years. At that time, his father Vasudeva was still alive.
• Dronacharya’s age was 400 years at the time of the Kurukshetra War.
• Bheeshmacharya’s age was 160 years at the time of the war.
• Sage Vyasa was 300 years old.

These examples highlight the profound connection between ancient practices, disciplined lifestyles, and extended longevity in our scriptures.

Knowledge Bank

Who was Abhisyanta?

Kuru Vamsha is named after Maharaja Kuru. Both the Pandavas and the Kauravas belonged to the Kuru Vamsha. Abhisyanta was the son of Maharaja Kuru and Vahini. He had 3 brothers - Chaitraratha, Muni, and Janamejaya (M.B Adi Parva Chapter 94 Verse 50)

The five Kaurava commanders of Mahabharata

The Kauravas fought the battle of Kurukshetra under five different commanders. They were - Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Shalya, and Ashwatthama.