10 Interesting Facts About Lord Hanuman That You Definitely Did Not Know #4

Although he was a brahmachari , Lord Hanuman had a son – Makardhwaja.

The Story of Makardhwaj – Son of Hanuman appears in the story of Ahiravana, which in itself is a relatively lesser told story from Ramayana. This incident in Ramayan shows a difference in Hanuman.

 It shows how devoted Hanuman Ji is to Ram and to what lengths can he go for his beloved Lord. In popular scriptures and cultural references, Hanuman is presented as the lifelong celibate ascetic or Bal Brahmachari. However, in some scriptures, you’ll find reference to Makardhwaj Balaji, who is believed to be the son of Hanuman.

Well, the story goes like this… after setting Lanka on fire, Lord Hanuman flew off from the blazing city, his tail still inflamed. As he was feeling too hot, he decided to take a dip in the seawater. Here a drop of his perspiration fell in the mouth of a mighty Makara.

This Makara or fish was caught by the fishermen in the kingdom of Ahiravana, the king of Patal. When the Makar was cut open, a monkey face baby with a fish’s body was found. Ahirvana saw his strength and named him Makardhwaj, the guardian of Patal.

Later when Ram was fighting a war against Ravan, Ahiravana cast a spell on Ram and Lakshman and took them to Patal. Hanuman followed them. But at the gates of Patal, he was challenged by Makardhwaj who introduced himself as the son of Hanuman.

Hanuman was most amused. At his behest, the guard narrated the story of his birth and asked for blessings from his father. However, Hanuman still had to fight a duel and defeat him to get into Patal to get Ram and Lakshman. On his return and upon Ram’s Advice, Hanuman appointed Makardhwaj as the new king of Patal.

Temples dedicated to Makardhwaj can be found in India, especially in Gujrat. Some of them include

1. Odadar Village near Porbandar

2. Idols of Hanuman and Makardhwaj are worshipped together at the Hanuman Dandi Temple in Bhet Dwarka

3. Chinchwad in Beed district of Maharashtra

4. Balaji Hanuman and his son are worshipped together at the Balaji Makardhwaj temple in Beawar, Rajasthan

                 Jai Bajrang Bali Ji 🙏🏻🙏🏻