Who was the son of Hanuman?
Hanuman is one of the most revered and popular gods in Hindu mythology. He is known for his devotion to Lord Rama, his strength, his courage and his celibacy. But did you know that he actually had a son? Yes, you read that right. Lord Hanuman’s son’s name was Makardhwaja and he was born out of a very unusual circumstance.
According to various regional versions of the Ramayana, Makardhwaja, the son of Lord Hanuman, was born from a drop of Hanuman’s sweat that fell into the mouth of a Makara, a sea creature that is part fish and part crocodile. This happened when Hanuman took a dip in the ocean after setting Lanka on fire with his burning tail. The Makara became pregnant and gave birth to a child who had the body of a monkey but the tail of a crocodile. He was named Makardhwaja after his mother
Who is the son of Hanuman?
Makardhwaja was raised by Ahiravana, the brother of Ravana and the ruler of Patala, the underworld. Ahiravana was impressed by Makardhwaja’s strength and loyalty and made him the guardian of the gates of Patala
During the war between Rama and Ravana, Ahiravana kidnapped Rama and Lakshmana and took them to Patala to sacrifice them to Goddess Kali. Hanuman followed them to rescue them but was stopped by Makardhwaja at the entrance. Makardhwaja introduced himself as the son of Hanuman and challenged him to a fight. Hanuman was surprised and amused by this claim and said that he was himself Hanuman but he could not be his son as he was a celibate since birth. However, he realized the truth after meditating on his past actions
Makardhwaja asked for his blessings but said that he could not let him enter Patala as he had to obey Ahiravana, his mentor. Hanuman respected his sense of duty and fought with him. He defeated him and tied him to his back. He then proceeded to kill Ahiravana and free Rama and Lakshmana
When Rama saw Makardhwaja in pain, he asked Hanuman about him. Hanuman narrated the story of his birth and praised his bravery and honesty. Rama was impressed by Makardhwaja’s character and declared him as the new king of Patala as Ahiravana was dead. He also blessed him with a long life and prosperity
Makardhwaja is also a popular figure in South East Asian Hindu mythology and is worshipped in various places in India such as Odadar village near Porbandar, Gujarat; Hanuman-Dandi at Bet Dwarka; Chinchawan; Karahiya near Gwalior; and Balaji Makardhwaja Temple at Beawar, Rajasthan
Makardhwaja is an example of a true devotee who followed his dharma without any hesitation or compromise. He is also an example of how God works in mysterious ways and creates miracles out of ordinary events.
