How was Hanuman's son Makardhwaj born? An interesting story
Lord Hanuman was a devoted devotee of Lord Rama. We all know that Hanuman was celibate. Therefore, hearing about his son is natural cause for wonder. However, the Valmiki Ramayana mentions that Lord Hanuman had a son. Hanuman was celibate, yet Makardhwaj is called his son. This story is about Makardhwaj. Let's delve into this interesting tale from the Ramayana.
According to the Valmiki Ramayana, when Lanka was burning, Hanuman was sweating profusely from the heat. As he plunged into the ocean to extinguish the fire on his tail, a large drop of sweat fell into the sea. A large fish mistook it for food and swallowed it. Upon entering the fish's stomach, the drop transformed into a human being.
In a past life, this being was an Apsara (a celestial nymph), but due to a curse, she had become a fish. Later, she was freed from the curse. One day, servants of the Asura king, Ahiravana, of the netherworld, captured the fish. While they were about to cut open its stomach, a monkey-human emerged. They brought him to Ahiravana, who appointed him protector of Patala Puri. This monkey, known as Hanuman's son 'Makardhwaj', became famous.
Ravana assumed the form of Hanuman
When Ravana began losing the battle against Lord Rama, he was forced to kidnap Lord Rama and Lakshmana. The cunning Asura king Ahiravana, disguised as Hanuman, abducted Lord Rama and Lakshmana. This news caused consternation in Rama's camp, and a search began. Hanuman, the mighty monkey-god, started searching for Rama and Lakshmana. The netherworld had seven gates, each guarded. Hanuman defeated all the guardians, but a powerful monkey-guardian stood guard at the final gate.
Upon seeing a monkey at the gate, he was astonished. He asked Makardhwaj for his identity. Makardhwaj bowed at his feet and explained his origins. Hanuman accepted him as his son. However, when Makardhwaj stated that they were there to retrieve Rama and Lakshmana, as he was about to proceed, Makardhwaj blocked his way, saying, "Father! It is true that I am your son, but I am currently serving my master. Therefore, you cannot enter." Hanuman tried various ways to convince Makardhwaj, but he wouldn't budge. A fierce battle ensued between them. Seeing Hanuman, Makardhwaj tied him to his tail and plunged into Patala. Hanuman directly reached the goddess's temple where Ahiravana was about to sacrifice Rama and Lakshmana.
A short while later, Ahiravana came, performed worship, and as he was about to sacrifice Rama and Lakshmana with his sword, Hanuman appeared with a thunderous roar and killed Ahiravana with the same sword. He freed Lord Rama and Lakshmana from their bonds. Lord Rama then asked, "Hanuman, who is bound to your tail? He looks exactly like you. Untie him." Hanuman revealed Makardhwaj, freed him from the bonds, and Makardhwaj bowed before Lord Rama. Rama then crowned Makardhwaj king of Patala, instructing him to serve others as his father had. Hearing this, Makardhwaj bowed and took blessings from all three. After blessings, they departed. Thus, Makardhwaj became known as Hanuman's son.
