The story of Makardhwaj — described as the son of Hanuman — appears within the Ahiravana episode, one of the lesser-known narratives of the Ramayana. The episode reveals a different dimension of Hanuman: a being of absolute devotion who, even when confronted with an unexpected son, will not allow anything to come before his service to Ram.
Note: The Ahiravana episode is found in certain versions and retellings of the Ramayana — particularly the Adbhuta Ramayana and regional traditions — rather than in Valmiki’s original Sanskrit Ramayana. It is a traditional narrative widely accepted in popular devotion. FLAG: Source identification for the specific Makardhwaj narrative requires further verification.
How Makardhwaj Came to Be
In the popular tradition, Hanuman is presented as a lifelong celibate ascetic — Bal Brahmachari. Yet in some scriptures and cultural traditions, Makardhwaj Balaji is described as his son. The story of how this came to be is as follows.
After setting Lanka ablaze, Hanuman flew from the burning city, his tail still aflame. Feeling the intense heat, he plunged his tail into the sea to cool it. At that moment, a drop of his perspiration fell into the water and was swallowed by a mighty Makara (sea creature).
This Makara was later caught by fishermen in the kingdom of Ahiravana, the ruler of Patal (the underworld). When the creature was cut open, a child was found inside — monkey-faced but with a fish’s body. Ahiravana recognised the child’s extraordinary strength and named him Makardhwaj, appointing him as the guardian of Patal.
The Meeting at Patal’s Gates
The Ahiravana episode concerns a crisis during Ram’s war with Ravan. Ahiravana cast a spell that caused Ram and Lakshman to fall unconscious, and carried them to Patal. Hanuman followed to rescue them.
At the gates of Patal, Hanuman was challenged by the guardian — Makardhwaj — who introduced himself as Hanuman’s own son. Hanuman was deeply moved, but Makardhwaj, true to his duty, insisted that the challenger must defeat him to enter.
Hanuman fought and defeated Makardhwaj in single combat, then entered Patal, destroyed Ahiravana and his forces, and freed Ram and Lakshman. On his return, on Ram’s advice, Hanuman installed Makardhwaj as the new rightful king of Patal.
What the Story Represents
The story resolves the apparent contradiction — Hanuman’s celibacy versus having a son — by making the birth miraculous rather than physical. Makardhwaj is not Hanuman’s son in any ordinary sense: he came into being through the involuntary passage of perspiration into a sea creature. Hanuman’s celibacy is preserved; Makardhwaj’s extraordinary nature is explained.
The episode also demonstrates Hanuman’s quality of justice: he does not simply override Makardhwaj’s duty out of fatherly feeling. He honours his son’s integrity before showing compassion.
Temples Dedicated to Makardhwaj
Several temples in India venerate Makardhwaj, often alongside Hanuman. Note: The following temple details are drawn from the source content; individual temple details should be confirmed locally as this is TIME-SENSITIVE information.
- Odadar village near Porbandar, Gujarat
- Hanuman Dandi Temple, Bhet Dwarka — where idols of Hanuman and Makardhwaj are worshipped together
- Chinchwad in Beed district, Maharashtra
- Balaji Makardhwaj Temple, Beawar, Rajasthan — where Balaji Hanuman and his son are worshipped together
Related Stories
- Hanuman Folk Tales — all traditional story pages
- Birth of Hanuman (Vayuputra)
- Hanuman and Sugriv
- Hanuman Chalisa