In India, we have lots of ancient stories detailing the divine acts of the gods and explaining their role in maintaining the balance of the universe. A vast majority of people love and appreciate Lord Hanuman for his strength, faith, and devotion towards Lord Rama. He played an important role in Ramayana. But only a few people know that he had a divine son called Makardhwaja. Yes, it's true. In general, lord Hanuman is considered a brahmchari (celibate). So they wonder how he can have a son? The answer lies in a divine event that took place during the Ramayana war. It led to the birth of his son. Let's elaborate more on this.
Hanuman Story
We all know that Lord Hanuman played an important role in a great war between Lord Rama and Ravan in Lanka. He searched Sita Mata, fought bravely with countless demons, bought the Sanjeevani herb to save Lakshman's life, and burned Lanka. Lord Rama won the war, and justice was delivered.
When the war ended, Lord Hanuman was very tired. He felt the need to revitalise himself. Covered in dust, sweat, and war fatigue, He marched towards the ocean to clean his body and get back the energy once again.
Lord Hanuman entered the ocean, took a dip in the cold water, and got rid of fatigue & stress. At this moment, a divine happening took place. According to the ancient story, a few drops of Hanuman's sweat fell into the ocean. It got mixed with water. A giant makara ( a sea creature with crocodile-like appearance & supernatural powers consumed it. In Makara, magic took place. With the help of the ocean's nurturing nature and the divine energy of Lord Hanuman, a child was created. Later, he became known as Makardhwaja.
Makardhwaja means one who was born in the makara (the sea creature). It must be kept in mind that this unique birth did not break Hanuman’s celibacy, as the child was not born with physical contact. He was created with the spiritual energy and purity of God.
After realizing that there is a miraculous child inside her, Makara took him to the underwater kingdom of Ahiravana, the demon king of the netherworld. He saw the divine glow on the infant's body and immediately concluded that it was not an ordinary child. So, he adopted Makardhwaja and brought him up like his own son. The child grew up and learned discipline, intelligence, and warfare. Over time, he became very powerful. Due to his locality, he was appointed as the gatekeeper of Ahiravana’s palace.
It is interesting to know that he was unaware of his connection with Lord Hanuman. Even Hanuman did not know him. Their meeting took place only when luck brought him face to face.
The Kidnapping of Rama And Lakshmana
When the war in Lanka ended, Lord Rama and Laxman were resting. Ahiravana kidnapped them secretly, took them to the underworld with the intention of sacrificing them to please his goddess and get invincible power. When Lord Hanuman came to know this, he became very furious. Soon, he entered the dark pathways of the netherworld to save the lives of Lord Rama and Laxman.
Suddenly, Lord Hanuman came across Makardhwaja. He gave instructions to Makardhwaja to let him go because he needed to save Lord Rama. But Makardhwaja refused to do so. Soon, a fight started between them. Lord Hanuman came to know that Makardhwaja was very powerful, but ultimately defeated him. At last, Lord Hanuman knew that Makardhwaja was his son and was adamant to protect the gate.
But lord Hanuman was also committed to his duties. So after defeating his son in the battle, he tied Makardhwaja and requested forgiveness.
He entered the place, fought Ahiravana and defeated him, and rescued Rama and Lakshmana. When Ahiravana was killed, the people of the netherworld requested that he choose the new king. So he appointed Makardhwaja the ruler of the underworld kingdom.
Specialties of Makardhwaja’s Story
Lord Hanuman Is Soft And Emotional
Generally, the overwhelming majority of people know Lord Hanuman as a warrior, protector from evil forces, a devotee of Lord Rama, and a celibate. The moment we come to know that he has a son also, it displays his emotional nature despite the fact that he did not live a worldly life.
The Son Is Loyal To His Responsibilities
When lord Hanuman accidentally meets Makardhwaja for the first time, he is surprised by the fact that his son did not follow his orders. This example is quite rare in Hindu scriptures, where the son refuses to obey his father's orders because of his responsibility. It proves the fact that our responsibilities come before personal relationships.
The Father Had To Fight His Son
In order to save Rama and Lakshman, lord Hanuman had to fight his son and ultimately defeat him. So we can say that this is not a war of hatred. From time to time, the almighty god tests our loyalty, dharma, and responsibility. It also proves the fact that adopting the right path of life is sometimes very painful.
Makardhwaja Becomes the King
After the Killing of Ahiravana, Hanuman appointed his son as the king of the underworld. It proves that he accepted his son and recognized his bravery.
Lessons From Son of Lord Hanuman
We can learn a lot of lessons from Lord Hanuman's Son. Here they are:
Sometimes Destiny Works Mysteriously
God always has a plan for living beings and all events of the world. All events are designed to protect the dharma and destroy even forces. Lord Hanuman never thought that he had a son, as he never lived a family life. But the divine power created this unexpected bond. It teaches that divine plans are always bigger than human understanding. In life, we have unexpected relationships beyond our imaginations.
Courage Is About Standing Firm
You must know the fact that courage is not always about winning but about standing firm in front of challenges and performing our responsibilities as far as possible. Makardhwaja was aware of the fact that he could not defeat Hanuman, but he faced him bravely.
God Rewards Worthy People
We must perform our duty honestly and sincerely without caring about its expectations. When the right time comes, God rewards us appropriately. Lord Hanuman could have chosen anyone to rule the Patallok. But he chose Makardhwaja for his bravery, honesty, and strong feeling of responsibility.
Respect Even In Conflict
Makardhwaj Hanuman's son never disrespected his father, even during the fight. It displays the fact that we can fight and still be respectful to each other. Conflict doesn't mean you will start hating people.
Conclusion
The Son of Lord Hanuman is a symbol of responsibility, discipline, dedication, and divine acts. His birth story tells us that Hindu scriptures are not only about Gods and demons but also about emotions, miracles, and moral lessons with which we are not familiar. Lord Hanuman is famous for devotion and courage. Makardhwaja carries his legacy further. Follow the right path in your life & worship the deity. You will have a peaceful and more satisfying life. Buy the required art and craft from Cottage9.
