Lord Hanuman is a character that we’ve grown up hearing about. The tales of his loyalty are widespread.
The sheer devotion that he had towards Lord Ram and Mother Sita are legendary. To this day, the examples of loyalty are never complete without the mention of Lord Hanuman.
A deity is revered in his own right, Lord Hanuman is a renowned figure in our Hindu mythology. Lord Hanuman is synonymous for being known for his unwavering devotion, strength, and valor.
One other distinguishing feature of Lord Hanuman, that immediately springs to mind alongside his devotion, is his vow to renounce worldly pleasures and stand by his celibate nature.
In that case, how would this deity have a son? Was Lord Hanuman ever married or did he have a wife?
Then what are the stories being whispered about Lord Hanuman’s son? How true are they?
Lord Hanuman's unwavering devotion to Lord Rama and heroic exploits lies a tantalizing reference to a figure named Makardhwaja in certain ancient texts, casting a veil of mystery over Hanuman's life story.
This enigmatic mention of Lord Hanuman having a son has left scholars and devotees alike scratching their heads in curiosity.
Was Makardhwaja indeed a flesh-and-blood descendant of Hanuman, or does it hold a deeper, symbolic meaning that beckons us to unravel its mysteries?
Who is Lord Hanuman?
In Hinduism, there is no lack of Gods and Goddesses with their unique feats of bravery and strength, and Lord Hanuman just about ranks among the top of everyone’s beloved deity.
Known for his devotion, strength, service, he is the epitome of how a devotee could value their God in the highest possible position, selflessly sacrificing everything to help Lord Rama.
Often depicted as a monkey-faced deity, symbolizing his exceptional qualities, Lord Hanuman’s mentions are strewn all over the epic tale of Ramayana.
Lord Hanuman is a major part in the events that lead to the rescue of Goddess Sita, from the King Ravana.
There are tales constructed around the story of Lord Hanuman's incredible leap to the island of Lanka to get the required medicinal herbs is a well-known feat that showcases his dedication.
In yet another touching story, he tore open his chest to reveal images of Lord Rama and Sita inside. Quoted as the ultimate symbolization of his deep love and devotion for them, portrayals of that image still continue to grace the homes of his beloved devotees.
Worshiping Lord Hanuman is believed to bring strength, courage, and protection, helping one face life's challenges.
Lord Hanuman stands for qualities like humility, loyalty, and selfless devotion in Hinduism. His simplicity and unwavering commitment make him a cherished and inspirational figure for millions of people in the Hindu faith.
According to some tales, Hanuman possessed immense strength and was undefeatable in battle, with no weapon able to harm him. His divine powers also made him invulnerable to damage from worldly forces.
Honour the Immortal Lord Hanuman Divine Presence -
The Controversial Reference to Lord Hanuman's Son
The mysterious mention of Lord Hanuman's supposed son, Makardhwaja, is a story that came about during a surprising encounter in the depths of Patal.
This recounting in history has left us puzzled. And to hear such a story being associated with the celibate Lord Hanuman has led to several discussions that still continue.
The story predominantly states that Lord Ram and Lakshman were kidnapped by Ahiravana, who ruled Patal. Lord Hanuman, ever the trusted devotee, went on a mission to rescue them.
This took him into the netherworld. And when Lord Hanuman reached Patal, it is said that he met a guard named Makardhwaja, who claimed to be his son.
This unexpected revelation raised a big question, how could Lord Hanuman, often thought of as a celibate entity, have a son? Lord Hanuman was taken aback by this unexpected news.
But as the story goes, Lord Hanuman had once applied sindoor to his body as a sign of his devotion to Lord Ram.
Following this, the wind god, Lord Vayu, is said to have carried this sindoor to a fish’s womb, and Makardhwaja was born from this divine union.
This reference has sparked debates among religious scholars. Some see it as a symbol of Lord Hanuman's loyalty and dedication, while others consider it a theological mystery.
I borrowed that term from one of the papers I read, trying to understand the deeper meaning behind these events.
At the end of it, the story of Makardhwaja stands as an example where perceptions shape the tone and the narrative of the story, and in this vast realm, we are forever searching for the truth.
Examining the Tale of Makardhwaja
Let's take a closer look at the intriguing tale of Makardhwaja, who's believed to be the son of Lord Hanuman. This story gets even more fascinating as we dig deeper.
So, after Lord Hanuman set the city of Lanka ablaze during his search for Mata Sita, he needed a break from the scorching heat.
Legend has it that a drop of his sweat fell into the water, where it was ingested by a Makara, a kind of fish-like reptile.
This hybrid creature is later said to have become pregnant and was captured by Ahiravana's men. Different versions of this story exist, each with its own origins.
In one version, when they cut open the fish, they found Makardhwaja inside – a being that resembled both a monkey and a reptile.
Impressed by his strength and power, Ahiravana made Makardhwaja the guardian of Patal, the netherworld.
The plot thickens when Lord Hanuman, while attempting to rescue Lord Ram and Lakshman, encounters Makardhwaja in Patal.
Much like his father, Makardhwaja was fiercely loyal to his master, Ahiravana, and opposed Lord Hanuman's mission. This led to a father-son showdown, a battle that raged on for quite some time.
In the end, though, Lord Hanuman emerged victorious.
Despite the intense fight, Lord Hanuman was deeply moved by his son's unwavering loyalty and remarkable strength.
As a result, he granted Makardhwaja rulership over the kingdom of Patal, making him its new ruler.
Interpreting the Hidden Significance
The story of Makardhwaja, the mythical son of Lord Hanuman, goes much deeper and offers a unique perspective within our culture.
It's like a refreshing twist in the spiritual narrative we're so familiar with, and these viewpoints truly resonate with the essence of our Hindu mythology.
Makardhwaja's unusual birth, with features of both a monkey and a reptile, can be seen as a symbol of different qualities coming together within one being.
It's a bit like saying we all have various facets that make us who we are.
His unwavering loyalty to his master, Ahiravana, mirrors his father's devotion, highlighting the idea of staying committed to our principles and responsibilities, even when faced with tough choices.
It's like a reminder to stay true to what we believe in, no matter what.
Moreover, the story also delves into the complexities of parenthood. Lord Hanuman's initial surprise upon discovering he had a son, followed by his eventual acceptance of Makardhwaja as his own, reflects the idea that parenthood can be quite intricate, even for divine beings.
In a way, this story represents the intricacies that lie within the lessons of our culture. It shows us that the truth is rarely straightforward, and there's a vast world waiting to be explored and understood.
Conclusion
The story of Makardhwaja from Hindu mythology serves as a guide for finding balance in our lives, staying devoted to our values, and navigating the complexities of relationships, even in challenging times. It's like a handbook for life.
Yet, some mysteries remain. We're left wondering whether Makardhwaja's existence should be taken literally or if it's meant to be more symbolic.
This story leaves us pondering what's real and what's symbolic in the realm of mythology.
Makardhwaja's story is one of those intriguing tales that imparts important lessons. It encourages us to keep delving into the rich world of Hindu mythology, seeking more wisdom and connections.
As we conclude our journey with Makardhwaja, we carry with us the concepts of balance, devotion, and the intricate nature of human relationships.
These are the treasures hidden within his untold story, waiting for us to uncover and cherish.
