This is again a lesser known story, which appears in Gujarati and few other versions of Ramayana.
After setting Lanka on fire, Hanuman flew off from the blazing city, his tail still in fire. As he was feeling too hot, he decided to take a dip in the sea water. Here a drop of his perspiration fell in the mouth of a mighty Makara.
This Makara or fish was caught by the fishermen in the kingdom of Ahiravana, the king of Patal. When the Makar was cut open, a monkey face baby with a fish’s body was found. Ahirvana saw his strength and named him Makardhwaj, the guardian of Patal.
Later when Ram was fighting the war against Ravan, Ahiravana cast a spell on Ram and Lakshman and took them to Patal. Hanuman followed them. However, at the gates of Patal he was challenge by Makardhwaj who introduced himself as the son of Hanuman.
Hanuman was most amused to hear this. On his behest, the guard narrated the story of his birth and asked blessings from his father. However, Hanuman still had to fight a duel and defeat him to get into Patal to get Ram and Lakshman. On his return and upon Ram’s Advice, Hanuman appointed Makardhwaj as the new king of Patal.
Temples dedicated to Makardhwaj can be found in Gujarat and Rajastan.
We must learn from this, we must be courageous enough took stand against even our kith and kin when it comes to establishing righteousness.
Jai Bajrangbali!!
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