In the epic tale of Ramayani Hanuman was one of the most revered characters who was known for his loyalty, strength, and devotion towards his Prabhu Shri Ram. But apart from his role in Ramayana, Hanuman also had a family story hidden in the folds of his adventures. While he dedicated his life to serving Lord Rama, there are intriguing tales of his family life that often go unnoticed like - Did Hanuman ever get married? Who was his wife? Did he have any children?
If any of these questions have ever struck your mind, then this blog is for you. Here, we’ll learn everything about Hanuman’s family all from his wife and son. So let us uncover some interesting and lesser-known facts about Hanuman’s life.
The Birth of Makardhwaj: A Unique Origin Story
Hanuman, despite being celibate i.e., someone abstaining from marriage typically due to religious reasons, had a son named Makardhwaj. Surprised? Well, this might sound unusual, but Makardhwaj's birth was no ordinary event.
And here goes the story behind it.
During a quest to find Sita who was abducted and kept in Lanka by the demon Ravana, Hanuman's tail was set on fire by Ravana's men. Hence, in a haste to cool it down, Hanuman dipped his tail in the ocean water. Affected by the heat of fire, he was furiously sweating and that is when accidentally a drop of his sweat fell into the water. This drop of sweat was surprisingly consumed by a fish, which led to the birth of Makardhwaj.
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Makardhwaj Meets His Father
Both father (Hanuman) and son (Makardhwaj) met under unusual circumstances.
Once the demon king Ahiravana kidnapped Lord Rama and Lakshmana and took them to the Patal Lok to sacrifice them to the goddess. In order to save his lord Hanuman ventured into Patal Lok to rescue them. It was here when he met Makardhwaj, who was instructed to serve as the gatekeeper by Ahirvana.
Learning about his son's background and seeing his might and power, Hanuman was very proud and happy. Hence, later after defeating Ahiravana and freeing both Rama and Lakshmana, he appointed Makardhwaj as the ruler of Patal Lok and encouraged him to always follow the path of Dharma and truth.
The Dilemma 9 Vidyas
Surya Dev had 9 divine knowledge out of which he gave 5 vidyas to Hanuman. However, when it came to giving the other remaining 4 vidyas, Surya Dev became quite hesitant.
The reason? The remaining 4 vidyas were only to be given to someone who was married and as Hanuman had taken a vow to remain celibate, delivering the vidyas to him became a problem for Surya Dev. But Hanuman also needed to gain the remaining vidyas as his education would be considered incomplete without them. Hence, it created a matter of dilemma for both Hanuman and Surya Dev.
Hanuman’s Marriage to Suvarchala
To tackle the situation, Surya Dev came up with an idea. He revealed a girl named Suvarchala with his glory and asked Hanuman to marry her. Hanuman was all confused about this arrangement, clearing which Surya Dev explained that this girl will only help you to attain all your 9 vidyas. After marriage, she’ll be engaged in strong penance and merge back into the glory of the sun. this way Hanuman will get married while remaining a Brahmachari. This is how Hanuman obtained all his 9 vidyas after marrying Suvarchala who was also called the daughter of Surya.
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Honoring Hanuman and Suvarchala: The Temple in Telangana
In the Khammam district of Telangana, there's a temple dedicated to Hanuman and Suvarchala. This is the only temple in the world where they are worshiped as a divine couple. This temple is a symbol of their unique bond and Hanuman's unwavering commitment to his vows.
Conclusion
These stories add depth to Hanuman's character, showing his ability to balance duty and personal life. They remind us that even the mightiest beings have a human side, and love can take many forms, even for a divine figure like Hanuman.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Who was Hanuman's wife?
A. Suvarchala, the daughter of Surya Dev, was the wife of Hanuman.
Q. Who fell in love with Hanuman?
A. Survannamaccha, the daughter of Ravana (the evil demon who abducted Sita) fell in love with Hanuman.
Q. Who is the baby of Hanuman?
A. Makardhwaja, who was born out of Hanuman’s sweat, was the baby of Hanuman.
Q. What is Hanuman's real name?
A. Hanuman had many names like Kesari Nandana (son of Kesari), Anjaniputra (the son of Anjana) and Vayuputra.
Q. Who is the husband of Hanuman's mother?
A. Kesari was the husband of Hanuman’s mother.