After instructing Hanuman how to reach the netherworld, Vibheeshan asked him to go there and rescue Ram and Lakshman. Hanuman immediately set off to Patal. At the entrance, he took some time to rest under a tree. Suddenly, he overheard two birds perched on the tree holding a conversation. Hanuman listened to their talk carefully, as he understood the language of birds. “Ahiravan has kidnapped Ravan’s enemies, Ram and Lakshman. He is going to offer them as a sacrifice to goddess Kamada right now. It is going to be festival time for us!” the birds said. Hanuman soon came across Makardhwaj (a creature who was half reptile and half monkey). Makardhwaj was guarding the gates of Patal. Hanuman went to him and introduced himself. Makardhwaj immediately recognised Hanuman as his father. He was born out of a drop of Hanuman’s perspiration that fell into the sea when he extinguished the flame on his tail after burning Lanka.
Hanuman’s Son Makardhwaj
