Bada Mangal 2026: The Lesser-Known Story of Hanuman’s Son Makardhwaj

The first Bada Mangal of 2026 is being observed today, a day considered highly auspicious for the worship of Hanuman. Devotees across India offer prayers seeking strength, protection, and relief from troubles. While many stories about Hanuman are widely known, there is one fascinating legend that often surprises people—despite being a lifelong celibate, Hanuman is believed to have had a son.

According to mythological texts, his son was named Makardhwaj. This unique belief is not only mentioned in ancient texts but is also reflected in temple traditions where both father and son are worshipped together.

Temples Dedicated to Hanuman and Makardhwaj

In the walled city area of Jaipur, an east-facing Hanuman temple draws large numbers of devotees. What makes this temple special is that alongside Hanuman, Makardhwaj is also worshipped. It is believed that offering prayers here can help reduce Mangal Dosha and bring relief from life’s difficulties. Tuesdays, especially during Bada Mangal, see a huge influx of devotees.

Another prominent site is in Dwarka, where the Dandi Hanuman Temple is located about 2 km from the main town. This temple is considered one of the earliest places where Makardhwaj is worshipped along with Hanuman. According to local belief, this is also where the father and son first encountered each other.

The Origin of Makardhwaj

The story traces back to the time of the Ramayana. When the demon Ahiravana abducted Lord Rama and Lakshmana and took them to the Patal Lok, Hanuman set out to rescue them. At the entrance, he was stopped by a powerful warrior—Makardhwaj. It leads to a fierce battle. During the fight, Hanuman realized that the warrior possessed strength comparable to his own. When questioned, Makardhwaj revealed that he was Hanuman’s son.

Surprised by this claim, Hanuman asked how it was possible. Makardhwaj then explained that when Hanuman was crossing the ocean, a drop of his sweat fell into the sea and was swallowed by a fish, leading to his birth. Another version of the legend suggests that this happened when Hanuman dipped his burning tail into the ocean after setting Lanka ablaze.

Disclaimer: The content provided here is based on beliefs and information only. Always consult a concerned expert.