Makardhwaj Hanuman Mandir (Hanuman Dandi) — Attraction in Gujarat

Hanuman in search of Sri Rama and Lakshmana enters the Patal Lok and locates the palace of Ahi and Mahi Ravan. To his astonishment he found that the palace being guarded by a vanara. As tried to enter the palace, he was challenged by the mighty vanara. Hanuman told the vanara that he would visit the palace once and go away. The vanara did not oblige. When Hanuman forcefully tried to enter the palace, the vanara stopped him and started to fight. From the technique used by the vanara and resistance he had shown for the strength and force applied by Hanuman, Hanuman felt that the vanara is not an ordinary vanara. Hanuman asked for his identification, to which the vanara told that he is son of great warrior Sri Hanuman of Ramasena. Hanuman was taken aback.

“Hanuman is a bachelor and how could you be his son?” “Yes. My father Sri Hanuman does not know that I am his son. When my father visited Lanka in search of Sita mata, Ravan of Lanka had lit the fire in my father’s tail.. It did not burn the tail, instead he had burnt Lanka with it. After destroying Lanka, my father extinguished the fire by dipping the burning tail in the ocean. At that time a drop of sweat fell in the ocean which was swallowed by a crocodile [Makar in Sanskrit]. As a result of that I was born to the makara [crocodile] hence known as ‘Makardhwaj’. I was born in the kitchen of Rani Chandrasena. Then the compassionate Rani looked after me like a mother.” “Oh! Makardhwaj have you seen Hanuman?” “No.” “It is me. I am Hanuman. I had come here on a great mission of rescuing Sri Rama and Lakshmana.” “Pranam! Whatever be the reason, even though you are my father, you have to conquer me to enter the palace.” Hearing the commotion Chandrasena came out of the palace. “Makardhwaj! What is the matter?” “He is my father Sri Hanuman and is trying to enter the palace” “I had come in search of Sri Rama and Lakshmana. I was tricked by the maya of Ahi Ravan and Mahi Ravan who had taken Sri Rama and Lakshmana as prisoners and brought them here to patal lok.” “Pranam Sri Hanuman! Yes the brothers had brought Sri Rama and Lakshmana for offering them as human sacrifice to their deity of worship. They wish to conquer the world by this great human sacrifice. The offering is to be made in wee hours in the morning. I have the key of the temple sanctum, but when the brothers come together I am to give the key to them.” “I am grateful to you for bringing up my son Makardhwaj as a great warrior and dutiful soldier. I request that I may be sent inside the sanctum and you can lock the door. Leave the rest to me and with the blessings of Sri Rama, the mission will be accomplished.” Rani Chandrasena thought for a while and let Sri Hanuman inside the sanctum and locked the door of the...

One of the best historical and mythological temple in bet Dwarka. Vary peaceful temple. The story behind this place is that this is belong to the lord Hanuman And his Son Makardhwaj the only temple in the world that you see Father Son together at one place Makardhwaja as per Hindu scriptures, is born from Hanuman's sweat, who makes his appearance in various regional versions of the Ramayana When Hanuman took a dip in the waters of the sea (after burning down the whole of Lanka with his inflamed tail), a drop of his perspiration fell into the mouth of a mighty Makara. Out of this, Makardhwaja was born.The fish was caught by people of Ahiravana, who ruled Patala, the nether-world. Markardhwaja was discovered when the stomach of the fish was cut open and thus he was named after it and was brought up by them.When he grew up, Ahiravana, seeing his strength and virility gave him job of guarding, the gates of his Kingdom. When Ahiravana took Rama and Lakshmana to Patala, Hanuman followed them to their rescue.He was challenged at the gate of Patala by a creature, who was part Vanara and part reptile - a Makara. He introduced himself Makaradhwaja and son of Hanuman, the mighty warrior.Hanuman was amused and said that, I am myself the Hanuman but he could not be his son, as he was Brahmachari complete celibate since birth. However, Hanuman then closed his eyes in dhyana to see the events described above of Makardhwaja's birth.Makardhwaja asked him for his blessings, however, he said to Hanuman, that he will have to fight him to enter Patala, as he cannot betray Ahiravana, his mentor. Hanuman defeats Makaradhwaja in a duel and then ties him to the back to proceed further to ultimately kill Ahiravana and rescue Rama & Lakshamana as Makardhawaja is presented as the exemplary devotee (bhakta) of Ahiravana as Hanuman for Rama.1 While returning from patal lok Shri Ram takes a glance at Makradhwaj in pain, post enquiring Hanuman narrates the story to Shri Ram. Shri Ram being impressed by Makardhwajs stand for his mentor and fight with Hanuman declares him the king of Patal Lok as then king Ahiravan was killed. This place in which Hanuman enter to...

Visiting the Makardhwaj Hanuman Mandir on Bet Dwarka was a profound experience and remains one of the most spiritually unique stops on our journey.

It’s the ONLY known temple where Lord Hanuman is worshipped alongside his son Makardhwaj, commemorating their mythological meeting at the gateway of Patal Lok — an extraordinary and rare depiction in Hindu tradition.

The temple grounds include murtis of Ganesha and Kala Bhairava, contributing to its sacred ambiance.

Located 5 km east of the main Bet Dwarka temple, it’s accessible by shared autos or chakkas (around ₹60–₹300 round-trip depending on the vehicle).

The temple sits beneath a peepal tree, surrounded by an open, peaceful courtyard with the sacred "Trayodhashari mantra" ("Shri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram") inscribed around the shrine — chanting of this sacred verse fills the air as you enter.

It was clean and tranquil, with very few visitors during our visit — ideal for quiet prayer or chanting the Hanuman Chalisa undisturbed.

Langar seva (free meals) is offered daily around lunchtime, adding to the temple’s welcoming atmosphere.

Priests are humble and share the fascinating legend behind the temple — many reviewers appreciated the historical storytelling on-site.

Hanuman Ji is depicted seated, while Makardhwaj stands taller, in a posture of protection — there are no weapons, symbolizing peace and joy (Dandi Hanuman means “Joyous Hanuman”).

The temple is thoughtfully simple in architecture, focusing on spiritual connection rather than ornate design.

As you leave, take in the serenity of Bet Dwarka island, with views of the Arabian Sea and nearby temples in the distance.

If you visit Bet Dwarka, don’t miss this temple — it’s compact but deeply meaningful. The calm atmosphere, mythological significance, and rare depiction of father–son devotion makes it a must-see. We highly recommend attending during midday for the langar, taking an afternoon auto ride, and spending 20–30 minutes quietly at the shrine.

A truly memorable spiritual experience that stands apart — you’ll feel blessed...