Ahiravana: Rakshasa Ruler of Patal Loka
Who is Ahiravan?
Ahiravana, also known as Mahiravana- a character in the Ramayana who was the ruler of Patala (the netherworld) where everything was upside down & the brother of Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Ahiravana possessed immense power and was skilled in magic and illusion.
Ahiravan Story in Ramayana
When Ravana’s son, Indrajit (also known as Meghanada), was killed by Lakshmana in battle, Ravana sought revenge against Lord Rama and Lakshmana.To accomplish this, Ravana summoned Ahiravana from Patala. Ahiravana was a master of dark magic and illusion, making him a formidable adversary. Ravana convinced Ahiravana to capture Rama and Lakshmana and sacrifice them to the goddess Mahamaya, promising him great power in return.
Vibhishana, Ravana’s brother who had defected to Rama’s side, learned of Ahiravana’s plot and warned Rama and Lakshmana. He knew of Ahiravana’s mastery over magic and advised them to be cautious. Hanuman, ever loyal to Lord Rama, took it upon himself to protect his beloved master and his brother. He created a protective shield around Rama and Lakshmana’s dwelling using his tail, ensuring that no harm could come to them.
Despite Hanuman’s efforts, Ahiravana, employing various disguises and illusions, attempted to breach the shield and abduct Rama and Lakshmana. In one instance, he disguised himself as Vibhishana, tricking Hanuman into allowing him entry.
Once inside, Ahiravana successfully kidnapped Rama and Lakshmana and transported them to his kingdom in Patala. Upon discovering their disappearance, Hanuman vowed to rescue them and sought guidance from Vibhishana.
Vibhishana revealed the secrets of Patala to Hanuman, including its reversed natural laws and the powerful guardian of Ahiravana’s palace, Makardhwaja, who was Hanuman’s own son.
Who was Makardhwaja?
Once, after Hanuman had set Lanka ablaze with the fire from his tail, a drop of his sweat fell into the mouth of a massive crocodile dwelling in the ocean. The crocodile was subsequently captured by the inhabitants of Patal Lok, who discovered a remarkable being named Makardhwaja upon dissecting the creature’s stomach. Recognizing Makardhwaja’s exceptional intelligence and strength, Ahiravan, the ruler of Patal Lok, appointed him as the guardian of his palace.
When Hanuman endeavored to enter Ahiravan’s palace, Makardhwaja intercepted him. Hanuman, intrigued, requested an introduction, prompting Makardhwaja to proclaim himself as the valiant guardian of Patal Lok and the proud son of Hanuman. Astonished, Hanuman initially doubted Makardhwaja’s claim, for he had devoted himself to celibacy throughout his life. Subsequently, Hanuman delved into meditation, seeking enlightenment about Makardhwaja’s origins, and uncovered the truth.
In a candid conversation, Makardhwaja revealed to Hanuman that he was prepared to confront even his father to honor his allegiance to his mentor, Ahiravan. To uphold his master’s wishes, Makardhwaja challenged Hanuman to a duel before granting him access to the palace. Impressed by Makardhwaja’s unwavering loyalty and dedication, Hanuman bestowed his blessings upon him. The two engaged in a formidable battle, culminating in Hanuman emerging victorious. In a gesture of admiration, Hanuman bound Makardhwaja and proceeded into the palace in search of Ram and Lakshman.
Hanuman Rescued Lord Ram & Lakshman
Hanuman ventured into Patala, fought against numerous obstacles and adversaries, including Makardhwaja , and ultimately reached Ahiravana’s palace. There, he learned that the only way to defeat Ahiravana was to extinguish five magical lamps simultaneously. Assuming his Panchamukha Hanuman form, with five faces representing different deities, Hanuman successfully extinguished the lamps and confronted Ahiravana. In a fierce battle, Hanuman emerged victorious, slaying Ahiravana and freeing Rama and Lakshmana.
Additionally, Hanuman encountered Ahiravana’s pregnant wife, who engaged him in a fierce duel. Despite her formidable strength, Hanuman overpowered her and killed her child, ending the threat posed by Ahiravana’s lineage. With Rama and Lakshmana rescued and Ahiravana defeated, Hanuman’s unwavering devotion and bravery shone brightly, illustrating his undying commitment to his beloved Lord Rama.
Ahiravan Vadh: How did he Died?
Ahiravana met his demise at the hands of Hanuman. After Hanuman successfully extinguished the five magical lamps in Ahiravana’s palace, he confronted Ahiravana in a fierce battle. Using his immense strength and divine powers, Hanuman overpowered Ahiravana and ultimately slew him, putting an end to the threat he posed to Lord Rama and Lakshmana. Ahiravana’s death marked the culmination of Hanuman’s heroic efforts to rescue his beloved masters and defeat the forces of evil.