Makaradhwaja

In regional folk tellings (absent from the Valmiki text) Makaradhwaja is said to have originated when a drop of Hanuman's sweat fell into the mouth/body of a mighty Makara (sometimes rendered as a giant fish- or reptile-like aquatic creature). The creature gestated or sheltered the drop and was later cut open or gave birth, and the foundling was named after the Makara. He was subsequently raised by Ahiravana, the ruler of Patala, who made him guardian of the subterranean realm's gate. Multiple versions of the birth episode exist in the tradition but agree on the core motifs (sweat → Makara → birth).

Narrative sources describe Makaradhwaja as a hybrid figure combining monkey/vanara features associated with Hanuman and reptilian/aquatic Makara traits; accounts present him as 'part Vanara and part reptile' or 'part Vanara and part Makara' when he confronts Hanuman at Patala's gate. Textual reports do not provide standardized iconographic details such as precise coloration or measurements, though temple imagery in some local contexts depicts him alongside Hanuman.

Sources emphasize martial strength, virility, and duty: Ahiravana assigns him the role of guarding the gates of Patala after noting his strength. In the key episode he challenges Hanuman and fights him; after being defeated he submits and is taken along by Hanuman. The tradition frames him as an exemplary devotee (bhakta) of Ahiravana. The supplied accounts do not enumerate distinct supernatural powers beyond his hybrid form, guardian role, and physical prowess.