Shree Makardhwaj Hanuman Temple

Shree Makardhwaj Hanuman Temple well known as Hanuman Dandi Temple is located at Bet Dwarka (or Beyt Dwarka) island belongs to Devbhoomi Dwarka district in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is located about 32 kms from very famous Lord Krishna’s legendary Dwarka. Lord Hanuman with his son Makardhwaj (who was half vanara & half makara) as main temple deity is a rare unique temple in India.

[Story of Makardhwaj in Ramayan:- When Hanuman took a dip in the waters of sea, after burning whole of Lanka with the fire burning on his tail, a drop of his perspiration (sweat-पसीना) fell in to mouth of a mighty fish-cum-reptile like creature-crocodile, thus making it pregnant. The mighty fish was caught by people of Ahiravan, the step brother of Lankesh Ravan, who ruled Patal (the netherworld). When stomach of creature fish was cut open, Markardhwaj was discovered. Ahiravan seeing Makardhwaj’s strength & virility gave him job of guarding the gates of his Kingdom Patal-Puri. Makardhwaj name is derived from creature Makara and depicted as part Makara & part Vanara (monkey). Makardhwaj is sometimes also spelled as Magar-dhwaj - depicted as part Magara (crocodile) & part Vanara. According to Ramayan story, when Ahiravan took sleeping Lord Shri Ram & Lakshman to Patal-Lok, Hanuman followed them to their rescue. At the gate of Patal-Puri, Lord Hanuman was challenged by a creature, who was part Vanara (monkey) & part reptile (makara) i.e. Makardhwaj.]

As the temple is approached the chanting of the “Thryodhashari” Mantra "Shri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram" renders the air. The serene surrounding and the calm atmosphere in which the temple is set and with the 'Thryodhashari’ mantra rendering the air one enters the temple with all piousness.

There are always many groups of devotees who come from different part of India to chant this mantra at this temple. The temple has facilities for accommodating the devotees who visit for this purpose. This facility is also extended to other devotees who visit this temple and want to stay here.