Hanuman Tests Machhindranath

Machhindranath, who had earlier granted King Pashupat the direct darshan of Lord Rama and requested Rama’s support for the Nath Panth, was himself once tested by Hanuman. Machhindranath was travelling along the eastern seashore during pilgrimage and reached Rameshwar, where he saw the Setu built by Lord Rama. While bathing in the sea, he noticed a small monkey trying to dig stones and build a shelter as dark clouds gathered and rain began. This monkey was Hanuman in a small form, though Machhindranath did not recognize him. Seeing the monkey’s late attempt at building a house in the rain, Machhindranath joked, “You have become clever very quickly! Rain is falling and now you think of building a house? Does one dig a well only when thirsty?” The monkey replied, “Holy man, how can we know as much as you? What is your name?” Machhindranath said, “People call me *Jati*. My name is Machhindra.” The monkey said, “I have only heard that Hanuman is the one true Jati. I lived near him, so even I possess a thousandth part of his power. Show me your strength. If I am convinced, I will accept you as Jati. Otherwise, give up that name! I too will show my power.” Machhindranath accepted the challenge.

Hanuman immediately leapt across the mountain, took a huge form, and lifted a massive mountain to throw at Machhindra. Recognising that this was indeed Hanuman, Machhindranath took a pinch of mantra-infused bhasma and commanded, “Stay still!” Instantly the mountain froze in mid-air. Hanuman hurled more mountains, but every one of them remained suspended. Angered, Hanuman lifted yet another mountain and charged toward Machhindra. Machhindranath then drew sea water into his palm, empowered it with the Vatakarchan astra, and threw it at Hanuman. At once, Hanuman—along with the mountain—became motionless. His breath grew strained.

Seeing his son in distress, Vayu Deva approached Machhindranath and begged for mercy. Out of compassion, Machhindranath released Hanuman. Vayu then explained to Hanuman, “This sage bound you because his guru-bhakti is unparalleled. The combined power of God, Guru, and Mantra makes his word irresistible. Guru-devotion protects one from every calamity. Let us make friendship with him.” Hanuman and Vayu bowed to Machhindra, who accepted their friendship and said he too needed their help.

Machhindranath asked, “Why did you oppose me today when you helped me earlier on Martand mountain and in Shabari Vidya?” Hanuman smiled and replied, “Machhindranath, I recognized you while you were bathing. I wished to test your strength. You will face many difficult challenges in the future. I wanted to see if you could withstand them.” Machhindra was pleased with this explanation.

Hanuman then said, “For many years I have carried a heavy burden in my mind. Now that we are friends, you must relieve me of it.” Machhindranath agreed. Hanuman continued, “After Ravana’s slaying, when we returned to Ayodhya, Sitamata was pleased with my service. She thought, ‘Hanuman should have a home and be married; he deserves family life.’ I did not know her plan. One day she asked me to promise to do a task. After I promised, she said, ‘I want you to marry.’ I was shocked. I cried before Lord Rama. Rama said, ‘Do not fear, Hanuman. In every cycle of four yugas, we take birth for destined work. Ninety-eight Ramas have come, ninety-eight Hanumans have come. You are the 99th Hanuman; I am the 99th Rama. Ravana’s lineage must end, but the demon women must rebuild theirs. Go to their kingdom and marry.’ I protested, ‘I am a brahmachari! This will be sin!’ Rama explained, ‘Your shakti is urdhva (upward-moving). Even your breath can cause conception without breaking your celibacy. This is not sin.’ Still I refused, but Rama and Sita insisted.”

Hanuman continued, “I went to the kingdom of women ruled by Queen Menaka. None there had ever seen a man. By my breath alone they conceived daughters. But Menaka insisted on direct union. Because of my divine golden loincloth, I could not. So I told her: ‘In the future, the son of King Uparichar Vasu—Kavi Narayan Rishi—will take birth as Machhindranath. He will be a mighty yogi. He will come here. *He* will fulfil your desire.’ Thus I promised her. Machhindra—you must free me from this vow. From you, she will conceive a son named Meennath, the reincarnation of Uparichar Vasu. This is destined.”

Machhindranath was distressed. “Do not trap me! Women have caused the downfall of Brahma, Narada, Indra, Ravana, Shiva, Vishwamitra—must I follow them? I refuse!” Hanuman insisted. Finally, Machhindranath agreed—on one condition: “Let me complete my pilgrimage first. Then I will go to the kingdom of women.” Vayu and Hanuman accepted this. They departed, and Machhindranath continued on his pilgrimage.

In this way, Hanuman tested Machhindranath and placed his own karmic burden upon him, revealing both the power and the inescapable responsibilities of the Nath lineage.