Hanuman ji, the biggest devotee of Lord Rama, keeps away any kind of trouble coming on his devotees. This is why the world calls Hanuman ji as Sankatmochan. Although Hanuman ji is a devotee and servant of Lord Rama, but once Hanuman ji had also rescued Lord Rama from a crisis by taking the Panchmukhi avatar. Do you know about ‘Panchmukhi Hanuman’? Let’s get ready to know about this Panchmukhi incarnation of Hanuman ji through this article.
Reason Behind Taking The Panchmukhi Avatar
Panchamukhi is a Sanskrit word which means five faced. According to an incident described in the Hindu epic Ramayana, during the war of Lanka, Ravana, the king of Lanka, took the help of his brother Ahiravana came in the form of Vibhishan using his magical power. He kidnapped and imprisoned Lord Rama and Lakshmana in the Patal Lok at a place where five lamps were kept facing in five directions. Ahiravan had received a boon from the deities that it is impossible to kill Ahiravan until these five lamps are extinguished together. To end this illusion of Ahiravan, Hanuman ji took the incarnation of Panchmukhi Hanuman facing in the five directions and by extinguishing all the five lamps at the same time, then he killed Ahiravan and freed the Lord Rama and Lakshman from his clutches.
Significance and Meaning of Five Faces
Panchmukhi Hanuman Ji’s form is very divine and amazing, in which Hanuman Ji has five special faces facing different directions and each face has its own special significance.
Anjaneya Face: Anjaneya face is the most famous and well-known form of Lord Hanuman in Panchmukhi avatar. This face of Panchmukhi Hanuman is facing the east direction, which looks straight towards the devotees.
Narasimha Face: Narasimha face in Panchmukhi avatar is inspired by Lord Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This face of Panchmukhi Hanuman is facing the south direction, which symbolizes the end of fear, facing challenges and protection for the devotees.
Garuda Face: Garuda face in Panchmukhi avatar is inspired by the speed and power of Lord Vishnu’s powerful vehicle. This face of Panchmukhi Hanuman is facing the west direction, which symbolizes protection for the devotees from poison, black magic and harmful energies.
Varaha Face: Varaha face in Panchmukhi avatar is inspired by the Varaha avatar of Lord Vishnu. This face of Panchmukhi Hanuman is facing the north direction, which symbolizes wealth and prosperity for the devotees, removing the bad effects of planetary movements.
Hayagriva Face: In the Panchmukhi avatar, Hayagriva face is like the face of a horse and is often behind the Anjaneya face. This face of Panchmukhi Hanuman is facing upwards looking at the sky, which symbolizes knowledge, wisdom and children for the devotees.
Famous & Old Panchmukhi Temple
The ancient and famous self-manifested idol of Panchmukhi Hanuman was earlier installed in Dhanushkodi but this temple was destroyed in a destructive storm. After happening this, more than 18 feet longer idol was placed in Rameswaram instead. The famous thing is floating stones available here to see for people, that were used to build Sethu Bandhanam to connect Lanka and India.
Worship of Panchmukhi Hanuman
Panchmukhi Hanuman is a powerful deity. His five faces, Anjaneya, Narasimha, Garuda, Varaha and Hayagriva respectively, represent different aspects of his unique blessings, divine power and protection. Worshiping Panchmukhi Hanuman removes all obstacles, evils and provides comprehensive guidance and help. The Panchmukhi Hanuman photo or idol should always be placed in the south direction. Tuesday and Saturday are special days for the worship of Hanuman, on this day there is special significance of offering red flowers, vermilion and jasmine oil. Along with this, jaggery and gram should be offered. Also, reciting Sunderkand or Hanuman Chalisa brings peace and energy to the mind.
Panchmukhi Hanuman Kavach
In Kaliyug, worshipping of Lord Hanuman gives us quick and sure benefits. Sri Panchmukhi Hanuman Kavach is a wonderful and powerful Hindu Stotra composed by the sages and saints of ancient times. It’s power and effects are good, immense and incredible. Chanting the Panchmukhi Hanuman Kavach creates a protective cover around us that keeps all troubles away. Chanting it destroys fear, disease, defects, evils and negative energy and brings happiness and peace in life.
In short
On hearing the name of Hanuman ji, all kinds of sorrows and pains go away automatically and it is considered very important in Hindu culture. Panchmukhi Hanuman is a form of Lord Hanuman whose five faces are facing five different directions. Worshiping Hanuman ji brings happiness, peace, health and benefits and also keeps negative forces away.