Panchmukhi Hanuman

Panchamukhi Hanuman:

The Origin of the Legendary Panchamukhi Hanuman

After Ravana’s son Indrajit is killed, Ravana calls his brother Ahiravana for help. 

Ahiravana, after Making Several Failed Attempts takes the form of Vibhishana and Hanuman lets him enter. Ahiravana quickly enters and takes the sleeping Rama and Lakshmana away.

Hanuman realizes it. Hanuman enters Patala and encounters Ahiravan . Ahiravan has a strong army and Hanuman is told by Chandrasena that the only way to Utterly defeat Ahiravan is by blowing out FIVE different Candles located in FIVE different directions, all at the Same Time. To accomplish this Hanuman took the form of Panchamukhi Hanuman his five-headed form & blows out the Five different fire Lamps and thus kills Ahiravan.

The five faces of Panchamukhi Hanuman with their directions are

◆Sri Hanuman  – (Facing East)

The significance of this face is this face removes all blemishes of sin and confers purity of mind.

◆Narsimha – (Facing South)

The significance of this face is this face removes fear of enemies and confers victory. Narasimha is the Lion-Man avatar of Lord Vishnu, who took the form to protect his devotee Prahlad from his evil father, Hiranyakashipu.

◆Garuda – (Facing West)

The significance of this face is this face drives away evil spells, black magic influences, negative spirits and removes all poisonous effects in one’s body. Garuda is Lord Vishnu’s vehcile, this bird knows the secrets of death and the beyond. The Garuda Purana is a Hindu text based on this knowledge.

◆Varaha – (Facing North)

The significance of this face is this face wards off the troubles caused by bad influences of the planets and confers all eight types prosperity (Ashta Aishwarya). Varaha is another Lord Vishnu avatar, he took this form and dug up land.

◆Hayagriva – (Facing Upwards)

The significance of this face is this face confers knowledge & victory

By RK Nayak