The Story And Symbolism Behind The Panchmukhi Hanuman

Introduction

Hanuman is a Hindu deity, mainly worshipped in the Indian subcontinent. A popular deity in Hinduism, he is also revered in Jainism and Buddhism. Here we'll talk about talk about the story and significance of Panchmukhi Avatar of Hanuman.

The story of Panchmukhi Hanuman

Panchamukhi Hanuman, is a representation of him, showing 5 faces, in different directions. It is based on the incident in Ramayana, where Hanuman assumes the form to kill, Ahiravana, the king of Pathala, and Ravan’s brother.

Apparently when Indrajit was killed, and Ravan was losing the battle against Shree Ram, he summoned his brother Ahiravan(the king of patal), to help him out. Ahiravan promised to capture Ram and Laxman alive, take them to his kingdom, where he would sacrifice them to the Goddess Mahamaya. Vibhishan, having got wind of Ahiravan's plans, informs Ram and Laxman of this, and asks Hanuman to keep guard over them. He also warns Hanuman, that Ahiravan is a master of disguise, and to be careful of any trickery. Ahiravan tries to enter the place, where Ram and Laxman are sleeping, in various disguises, but Hanuman manages to thwart him. Finally he assumes the disguise of Vibhishan himself, and having fooled Hanuman, he enters the place and manages to carry away Ram and Laxman to Pataal Lok.

When Hanuman finds he has been tricked by Ahiravan, he vows to Vibhishan, that he would find Ram and Laxman, and kill Ahiravan. Hanuman goes down into the Patala Loka, where he finds Ahiravan's massive palace, that is heavily guarded on all sides.He first has to contend with the guard, Makardhwaja, who is half Vanara, half fish, and also happens to be Hanuman's son in a way too. After defeating his son, Hanuman makes his way into Mahiravan's palace and learns that the way to kill Mahiravan is to extinguish 5 different lamps in different directions. This is when Hanuman assumes his Panchamukha Anjaneya form here.

Five faces of Hanuman

As per most texts, Hanuman assumes the form of Panchamukha( 5 faces) and carries 10 weapons. The five faces here are those of

Anjaneya- Facing East grants Ishta Siddhi.

Narasimha- Facing South, grants Abhishta Siddhi

Mahaveera Garuda- Facing West, grants Sakala Soubhagya.

Lakshmi Varaha- Facing North, grants Dhana Prapthi

Hayagriva, known as the Urdhva Mukha( facing upwards), grants Sarva Vidya Jaya Prapthi.

He assumed this form to blow out the 5 lamps, and then kill Ahiravana.

Significance of Panchmukhi Hanuman

It’s believed to represent Hanuman’s mastery over the 5 senses or Pancha Indriyas. A very beautiful couplet in Kamba Ramayanam, explains the significance here.

The son of one of the five elements( Vayu or wind) , crossed one of the five elements( Sagara or Ocean, Water), through another of the elements( Sky), and met the daughter of another element( Sita, being the daughter of Earth). And then burnt down Lanka by Fire( another element).

Panchmukhi Hanuman temple

Its believed that Hanuman appeared in this form to Shri Raghavendra Swamy of Mantralayam, and the Panchamukhi Anjaneyaswamy temple is located here at the spot where he did penance.

There are 5 forms of prayer to him, Naman, Smaran, Keerthanam, Yachanam and Arpanam, which depict the five faces.

Panchmukhi form of Hanuman is mentioned in  scriptures like Vidyarnava Tantra, Sudarshan Samhita, Parasara Samhita (which is Panchratra agama text, written by Maharishi Parashara, (father of Vedavyasa)