Panchmukhi Hanuman – Symbolism and Significance Explained

 There are many devotees of Hanuman all the world over who worship this magnificent one in many forms. One of the much-revered forms is the powerful Panchmukhi Hanuman. Five faces are staring in different directions, often holding the spectator in awe. The Panchmukhi Hanuman or the Panchamukhi Anjaneya is believed to be one of his virat (gigantic) forms. Some even believe that there are two forms of Panchmukhi Hanuman statue sitting or standing. Five majestic faces all belonging to Hanuman is one form while the second is the more popular one. Five majestic faces, each belonging to different gods: 

·         Lord Hanuman: He faces eastwards with steadfast devotion. Worshipping Hanuman helps one to get rid of one’s sins and bestows peace, purity, happiness, and fulfillment. 

·         Lord Narasimha: One of the many avatars of Lord Vishnu, this lion form is south facing. Lord Vishnu took this form to protect his devotee, Prahlada. Worshipping Narasimha removes fear. Fearlessness and victory are the blessings showered on the devotee.  

·         Lord Garuda: Facing west, the Garuda or eagle is part of the Panchmukhi Hanuman manifestation. He offers protection from negative influences, black magic, and evil spirits. 

·         Lord Adivaraha: The boar is another manifestation and is believed to remove the bad effects of planetary movements. Facing the north, Varaha bestows wealth and prosperity. 

·         Lord Hayagriva: The form of the horse faces upward, blessing one with knowledge, progeny and liberation.

The Panchmukhi Hanuman is magnificent and awe-inspiring. This form arose at the time in patala when Vayu Putra Hanuman was charged with the responsibility of saving Lord Ram’s life. Little wonder that this form is endowed with many weapons like the parashu (battle axe), chakra (disc), gada (mace), trishul (trident) and the khanda (sword). 

A manifestation of the Panchmukhi Hanuman

During the Ramayana war, a losing Ravana summoned one of his brothers, Ahiravana, the chief of patala (netherworld). Disguising himself as Vibhishana, Ahiravana threw Hanuman off-guard and kidnapped Lord Rama and Lakshman. 

When Hanuman statue for home went to patala, he learned the only way he could kill Ahiravana. This demon’s soul rested in five candles. The only way to destroy him was to extinguish all five candles at the same time. That is when Hanuman manifested his Panchamukhi roop, each form facing a different direction. Together, they blew out the candles and brought the still-unconscious Lord Rama and Lakshaman back to Lanka. 

Thus, the Panchamukhi Hanuman form's worshipper is liberated from different fears, negativity, and enemies. Hanuman idol for car is often referred to as a yogi. He is believed to have reached perfection in his siddhis and had gained control over his five senses (Pancha Indriyas). This is one of the many interpretations of number five. Amongst other versions, the famous Tamil poet Kambar has shared the importance of the number five in Ramavataram, the Tamil version of Ramayana.