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Posted on Jun 25, 2018 by My Pooja Box

Have you ever heard about ‘Panchmukhi Hanuman’? Lord Hanuman- the Anjaneya or Maruti Putra appeared in five-faced avatar during the battle of Ramayana. Panchmukha or Panchmukhi is a Sanskrit word that stands for five-faced.

Story behind Panchmukhi Hanuman Ji

There is an interesting story behind the origin of five-faced Maruti Nandana. During the epic battle of Ramayana, Ravana- the demon king took the help of Ahiravana. He was the king of Patal-loka (underworld).

Ahiravana disguised himself as Vibhishana and abducted Lord Rama and Lakshmana. He took them to the patal-loka.

When Hanuman came to know about the incident, he entered Patal-loka. During his search, he found out that the life of Ahiravana is hidden the five lamps. All of the lamps were kept in different directions. Ahiravana had the benediction that he could be killed only after extinguishing all the five lamps at the same time.

To kill Ahiravana, Hanuman appeared in panchamukhi anjaneya form. His five-faced avatar included the five faces of-

Hayagriva

Narasimha

Garuda

Varaha and

Hanuman

Hanuman extinguished the five lamps using his five faces in different directions and killed Ahiravana.

Interesting facts about Panchamukhi Anjaneya

It is believed that Hanuman ji appeared in his five-faced form at Mantralayan where a shrine dedicated to Him is built. He appeared in this pancha roop in front of Raghvendraswamy, who observed penance at the same place for twelve years.

There are five ways to adulate Panchmukhi Hanuman. These are-

Naman (bowing down)

Smaran (remembering)

Keerthanam (reciting)

Yachnam (pleading)

Arpanam (offering)

In Geeta, Lord Krishna described Arjuna about the ways one can reach Him. According to Him, the one, who acts for none but Him, one who observed in nothing but Him, one who is His devotee and one who is free from attachment find Him.

Lord Hanuman shows all these five qualities as being an ardent devotee of Lord Rama (one of the many avatars of Lord Vishnu).

Significance of Panchmukhi Hanuman

Hanuman in his five-faced avatar depicts the significance of number five perfectly. How may think how, here they are-

He is the son of the wind (pavan or vayu) one of the five elements

He is the one who traversed one of the five elements- Water- crossed the ocean during Ramayana war.

He had been through one of the five elements- Sky- flew over the sky to reach Lanka and save Laxmana.

He met the daughter of one the Earth (one of the five elements)- Mata Sita

Hanuman burnt down Lanka using fire (one of the five elements)

Importance & Benefits of Panchmukhi Hanuman Idol

In order to worship five-headed Hanumana, devotees use Hanuman Kavach. If you are installing Panchmukhi Hanuman idol at home, with Hanuman Kavach you can offer your prayer to the Maruti Nandana.

There are many benefits of placing five-faces Hanumnana statue at home. It protects you from evil and bad forces, destroys fear and removes vastu doshas.

People either wear Panchmukhi Hanuman Kavach in a form of pendant or use it as a painting or photo for home.

Panchmukhi Hanuman Stotra or Mantra

Panchmukhi stotra or stotram praises each of the five manifestations of Anjani Putra. Reciting this stotra eradicates evil or negative forces and protects you from troubles.

Now, you knew the significance and benefits of Panchmukhi Hanuman. Bring home panchmukhi hanuman kavach, idol or statue to worship his five-faced avatar.