Panchamukhi Hanuman (the five-faced Hanuman) is a form of Lord Hanuman that he assumed to rescue Lord Rama and Lakshman from Patala Loka. The five faces of Panchamukhi Hanuman are Hanuman, Garuda, Narasimha, Varaha, and Hayagriva. Panchamukhi Hanuman is believed to be very powerful for protection from negative energies, like black magic, ghosts, etc.
Meaning of Panchamukhi Hanuman:
The word Panchamukhi comprises two words, viz. Pancha and Mukhi. Pancha means five, and Mukhi means faces. Therefore, Panchamukhi Hanuman means “Lord Hanuman with five faces”.
Iconography:
Panchamukhi Hanuman is depicted as having five faces. The front face is that of Lord Hanuman himself. The first face on the right side is of Narasimha, and the second is of Hayagriva. The first face on the left side is of Gaurda, and the second one is of Varaha.
He has 10 hands in which he carries different weapons. Panchamukhi Hanuman is wearing a loin cloth around his waist and a flower garland around his neck. He is also wearing a necklace.
The Panchamukhi Hanuman idol can be seen in both the standing and sitting positions, but the one in the standing position is more common.
Why Did Hanuman Take the Form of Panchamukh Hanuman?
The story about Panchamukhi Hanuman is not mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana or Ramcharitmanas, but it is found in Parashara Samhita, Sudarshana Samhita, Krittivasi Ramayana, Vidyarnava Tantra, and other Tantra books. Therefore, there are many versions of this story.
Ahiravana Abducts Lord Rama and Lakshmana:
When Lakshmana killed Indrajeet, Ravana called Ahiravana (the king of Patala Loka) for help. Vibhishana came to know about Ravana’s plan and alerted Lord Rama. He advised Lord Hanuman to guard them heavily and not allow anybody to go into their vicinity. Lord Hanuman built a fortress from his tail and kept Lord Rama and Lakshman inside, and allowed nobody to see them.
Ahiravana tried many tricks but could not infiltrate. Therefore, he assumed the form of Vibhishana and expressed his desire to meet Lord Rama regarding an urgent matter. Lord Hanuman failed to recognize Ahiravana and allowed him to see Lord Rama. He abducted them while they were sleeping and took them to Patala Loka. But he did not kill them because he wanted to offer them in sacrifice to Goddess Chandi.
Hanuman Meets His Son:
When Lord Hanuman came to know about the abduction, he visited Vibhishana, who told him that Ahiravan would sacrifice them soon to Goddess Chandi. Therefore, Hanuman had to find them quickly.
When Lord Hanuman tried to enter Patala Loka, he found out that its door was guarded by a strange creature that was a half reptile and half vanara. This creature was his son, but he was not aware of it.
When Lord Hanuman burnt down Lanka with his tail, he took a dip into the seawater when a drop of his sweat fell into the mouth of a crocodile. The crocodile gave birth to the half-vanara and half-reptile creature named Makardhwaja.
A fierce battle took place between them, but Lord Hanuman defeated Makardhwaja and entered Patala Loka.
Hanuman Takes the Form of Panchamukhi Hanuman:
Ahiravan had a very beautiful wife named Chandrasena, who was a Naga princess. He had abducted and forced her to marry him. She despised the lifestyle of Asuras and was a devotee of Lord Rama.
When Lord Hanuman indulged in a fight with Ahiravana, he found out that it was not possible to kill Ahiravana in a battle, and there must be some secret about his death. Chandrasena told him that the only way to kill Ahiravana was to blow out the five candles at the same time kept in different directions.
Therefore, Lord Hanuman assumed the form of Panchamukhi Hanuman, which had five heads, and blew all the candles at the exact same time causing the death of Ahiravana.
The Five Faces of Panchamukhi Hanuman:
Although Lord Hanuman is a Rudra avatar, other faces of Panchamukhi Hanuman are associated with Lord Vishnu. The five faces are Hanuman, Garuda, Hayagriva, Narasimha, and Varaha.
1. Anjaneya: This is the central face which is the face of Lord Hanuman. It represents the east direction and grants Ishta Siddhi (desired superpower).
2. Karala Ugraveera Narasimha: This is the first face on the right side. It faces south and grants Abhishta Siddhi.
3. Hayagriva: This is the second face on the right and is sky-facing. It grants Sarva Vidya Jaya Prapti.
4. Mahaveera Garuda: The first face on the left is west facing. It grants Sakala Saubhagya (total good luck).
5. Lakshmi Varaha: This is the second face on the left and is north facing. It grants Dhana Prapti.
If a house has a south-facing main door, it is advised to hang a picture of Panchamukhi Hanuman over the door to remove the Vastu defect.
Image: Pratheep P S