Wishing all an auspicious #HanumanJayanthi. On this occasion taking a look at one of his forms Panchamukha Hanuman, 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 Ram, he summoned his brother Ahiravan, to help him out, who 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 them away 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. And 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.
There is a backstory of when he is travelling over the ocean to Lanka, a drop of sweat, which falls from him, is swallowed by a fish. It is believed that Makardhwaja, is a result of that union.
After defeating his son, he makes his way into Mahiravan's palace.
There is a backstory of when he is travelling over the ocean to Lanka, a drop of sweat, which falls from him, is swallowed by a fish. It is believed that Makardhwaja, is a result of that union.
After defeating his son, he makes his way into Mahiravan's palace.
He 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, the 5 faces being those of
Anjaneya- Facing East grants Ishta Siddhi.
Karala Ugraveera 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
Anjaneya- Facing East grants Ishta Siddhi.
Karala Ugraveera 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. It’s believed to represent Hanuman’s mastery over the 5 senses or Pancha Indriya, and also association with the Pancha Bhoota(5 elements).
The son of Vayu( wind), who crossed Sagara( water), through Akasha( sky), met the daughter of Bhoodevi( Earth), Sita and then burnt down Lanka by Agni( Fire).
The son of Vayu( wind), who crossed Sagara( water), through Akasha( sky), met the daughter of Bhoodevi( Earth), Sita and then burnt down Lanka by Agni( Fire).
Also there are 5 forms of prayer to Hanuman Naman, Smaran, Keerthanam, Yachanam and Arpanam, which depict the five faces.
It is also believed to represent the following quote from the Gita.
He who acts for me, who is engrossed in me, who is my devotee, who is free from attachment, he reaches me.
It is believed that Panchamukha Hanuman embodies all these 5 qualities, each face representing one of them.
It is also believed to represent the following quote from the Gita.
He who acts for me, who is engrossed in me, who is my devotee, who is free from attachment, he reaches me.
It is believed that Panchamukha Hanuman embodies all these 5 qualities, each face representing one of them.
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.
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