Sri Panchmukhi Hanuman is one of the most important Upasana deities of our Guru Parampara. Sri Panchamukhi Hanuman refers to the five faced Hanuman.
According to the scriptures, Lord Hanuman assumed this form to slay Mahiravana, brother of Ravana. Mahiravana was a sorcerer and an ardent devotee of Goddess Mahamaya. Instigated by Ravana, Mahiravana took Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana to Paathaala Loka (the nether-world) and was tempted to sacrifice them to Goddess Mahamaya.
To save the divine brothers, Lord Hanuman had to stub out five lamps burning in different directions simultaneously. He, therefore, assumed the Panchmukhi form to win this task. Inspite of rapid strides in technology, there is a growing insecurity for the average human being, both at emotional and physical levels. Sri Panchmukhi Hanuman Swami promises this security to all devotees.
Every Face of Sri Panchmukhi Hanuman has significance —
Sri Hanuman faces East. He grants purity of mind and success.
The Narasimha faces South. He grants victory and fearlessness.
The West facing Garuda removes black magic and poisons.
The North facing Varaha, showers prosperity, wealth.
The Hayagriva mukha faces the Sky.
However, to make it visible to us, it is usually tilted and shown above Hanuman’s face. Hayagriva gives knowledge and good children.
Panchmukhi Hanuman Dhyana Mantra
“Panchasyachutamaneka vichitra veeryam |
Sri shanka chakra ramaniya bhujagra desam ||
Peethambaram makara kundala noopurangam |
Dhyayethitam kapivaram hruthi bhvayami” ||
Meaning :
The face towards the East is Sri Hanuman Mukha in its original form. This face removes all blemishes of sin and confers purity of mind (Chitta Suddhi).
Sri Karala Ugravira Narasimha Swami, facing the South, removes fear of enemies and confers victory.
The face facing the west is that of Lord Shri Mahavira Garuda and this face drives away evil spells, black magic influences etc and removes all poisonous effects in one’s body.
Sri Lakshmi Varaha murthi facing the North, wards off the troubles caused by bad influences of the planets and confers all prosperity – Ashta Aishwarya.
The Urdhva Mukha facing upwards of Sri Hayagriva Swami confers knowledge, victory, good wife and progeny.’
As the following mantra indicates, Lord Hanuman provides his devotees with knowledge, power, courage, and health.
“Budhdirbalam yasho dhairyam nirbhayatvam arogata
Ajaadtyam vakpatutvam cha hanumat smaranadbhavet”
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