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Shri Hanuman Ji manifested himself in Panchmukha or Panchmukhi (five-faced) avatar to kill Ahiravana.
Ahiravana was a powerful demon, in fact, the brother of Ravana. He abducted Rama and Laxmana to help Ravana during the Ramayana battle.
There is a widespread story that signifies Panchmukhi Hanuman’s appearance. Here we are going to help you unearth the facts and legends associated with His five-faced form. So, keep scrolling to know more.
Ahiravana’s disguise as Vibhishana
During the Ramayana battle, when Laxmana killed Indrajit- the son of the Lanka Naresh. Ravana approached his brother Ahiravana for help. He was the king of the underworld or patala. When Vibhishana came to know about this, he rushed to warn Rama and Laxmana.
He asked Lord Hanuman to stay alert and not let anyone enter the premises where Lord Rama and Laxmana reside. Ahiravana tried so hard to enter the premises, but couldn’t succeed. Lord Hanumana foiled his each and every attempt.
At last, Ahiravana decided to disguise himself in the form of Vibhishana. Hanuman couldn’t recognized him and He let him enter the room where Ram and Laxman were. Once Ahiravana entered the room, he abducted Rama and Laxmana and took them to the underworld.
When Hanuman came to know about the incident, he rushed to Vibhishana and informed him about this. Vibhishana asked Hanuman to rescue them quickly or else, Ahiravana will sacrifice them.
Hence, Lord Hanuman went on a rescue mission to save both Rama and Laxmana.
When Hanuman met His Son Makardhwaja
“Son of Hanuman?”, sounds unbelievable? We all know, Lord Hanuman was a staunch Brahamchari. Let’s move along with the amazing story that will sweep the floor off your feet.
When Hanuman reached the door or Patala, He was stopped by a strange creature. He had half the body of a Vanara (money) and half the reptile. He was the guard of the door. Hanuman asked him about to which he said, “I’m your son, Makardhwaja!” This left Anjaneya perplexed as he had been an adept Brahamchari.
Makardhwaja explained the most bizarre incident. The story goes like this. when Anjani Putra was hopping over the sea, a drop of his semen fell into the mouth of a crocodile. That was the story of Makadshwaja’s birth.
Lord Hanuman vs Ahiravana
After Lord Hanuman defeated Makardhwaja, He entered the Patal Loka. Ahiravana was backed by a strong army. Chandrasena informed Him about the secret of killing Ahiravana that his life force is in five different candles which have been kept in five different directions. The only way to kill Ahiravan is to blow off all these five candles at the same time.
Panchmukha Hanuman Appearance
Anjenaya Putra appeared in five faced form and extinguished the five candles and killed Ahiravana. He then rescued Lord Rama and Laxmana who were in unconscious state by a magic spell.
The five faces of Panchmukha Hanuman are-
Sri Hanuman Ji: The face that faces east direction. It is said that worshipping this form rids one from his/her sins and offers a peaceful and pure mind.
Narsimha: It faces South and grants one victory over their enemy. Narsimha is one of the many avatars of Lord Vishnu, which He took to protect His devotee Prahlada.
Garuda: This is the West facing manifestation of Lord Hanuman’s five-faced avatar. Worshipping this face rids one from negative influences, black magic and evil spirits.
Varaha: This face of Anjenaya faces the North direction and removes malicious or bad planetary impacts.
Hayagriva: It faces upward direction. Those who worship this face get knowledge and progeny. This form of Lord Hanuman is called Panchmukhi/Panchmukha Anjaneya.
Five ways to adulate Panchmukhi Hanuman
Devotees can worship Lord Hanuman’s five-faced avatar by-
• Naman
• Smaran
• Keerthanam
• Yachnam
• Arpanam
The weapons of five-faced Anjenaya
The weapons of five-faced Hanuman are-
• Parashu
• Khanda
• Chakra
• Dhaalam
• Gada
• Trishula
• Kumbha
• Katar
• A plate filled with blood and again a big Gada.
Now, you know the legend behind Lord Hanuman’s Panchmukhi Avatar. So, bring home his Panchmukha avatar idol, statue or murti and worship to reap benefits.
