Existence and Importance of Panch Mukhi Hanuman Roop
Lord Hanuman is celebrated as the most powerful Shivansh and Vanarraj, being born in the Vanar (monkey) clan. Hanuman Ji can be said as the biggest promoter of Bhakti Marg, as he achieved his life path through his dedication to his lord Raam, and taking his example people can achieve the right path and attain life goals through pure and selfless dedication. This avatar of Shiva is said to be a divine orchestrate as the lord wished to serve his favorite Lord Vishnu’s human incarnation, Shri Raam.
Throughout lord Raam’s journey to finding Goddess Sita Pawanputra Hanuman served him in any way the lord would need. And in one such instance of protecting the lord from Ravana’s evils, he took the form of Panchmukhi Bajrangbali, one of many names of him. There are in total said to be 108 Hanuman names each having such a story behind it.
Indeed, Hanuman’s unwavering devotion transcends time, offering a beacon of hope for countless devotees. Just as his dedication led him to overcome insurmountable obstacles, reciting the sacred Hanuman Chalisa provides a powerful tool for navigating life’s challenges. This ancient hymn, composed by Tulsidas, encapsulates the essence of Hanuman’s devotion and his immense love for Lord Rama.
To further explore the transformative power of Hanuman Chalisa, immerse yourself in our insightful blog: The Significance and Power of Shree Hanuman Chalisa
Why Maruti Took Panch Mukhi Bajrangbali Roop?
This instance is noted in the Krittivasi Ramayana, as there are several versions of the epic having some episodes not mentioned in the other. In this legend, it is stated that when the war between Asur King Ravan and Lord Rama broke, as the days passed it became evident that Ravan would lose. So he asked his brother Ahiravan to help him, as he lived in Paatal, and practiced Tantric Vidhya they were confident to pull the feat.
One night he cast a spell putting all of Vanarsena and lord Raam’s associates into a deep slumber he took away Shri Raam and Laxman. Upon noticing this Vibhishan asked Sankat Mochan Hanuman to take action and save the Ayodhya princes at once. Maruti has insurmountable powers and some of which he depicted during this mission are mentioned in Hanumanji Stavan. He went to the pataal changing his form where he first encountered Makardhwaj defeated him and then went to face Ahiravan who was about to perform a sacrifice of the princes to the Goddess.
Ahiravan to prevent anyone’s interruption he created a ‘Surakshakavach’ and lit five diya’s around him that can only be blown at once together to get past it. So to save the god and his brother he took Panchmukhi Bajrangbali Avatar, which is one of the renowned 12 names of Hanuman Ji. He broke the chakra by blowing away all the lamps lit in different directions with his five faces in five different directions. Then slayed Ahiravan, saved the Ayodhya princes rounded his tail kept them safe, and rode back to their camp. On his way back the saw Makrdhwaj and Lord Raam knowing the whole scene asked Hanumanji to release him and make him the king of Patal in place of the defeated Asur.
This story where Pawan Putra Hanuman depicts his varied power is recited in Hanuman Ji Ki Katha to show that he is invincible and all-powerful.
Panchmukhi Hanuman is considered the most powerful and aggressive form of Maruti and is generally said to be praised in Tantric treaties of Hanumat Rahasyam. Even so, there is Panchmukhi Hanuman Mantra powerful in pleasing the lord and gaining his grace.
The recital of this mantra in Hanuman Bhajan is said to bring several benefits to devotees like protection from accidents that can occur through five elements, safeguarding from evil powers and black magic, and providing prosperity, fearlessness, knowledge, and wisdom.
So Panchmukhi Bajrangbali is reverend in several sects as it is a powerful and aggressive form of the lord, there are certain rules one must follow. Even so, he is pure by heart and is easily pleased with Bhakti Marg and selfless devotion, especially of one prayer’s Lord Raam and Goddess Sita.
Panchmukhi Hanuman Avatar And Its Significance:
- Vanarmukh (monkey face): directed towards the east signifying victory over enemies
- Garudmukh (eagle face): facing towards the west direction it is said to symbolize upliftment from life obstacles
- Varahamukh (boar face): depicting the long life and prosperity this face is directed toward the north
- Narshimhamukh (lion face): facing to the south direction this face provides strength to face problems and struggles in life
- Ashvamukh/Hayagrivha (horse face): this face is directed north or upwards and fulfills all of one’s desires and wishes