पंचमुखी हनुमान
Origin & Story
Hanuman's five-faced (Panchamukha) form, from the Ramayana tradition · Traditional
When the demon-sorcerer Mahiravana, an ally of Ravana, carried off Lord Rama and Lakshmana to the netherworld of Patala to offer them in sacrifice, Lord Hanuman descended to save them. Mahiravana could only be killed by extinguishing five lamps that burned in five different directions, all at the very same instant. So Hanuman took on his mighty Panchamukha — five-faced — form: the faces of Hanuman, Narasimha, Garuda, Varaha and Hayagriva looking to the five directions. With them he blew out all five lamps together, slew Mahiravana, and bore Rama and Lakshmana to safety. Ever since, the five-faced Hanuman is worshipped as the supreme guardian against danger from every side — the destroyer of fear, enemies and evil.
The Mantra
ॐ श्री पञ्चवदनाय पञ्चमुख हनुमते नमः । ॐ हं पवननन्दनाय स्वाहा ॥
Om Shri Panchavadanaya Panchamukha Hanumate Namah. Om Ham Pavananandanaya Svaha.
Meaning:ॐ। पाँच मुख वाले श्री हनुमान को नमस्कार है। ॐ हं, पवनपुत्र (हनुमान) को स्वाहा।
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting पंचमुखी हनुमान
Panchmukhi (five-faced) Hanuman is the supreme protective form of Lord Hanuman — invoked above all against fear, enemies, black magic, evil spirits and every danger from the five directions
His five faces are Hanuman (east), Narasimha (south), Garuda (west), Varaha (north) and Hayagriva (upward) — together they grant protection, fearlessness, freedom from poison and evil eye, prosperity, and knowledge
Chanting the Panchamukha Hanuman mantra or kavach is held to destroy black magic (kala jadu), tantric attacks, nightmares and the malefic effects of Shani and Mangal
The five-faced form recalls how Hanuman slew the sorcerer Mahiravana to rescue Lord Rama and Lakshmana — so it is invoked for rescue from seemingly impossible danger
Especially worshipped on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and during Hanuman Jayanti, with red flowers, sindoor and a lamp of til (sesame) oil
Devotees keep a Panchmukhi Hanuman yantra or photo at home and in vehicles for protection, and recite it alongside the Hanuman Chalisa and Bajrang Baan
How to Chant पंचमुखी हनुमान
After a bath, sit facing a Panchmukhi Hanuman image with a lit lamp of sesame (til) oil, offer red flowers and sindoor, and chant the mula mantra 'Om Shri Panchavadanaya Panchamukha Hanumate Namah' 108 times on a red or tulsi mala. Many recite it 11, 21 or 108 times along with the Hanuman Chalisa and Bajrang Baan. Keep faith and a clean, satvik discipline through the day. It is a favourite kavach (armour) for protection from fear, enemies and negative forces.
Frequently Asked Questions
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