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पंचमुखी हनुमान — Word-by-Word Meaning

पंचमुखी हनुमान

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

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Word-by-Word Breakdown

ॐ
Om
the primordial sound, the pranava
श्री पञ्चवदनाय
Shri Panchavadanaya
to the revered five-faced one
पञ्चमुख हनुमते
Panchamukha Hanumate
to the five-faced Hanuman
नमः
Namah
salutations / I bow
हं
Ham
the beej (seed) syllable of Hanuman
पवननन्दनाय
Pavananandanaya
to the son of Pavana (the wind-god)

Complete Translation

ॐ। पाँच मुख वाले श्री हनुमान को नमस्कार है। ॐ हं, पवनपुत्र (हनुमान) को स्वाहा।

Origin & History

Source: Hanuman's five-faced (Panchamukha) form, from the Ramayana tradition

Author: 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Panchmukhi Hanuman?▼
Panchmukhi (or Panchamukha) Hanuman is the five-faced form of Lord Hanuman. The five faces are Hanuman (facing east), Narasimha (south), Garuda (west), Varaha (north) and Hayagriva (facing upward). It is the most powerful protective form of Hanuman, guarding the devotee from danger in all directions.
Why did Hanuman take the five-faced form?▼
During the war in the Ramayana, the sorcerer Mahiravana (Ahiravana) abducted Lord Rama and Lakshmana to the netherworld (Patala) to sacrifice them to the goddess. His life was hidden in five lamps burning in five directions, which had to be extinguished at the very same moment. Hanuman therefore assumed the Panchamukha form, blew out all five lamps at once, slew Mahiravana, and rescued Rama and Lakshmana.
What does each face of Panchmukhi Hanuman represent?▼
Each face is a form of Vishnu's power: the Hanuman face (east) removes sins and grants purity; the Narasimha face (south) destroys fear and enemies; the Garuda face (west) removes poison, snakebite and black magic; the Varaha face (north) grants wealth and prosperity; and the Hayagriva face (upward) grants knowledge and good progeny.
What is the Panchmukhi Hanuman mantra?▼
The mula (root) mantra is 'Om Shri Panchavadanaya Panchamukha Hanumate Namah'. The beej mantra is 'Om Ham Pavananandanaya Svaha'. Devotees also recite the Panchamukha Hanuman Kavach, the Hanuman Chalisa and the Bajrang Baan for the fullest protection.
What are the benefits of worshipping Panchmukhi Hanuman?▼
Worshipping Panchmukhi Hanuman is believed to give complete protection from fear, enemies, accidents, black magic, evil spirits and the evil eye, and to remove the malefic effects of Saturn (Shani) and Mars (Mangal). It bestows courage, strength, victory and peace of mind. It is best worshipped on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

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