There are innumerable devotees of Hanuman all the world over who admire this majestic one in several forms. One of the much-revered forms is the extremely Panchmukhi Hanuman. Five faces are gazing in various directions, frequently operating the witness in reverence. The Panchmukhi Hanuman or the Panchamukhi Anjaneya is believed to be one of his virat (gigantic) forms. Unusual yet believe that there are two sorts of Panchmukhi Hanuman statue sitting or standing. All relating to Hanuman, five dignified faces is one form while the second is the more popular one. Five majestic faces, each belonging to different gods:
• Lord Hanuman: He faces eastwards with faithful commitment. Worshipping Hanuman serves as one gets relieved of one’s sins and bestows peace, simplicity, serenity, and fulfillment.
• Lord Narasimha: One of the various avatars of Lord Vishnu, this lion form is south facing. Lord Vishnu took this form to protect his follower, Prahlada. Worshipping Narasimha removes fear. Fearlessness and achievement are the benefits showered on the devotee.
• Lord Garuda: Facing west, the Garuda or eagle is a portion of the Panchmukhi Hanuman display. He grants strength from corrupting influences, black magic, and malevolent spirits.
• Lord Adivaraha: The sire is another display and is assumed to eliminate the adverse effects of planetary movements. Facing the north, Varaha offers wealth and prosperity.
• Lord Hayagriva: The structure of the horse faces higher, blessing one with familiarity, descendants and liberation.
The Panchmukhi Hanuman is luxurious and impressive. This pattern appeared in patala when Vayu Putra Hanuman was accredited with protecting Lord Ram’s life. Little surprise that this pattern is provided with various threats like the parashu (battle axe), chakra (disc), gada (mace), trishul (trident) and the khanda (sword).
An indication of the Panchmukhi Hanuman
During the Ramayana war, a desperate Ravana ordered one of his brothers, Ahiravana, the head of patala (netherworld). Disguising himself as Vibhishana, Ahiravana threw Hanuman off-guard and kidnapped Lord Rama and Lakshman.
When hanuman statue for home was left to patala, he learned the single way to halt Ahiravana. This demon's being stopped in five candles. The unique alternative to destroying him was to extinguish all five candles at the same time. That is when Hanuman manifested his Panchamukhi roop, each form facing a different direction. Together, they blew out the candles and brought the still-unconscious Lord Rama and Lakshaman back to Lanka.
Thus, the Panchamukhi Hanuman form's worshipper is liberated from different fears, negativity, and enemies. Hanuman idol for car dashboard is often referred to as a yogi. He is believed to have reached perfection in his siddhis and had gained control over his five senses (Pancha Indriyas). This is one of the many interpretations of number five. Amongst other versions, the famous Tamil poet Kambar has shared the importance of the number five in Ramavataram, the Tamil version of Ramayana.