Why Does Hanuman Have Five Faces? The Significance of Panchmukhi Hanuman
May 31, 2025
Years ago, Barack Obama, the former president of the United States, emptied his pockets to show tokens that give him strength in difficult times. And to everyone’s surprise, one of the items that he took out was a small idol of Hanuman, the prominent Hindu deity.
Hanuman or Lord Anjaneya is the God of strength and courage who is so beloved in India, that you would find his statues in almost every household. But there’s one avatar (form) in which he is most revered for his qualities - the Panchmukhi Hanuman. With five faces and ultimate strength, this avatar of Lord Hanuman is known to bless devotees with courage and protection.
But what’s the story behind five faces of Hanuman and why did he take this avatar (form)? Also, what’s the significance of Panchmukhi Hanuman? Let’s find out.
The Story Behind Panchmukhi Hanuman
The Panchmukhi Hanuman history originates from the Hindu epic of Ramayana where an episode of impending disaster forces him to take this powerful five-faced form. The story goes like this:
As the Ravana, the antagonist of the epic, finds his son Indrajit slaughtered by Laxman (Brother of God Rama), he sends his own brother Ahirvana to take revenge. Ahirvana was the king of Paatal Lok or the underworld, a master of dark magic and practitioner of concealed arts.
So, with his powers, he entered the room in which God Rama and Laxman were sleeping and whisked them away stealthily without the knowledge of Hanuman who was given the duty to guard their chambers. When Hanuman got wind of this - that his lord and Laxman had been kidnapped, he was very vexed. Such was the devotion of the supreme Monkey God towards Lord Rama that he decided to chase Ahiravana to the underworld.
Arriving in the underworld, he found it difficult to kill Ahiravana. The demon was given the boon of immortality, and his soul was cast in five candles which had to be blown out at the same time for him to die. But how was that possible with a single face? That is why, when Lord Hanuman realized this, he took the form of Panchmukhi and blew out the candles at once, thus defeating Ahiravana and saving God Rama and Laxman from his magic.
Significance Of Panchmukhi Hanuman
Considered a yogi, (a practitioner of Yoga) Lord Hanuman is believed to have mastered his five indriyas (senses). This is only one of the numerous ways that the number five can be interpreted. Another significance of Panchmukhi Hanuman is that he is believed to offer protection to his devotees from four directions plus above.
Each of the five faces of Hanuman symbolizes a different virtue, and praying to him can help you cultivate that quality.
Five Faces of Hanuman
The word ‘Panchmukhi’ itself can be roughly interpreted as “five-faced”. Each face of Lord Hanuman's Panchmukhi avatar represents the triumph of good over evil in a different way and is connected to or an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Shri Hanuman – Facing East
This is among the most recognizable of the five faces of Hanuman. Facing the East, this face symbolizes courage, strength, and above all, his unwavering devotion to Lord Ram. This face is believed to be associated with confidence, bravery, and protection from harm or negativity.
Hayagriva - Upward Face
This face of Lord Hanuman looks upward and takes the form of Hayagriva, the embodiment of knowledge and wisdom. Revered for his intellect and learning, Hayagriva blesses devotees with clarity of thought, spiritual insight, and success in studies and education. Invoke Hayagriva to awaken the mind and elevate your inner wisdom.
Garuda - West Face
The West-facing form is Garuda, the mighty eagle and vehicle of Lord Vishnu. This aspect stands for freedom, victory, and protection from negative energies. Devotees believe that this face shields them from black magic and all forms of harmful influences.
Varaha - North Face
The North face features Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This is among the most powerful five faces of Hanuman and is associated with uplifting energy, restoration of wealth, and removal of misfortune. Worshipping this face brings resilience, strength, and the ability to overcome hardships.
Narasimha – South Face
Facing south is Narasimha, the fierce half-lion, half-man form of Vishnu. This face is all about fierce protection. Worshipping this aspect of Hanuman is believed to destroy fear, remove obstacles, and guard you from any evil or negative forces.
Benefits of Keeping Panchmukhi Hanuman Idol
- Placing Panchmukhi Hanuman in the living area or entry is believed to act as a barrier against negative energy or evil influences. It’s considered a guardian, safeguarding the family and home from harm.
- Keeping an idol of Panchmukhi Hanuman in your space can bless your life with many perceived benefits:
- It is associated with enhancing positivity and confidence, even boosting mental clarity.
- It is said to inspire spiritual development and create a deeper connection to divine energy.
- According to Vastu Shastra, placing the statue in the north is believed to bring prosperity, success, and wealth.
Conclude
Revered and worshipped by millions, this powerful form of Lord Hanuman has been known for his strength, wisdom, and offering protection to those who seek it. Whether placed in your home or office, a Panchmukhi Hanuman statue can free your life from any negative influences and bless you with strength and positivity.
