The Story Behind Panchmukhi Hanuman Avtaar

If you are a strong follower of Lord Hanuman and Bhagwan Shri Ram, this article is sure to interest you. As you may know, Lord Hanuman is said to be the only living God in this day and age. Being blessed by all the gods, he is the only Chiranjeevi to remain alive in Kaliyug.

Thus, today we will take a look into the most powerful form of Hanuman Ji that you can worship, which is his Panchmukhi form. Let us know the origin story and why he had to reveal his most powerful form. Let’s go!

Panchmukhi Hanuman in Ramayana

All of us know the legends of the bravery and courage that Bajrangbali showed during the battle between Rama and Ravana. However, not all of us may be acquainted with the Panchmukhi Hanuman story which is a part of Ramayana as well, yet a lesser-known fact so let's explore this Avatar or Hanuman

This story is mentioned in Krittivas Ramayan which states that after Indrajit was killed in battle by Lakshman, Ravana was utterly shaken. Indrajit was the most powerful warrior in his army and his eldest son. Naturally, it was shocking to hear of his death.

At this point, Ravana called on his brother, Ahiravana, the king of Paatal lok, or the Underworld, for help. Ahiravana was exceedingly powerful, a master of sorcery and dark arts, much like Indrajit. When Vibhishana hears about the plot he immediately asks Lord Rama and Lakshmana to remain safe inside a room, and asks Hanuman Ji to guard the door at all times.

Ahiravana appears and makes many attempts to enter the room, but he is thwarted every time by Hanuman. However, he finally succeeds in fooling Hanuman by taking on the form of Vibhishana and enters the room.

Without wasting any time, he drags both the brothers to Pataal Lok, where he planned to sacrifice them to Chandi Mata. When Vibhishana hears what has happened, he asks Hanuman Ji to quickly reach Paatal and rescue the duo.

Lord Hanuman does so and reaches Pataal where a fearsome creature who is half-vaanar and half-reptile guards the door. This was Makardhwaja, who was his son, born out of a drop of sweat gobbled by a giant fish.

Hanuman Ji succeeds in defeating the beast and enters Paatal Lok, only to find Ahiravana and Mahiravana with their huge army waiting for him. Even though he is all-powerful, defeating them and their army in their home ground was a challenge. Chandrasena then tells Bajrangbali that the only way to kill the two rakshasas is to blow out five candles in five cardinal directions at once.

While this sounded impossible, Lord Hanuman took on the form of Panch Mukhi Bajrangbali and swiftly blew a strong wind in the five directions and blew out the five candles at once. Immediately, Ahiravan and Mahiravana were killed and Lord Hanuman was able to rescue Rama and Lakshman from their clutches.

Conclusion

So, that is the story of Panch Mukhi Bajrangbali and why Lord Hanuman had to resort to his most powerful form to save the one he worshipped. The story shows that when encountered with the probable death of Lord Rama, there is no extent to which Hanuman Ji is not willing to go to save his life. It is for this reason that he is the ideal conjunction of both Shakti and Bhakti, making him the most godly of all gods.