Are you planning to visit the temple town of Rameswaram, anytime soon? If yes, then you should not just visit Rameswaram Temple but must explore this Panchmukhi lesser known five faced Hanuman temple (or Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple) while there. A large number of Hamuman bhakts (devotees) throng to the Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple, to get rid of enemies, overcome all types of ill-effects or dosha, and pray for the fulfillment of wishes, and wealth among others. The five faces of the Ram Bhakt monkey-god signify five senses or indriyas. They also represent the five elements (water, earth, fire, sky, and wind).
Situated about 2 kilometers from the Rameswaram Temple, the deity of Lord Hanuman in this temple is dressed with Senthooram or vermillion.
Idols of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Hanuman were brought to the temple from Dhanushkodi after the cyclone of Dhanushkodi in 1964.
The temple also has floating stones or 'sethu bandanam' which as per mythology were used for building a bridge on the sea between India and Sri Lanka through which Lord Rama and his troop traversed to rescue Goddess Sita from Ravana’s clutches.
The origin of Panchmukhi Hanuman can be traced to a story in Ramanayana. According to mythology, when Lord Rama, who was fighting the then king of Lanka Ravana to free Goddess Sita from his clutches, Ravana asked the then king of Patala, Ahiravana, to take Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana to Patala Lok. Ahiravana, disguised as Vibhishana, the noble brother of Ravana, took Rama and Lakshmana to Patala to kill them.
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When Lord Hanuman got to know about the plan, he entered Patala searching for Rama and Lakshmana. Reaching there, Lord Hanuman discovered that Ahiravana's life was hidden in five lamps which were placed in different directions and he could only be killed by extinguishing all these five lamps at a go. To accomplish this, Hanuman took the form of Panchamukha Hanuman and doused all the five lamps in five directions. Along with Hanuman, the other four faces are Hayagriva, Narasimha (lion's face), Garuda (to fly) and Varaha. Lord Hanuman got the faces through the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
The ardent follower of Lord Rama, Hanuman appeared in his Panchmukhi avatar during the battle of Lord Rama with Ravana.
One of the five faces of Panchmukhi Hanuman is Hayagriva. The upwards facing form brings goodwill to people. It is believed that devotees achieve what they worship for and attain salvation.
Garud or the eagle face points towards the west and keep people away from negativities, ailments and black magic.
This face of Panchmukhi Hanuman is facing towards north. He blesses people with all forms of wealth and prosperity.
The lion face, one of the five faces of Panchmukhi Hanuman, faces south and helps remove all kinds of evils, fears as well as sins.
This face of Lord Hanuman is east facing and it is believed that he blesses his worshippers with happiness and also fulfils all their wishes.
Temple town Rameswaram is a popular tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. Situated on Pamban Island, Rameswaram is one of the four pilgrim spots of Hindus. If you planning to take a flight to Rameswaram then note that the nearest airport is Madurai Airport.
Taking a train to this beautiful place is the best option. There is a spectacular and breathtaking railway line that passes over the sea.
The doors of the temple are open at 6 in the morning to 12 noon. The temple reopens at 4 in the evening and worshippers can visit here till 9 pm. The Panchmukhi temple is open on all days. There is no entry fee to get into the temple.
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