The Panchmukhi incarnation of Hanuman ji is considered an important and mysterious event for Lord Rama and his followers. The story is recorded in various editions of Mahabharata and Ramayana, but especially this incident is related to an important episode of Ramayana, when Hanuman ji had to take Panchmukhi avatar with the blessings of Ahiravan and Maa Bhavani.
1. Ahiravan’s generation and its challenge
Ahiravan, who was the brother of Ravana, was a demon who had deep knowledge of Maya and Tantra. He pledged to defeat Sugriva, Rama and his followers from Ravana, the king of demons. Ahiravan formed a large army of demons and caught Rama and his partner Laxman during the Lanka war and took him to Kalkut (God of death). He wanted to take them captive from his tantra-mantra.
Ahiravan imprisoned Rama and Lakshmana in a deep and dark place and made them free from their mantras. He wanted Rama and Lakshmana to become his captive and go to the court of the god of death and they should end there.
2. Avatar of Panchmukhi Hanuman Ji
When Hanuman ji came to know that Rama and Laxman were taken captive by Ahiravan, he immediately left for his help. Hanuman ji knew that the power of Ahiravan was very strong and it was not easy to defeat him. Then, he took blessings from mother Bhavani and took Panchmukhi incarnation with the blessings of his mother.
Panchmukhi Hanuman ji had five heads, symbolizing his unique powers. Each head appeared in a particular form and provided different powers. They had five heads:
Vajramukh (associated with thunderclap) – This head used to give power to fight against demons.
Laymakh (lion’s head) – This head manifested courage and mental strength.
Gandhamukh (attached to fragrance) – This head used to give blessings and balance power.
Nagmukh (snake head)-This head used to give the power to control the system-mantra and Maya.
Hiranyak (shining head like gold) – This head showed the power of Param Brahma.
3. Slaughter of Ahiravan
Panchmukhi Hanuman ji faced Ahiravan and fought his powers. The collective power of the five ends of Panchmukhi Hanuman ji destroyed the tantra-mantra and illusion of Ahiravan. Hanuman ji defeated Ahiravan with the help of his five ends and freed Rama and Laxman. After this, Hanuman ji killed Ahiravan and sent him to Mrityadeva.
4. Mother Bhavani’s blessings
Hanuman ji received his power and Panchmukhi avatar with the blessings of Maa Bhavani. This blessing was to give them an increase in their valor, courage and war skills. With the blessings of Maa Bhavani, Hanuman ji succeeded in defeating Ahiravan and saved the lives of Ram and Laxman.
conclusion:
The incarnation of Panchmukhi Hanuman ji is not only a symbol of the greatness of Hanuman ji, but it also shows that when the devotion of the devotees and the blessings of God are together, any crisis can be solved. Hanuman ji took a Panchmukhi avatar and defeated a powerful demon like Ahiravan and proved that the power of the devotee and the blessings of God never go in vain.
