It is believed that Lord Shiva held five faces for the creation and life of Srishti and since then he came to be called Panchmukhi or Panchanan. Five elements like water, air, fire, sky and earth originated from the five faces of Shiva. These five faces of Lord Shiva are also a symbol of five directions and their names are – Aghor, Sadyojat, Tatpurush, Vamdev and Ishaan. Shivji also has three eyes in all these mouths, due to which one of his names is also a name Trinethari. Panchamukh of Lord Shiva has a deep spiritual significance. What is the meaning and importance of these faces, let’s know …
Panchmukh of Lord Shiva and his meaning
Sadashiva or Ishaan face (East)
It is a symbol of mouth knowledge and spirituality. It shows the Brahma Swaroop (creation of the universe) of Shiva. It represents the sky element in the fifth elements.
Tattarus
It is a symbol of mouth meditation and enlightenment. It reflects the yoga form of Shiva, which is located in meditation. It is connected to the air element.
Aghora Mukh (South)
It is a symbol of mouth rebirth and revival. This reflects Shiva’s destructive and revival format. It is related to the fire element.
Vamdev Mukh (West)
It symbolizes oral protection, nutrition, and beauty. This reflects the follower and kind nature of Shiva. It is connected to the water element.
Sadyojat Mukhi (West)
It is a symbol of creation and creativity. It shows the form of the creator of Shiva. It represents the Earth element.
These five faces of Lord Shiva represent the five main functions of the cosmic processes:
Creation: Construction.
Follow: Conservation.
Destroy: Destruction.
Tirobhava: Maya or Camouflage.
Grace: liberation or grace.
According to the legend legend, the legend related to Lord Shiva’s Panchmukh, once Lord Shri Hari Vishnu took the form of Manohar Kishore. All the gods came to see his very beautiful form and praised him. Seeing this, Shivji started thinking that if I also have many mouths and eyes, then people will also praise my form. This desire was awakened in Shiva’s mind and took the form of Panchmukh and Panchanan.
