The five-faced divine guardian.
Pancha Mukha Hanuman is a form of Hanuman in which he has five faces. The five-faced Hanuman form is said to be huge and magnificent. During the Rama-Ravana war when Mahiravana kidnapped Rama and Laxmana, Hanuman had to fight Mahiravana who had obtained a boon that he could be killed only when five lamps were extinguished by a person at the same time and Hanuman achieved this by assuming the form of Pancha Mukha, ie five different faces whereby he destroyed Mahiravana and saved Rama and Laxmana, for this Hanuman assumed the additional faces of Varaha (boar), Garuda (eagle), Narasimha (Lion face of the semi-lion incarnation of Mahavishnu), and Hayagreeva (horse). The Panchamukha Hanuman has different weapons in hand like Parashu (battle axe), Sword, Gada (mace), Thrishul (trident), Chakra, etc. The worshipper of the Panchamukhi Hanuman form is liberated from different fears, negativities, and enemies.
The Panchamukha Hanuman is considered a powerful deity who provides a comprehensive set of blessings to devotees, addressing various aspects of their lives. Worshipping each face is believed to invoke specific qualities and attributes, creating a well-rounded source of guidance and protection for those who seek the divine blessings of Panchamukha Hanuman.
Each face of the Pancha Mugha Hanuman has distinct characteristics. Panchamukha Hanuman's east face (Hanuman) symbolizes courage, strength, and devotion for protection and unwavering dedication, while the south face (Narasimha) represents bravery and protection from enemies, aiding devotees in facing challenges. The west face (Garuda) signifies speed and quick decision-making for success and efficiency; the north face (Varaha) embodies healing and rescue, seeking physical and mental well-being; and the upward face (Hayagriva) symbolizes knowledge and victory over ignorance, blessing worshippers with educational success and intellectual growth.