Panchamukhi Anjaneya Temple — Attraction in Karnataka

Panchamukhi Anjaneya Temple is located in PanchaMukhi, Karnataka at a distance of 30 Kms from Raichur. Ganadhal is famous for the Sri Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple where the venerated Raghavendra Swami did penance for 12 years

The Panchamukhi Anjaneya Temple holds immense spiritual significance for devotees. Hanuman Face: Radiates love, devotion, and unwavering loyalty to Lord Rama. Narasimha Face: Represents valor and fearlessness. Garuda Face: Signifies the power to overcome obstacles and challenges, Varaha Face: Bestows grace for wealth and prosperity, Hayagriva Face: Symbolizes wisdom and knowledge.

As per the Legend, In the 17th century, Sri Raghavendra Swami, who had come to this place, had a vision of Panchamukhi Hanuman, Lakshmi-Venkateshwara and Kurma. By then, the place had become full of overgrown trees and was a veritable forest in itself.

As per another Legend, a few centuries ago, there lived a devout Madhva Brahmin named Anantachar. One night, Panchamukhi Hanuman appeared to him in a dream and instructed him to worship his svayambhu murti in the forest which he found.. His descendants, even to this day, continue to function as head priests to Lord Panchamukhi Hanuman.

As per another Legend, which dates back to the Ramayana epic , having lost all his sons and commanders, the demon king Ravana summoned his step-brother Ahiravan (Mahiravana), who was adept in Maya (illusion). Hearing this, Vibhishana (Ravana's righteous brother, who had sided with Rama), warned Rama and the Vanaras. As per Rama's instruction, Hanuman built a fortress from his tail, where Rama, Lakshmana and the Vanaras were protected. The discus Sudarshana stood at the top of the fortress.

Mahiravana, who learned of this, assumed the form of Vibhishana and approached Hanuman at night, saying that he had obtained magical threads capable of protecting Rama and Lakshmana from the demons and their illusions. When an unsuspecting Hanuman let him in, he rendered Rama and Lakshmana unconscious and turning them into dolls, he escaped to his city Manivarthanapura, in Patala. When Hanuman saw the real Vibhishana standing outside, he realized what had happened and entered the fortress, only to find all the Vanaras unconscious and Rama-Lakshmana missing.

Hanuman decided to bring them back himself. Vibhishana informed him about the two gates to Manivarthanapura; one was in Ravana's palace and the other was in a cave in present-day Ganadhal. Hanuman went into the cave and reached Manivarthanapura, but was stopped by a dark-complexioned lady with blood-red eyes. When informed of his mission, she revealed that she was Yerukalamba, the guardian of Manivarthanapura, and allowed him in stating that Mahiravana was doomed the moment he brought Rama and Lakshmana.

As Hanuman entered, he encountered a Vanara who began fighting with him. As Hanuman was about to render the final blow, he was stopped by a damsel named Deerghadehi, who said that he was born to him. She named him Matsyavallabha. Hanuman embraced his son, who asked him to approach and seek help from an Apsara named Chandrasena, who had wished to marry Lord Vishnu but had been abducted by Mahiravana.

Hanuman learnt that Mahiravana's soul, instead of being in his body, was hidden someplace, and asked her to divulge it from Mahiravana. When Mahiravana came to meet Chandrasena, she found out that his soul was in the form of five bees that lived under a rock near the gate to his city. He assured her that their humming was fatal, and he would die only if all five of them were killed together. On knowing this, Hanuman thanked her and went to the rock where the bees lived.

Hanuman assumed the five-headed form of Panchamukhi .His own face faced east, while the faces of Garuda, Narasimha, Varaha and Hayagriva faced west, south, north and upwards respectively. When he swallowed the five bees at once, Mahiravana also crumpled to the ground and died.

Temple timings : 6 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 8 PM (Sun - Fri). 6 AM - 8 PM...

The Panchamukhi Anjaneya Swamy Temple near Mantralaya is a revered and serene pilgrimage site that holds immense spiritual significance for devotees of Lord Hanuman. Located about 20 kilometers from the famous Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Mantralaya, this temple offers a unique spiritual experience, especially for those seeking peace, devotion, and divine blessings.

Spiritual Significance: The temple is known for the five-faced form of Lord Hanuman, which represents his immense power and devotion. According to legend, it was at this very spot where Sri Raghavendra Swamy performed penance and had a divine vision of Panchamukhi Anjaneya Swamy. This connection adds to the sanctity of the place, attracting devotees from all over India.

Atmosphere and Ambiance: The surroundings of the temple are tranquil, with a peaceful and sacred ambiance. The location is away from the hustle of city life, offering devotees a calm atmosphere for meditation and prayer. The temple is nestled amidst nature, providing a sense of inner peace and spiritual rejuvenation. The simple yet divine architecture of the temple allows the focus to remain on worship and devotion.

Facilities and Maintenance: The temple is well-maintained, though basic, with a focus on offering a traditional spiritual experience. The surrounding area is clean, and the approach to the temple is fairly straightforward, making it accessible for most visitors. However, being a rural area, modern amenities may be limited, so it’s advisable to plan accordingly.

Devotee Experience: Visiting the Panchamukhi Anjaneya Swamy Temple is more about personal devotion and connecting with the divine. The spiritual energy of the place, combined with its historical significance, makes it an enriching experience for those on a religious pilgrimage. The temple sees a steady flow of devotees, especially on auspicious days, but it is not overly crowded, allowing for a peaceful darshan.

Conclusion: A visit to the Panchamukhi Anjaneya Swamy Temple is highly recommended for devotees of Lord Hanuman and followers of Raghavendra Swamy. It offers not just a religious experience but also a chance to feel closer to nature and spirituality. The divine connection between Lord Hanuman and Sri Raghavendra Swamy makes this temple a must-visit for anyone traveling...

The Panchamukhi Anjaneya Swamy (Panchamukhi) is in the cave where it’s believed that in 16th century Sri Raghavendra Swamiji did meditation for 12 years after which Lord Hanuman appeared with 5 faces (hence the name Panchamukhi) i.e of Hanuman, Narasimha, Garuda, Varaha & Hayagriva. The idol that’s available in the cave is believed to be self-manifested. Blessing Sri Swamiji, Lord Hanuman proclaimed that "he would move around the places solving the problems and fulfilling the desires of ‘bhaktas’ while spreading the message that only ‘Sri Hari’ is the ultimate God; and he will ultimately achieve salvation by becoming ‘live Samadhi (Brindavan)’ at the present place of Manthralayam". At Panchamukhi, even Sri Mahalakshmi appeared to Sri Swamiji and this Devi is known locally as ‘Erakalamma’ for whom there is a temple very close to and behind Panchamukhi temple and it’s worth paying a visit to this place.

Even today, the descendants of original priest Sri Ananthachar in 16th century, are performing the puja at both Panchamukhi and Erakalamma temples. That’s how the importance for this place is very high among the devotees of Sri Swamiji.

Even landscape around the temple area, where boulders are standing one above the other in quite a peculiar way, is very nice to look at. Even if this place is not part of your tour package, it is better to consider it, convince the tour operator to cover this holy place as well and pay a visit to both Panchamukhi and Erakalamma temples. Road condition is bad to this place and no good restaurants are available for which the local Government/ Authorities should consider improving the situaton. Share Autos are available from Manthralayam to this place and they charge Rs. 100 per person for...