Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple, Rameshwaram Timings & History
Two km separate Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple and Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple, also known as the five-faced Hanuman Temple. Lord Hanuman is the object of devotion in this temple. According to the legend, the Lord unveiled his five faces here, which is why the idol of Hanuman has five faces: the visage of Lord Hanuman in the centre and Lords Narasimha, Adivaraha, Garuda, and Hayagriva on either side. Saints have wrapped the statue with senthooram. The idols of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita were moved to this temple and positioned here in 1964 following the cyclone in Dhanuskhodi. Nearly all devotees who come for a Rameshwaram Tour visit the Panchamukha Hanuman Temple, also known as Panchamukha Anjaneya.
Floating stones in the Five faced Hanuman Temple
The “floating stones” that have been preserved for the devotees to view are another important draw of this temple. Sethu Bandhanam, a floating bridge from Rameshwaram to Lanka, was constructed with these floating stones so that Lord Rama, Lord Lakshman, and others could go there to save Goddess Sita and stop the villain Ravana’s atrocities.
Legend / History of Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple
The mythology states that the demon Ravana, who had kidnapped Goddess Sita, had turned to Mahiravana, the king of Patala Loka, for assistance during the conflict between Lord Rama and Ravana. To keep Lord Rama and Lakshman safe, Lord Hanuman used his tail to construct a massive castle around them.
Thus, Mahiravana later assumed the identity of Ravana’s brother Vibhishana, who was assisting Lord Rama in the conflict. In order to murder Lord Rama and Lord Lakshman, he then brought them to Patala Loka. While looking for them, Lord Hanuman also came to Patala Loka, where he discovered that he needed to extinguish all five lamps simultaneously—all five were glowing in separate directions—in order to slay Mahiravana. Therefore, Lord Hanuman assumed the form of Panchmukhi Hanuman and extinguished all the lamps simultaneously in order to kill Mahiravana and save Lord Rama and Lord Lakshman. The five faces of lord Hanuman are of Lord Varaha that faces the north, Lord Narasimha facing the south, Lord Garuda facing the west, Lord Hanuman facing the east along with face of Lord Hayagriva that faces the sky.
How to reach Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple, Rameshwaram
The distance between Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple and Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple is about two km. By road, it is easily accessible. All of the main forms of transportation are available to tourists. The temple may be reached via bus, taxi, or autorickshaw.
Nearby Places to Visit