Sri Viswaroopa Panchamukha Anjaneyaswami Temple, Tiruvallur

Address

Sri Viswaroopa Panchamukha Anjaneyaswami Temple, Tiruvallur

Old NGGO Colony,

Tiruvallur,

Tamil Nadu 602003

Moolavar

Panchamukha Anjaneyaswami

Introduction

• Location: The Viswaroopa Panchamuga Anjaneya Swamy Temple is located in Thiruvallur Town, Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu. This small yet remarkable temple is known for its grand 40-foot monolithic idol of Hanuman.

Puranic Significance

1. Origin of Panchamukha Hanuman:
   • The Panchamukha Hanuman form has its origins in a story from the Ramayana. During the battle between Lord Rama and Ravana, Ravana sought the help of Mahiravana, the king of Pathala Loka (the underworld). Mahiravana captured Rama and Lakshmana, taking them to Pathala Loka.
   • To rescue them, Hanuman entered Pathala Loka and discovered that the only way to defeat Mahiravana was to simultaneously extinguish five lamps that were keeping him alive. Hanuman then assumed the Panchamukha form, with five faces: Hanuman, Hayagriva, Narasimha, Garuda, and Varaha. By blowing out all five lamps at once, he killed Mahiravana and freed Rama and Lakshmana.
2. Rudhra Vanam:
   • The site where the temple is located was historically known as Rudhra Vanam, a sacred place where great sages like Agasthya meditated. Legend states that Hanuman, while carrying the Sanjeevi Mountain, paused at this site to witness a Shiva Puja performed by Sage Agasthya. This divine connection and approval make the site even more significant.

Special Features

1. 40-foot Monolithic Idol:
   • The temple’s monolithic idol of Hanuman stands at an impressive 40 feet. Unlike many temples with large statues of Hanuman, the uniqueness of this idol lies in its five faces—each representing a different divine aspect.
2. Panchamukha Hanuman:
   • The Panchamukha Hanuman is an iconic form where the five faces symbolize different deities and their specific powers. These faces are:
     • East-facing face: Sri Anjaneyaswami Mukha, which is believed to remove sins and purify the mind.
     • South-facing face: Sri Marasimhaswami Mukha, which removes fear from enemies and ensures victory.
     • West-facing face: Sri Mahaviragarudaswami Mukha, which wards off evil influences, black magic, and poisons.
     • North-facing face: Sri Lakshmi Varahamurthyswami Mukha, which removes troubles caused by planetary influences and brings prosperity and wealth (Ashta Aishwarya).
     • Upward-facing face: Sri Hayagreevaswami Mukha, which bestows knowledge, victory, progeny, and spiritual liberation (mukti).

Century/Period

1990

Nearest Bus Station

Tiruvallur

Nearest Railway Station

Tiruvallur

Nearest Airport

Chennai 

Location on Map

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