Information of Sri Viswaroopa Panchamukha Anjaneya Swami Temple, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

The Sri Viswaroopa Panchamukha Anjaneya Swami Ashram is actually a kind of charitable Trust. The temple is situated in the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu state. The location or rather the position of the temple in Thiruvallur was popularly known as Rudra Vanam during the earlier days. It is considered to be the divine and blessed home of the eminent Siddhas and Saints such as Sage Agastiya.

Sri Viswaroopa Panchamukha Anjaneya Swami Temple Religious Significance

The temple is dedicated to the revered Hindu god Hanumana whose idol stands around 40 feet in height in this temple. The idol of the deity that is Hanuman here has five faces and thus, is known as the Panchamukha. The face of the idol facing the east is supposed to be in the original form of Lord Hanuman. The face in this direction is believed to alleviate all sorts of stains related to misdeeds and grants transparency of mind. The face towards the South is known as Sri Karala Ugravira Narasimha Swami who eliminates fright of enemies and grants success. The face facing the West is known to be of Sri Mahavira Garuda and is believed to force away the effects of black magic, evil spells along with eliminating all kinds of evil influences on human body. The face towards the North is known as Sri Lakshmi Varaha and is known to free one from the planets negative effects and bestows one with immense prosperity or Ashta Aishwariya. Finally, the face facing upwards or Urdhva Mukha is known to be in the form of Sri Hayagrive Swami who is believed to grant success, children, knowledge and good partner.

Sri Viswaroopa Panchamukha Anjaneya Swami Temple Mythology & History

It has been learnt from the study of antique scrolls that this particular place was mentioned in the mythological records. Lord Hanumanji is said to have stopped at this place for sometime while transporting the huge Snajeeva Parvatha which was a mountain in order to meet Sage Agasthya who was worshipping a Shiva Lingam. According to other legends, the source or foundation of the Sri Panchamukha Hanuman form can be found in a story of the famous epic, Ramayana. It is said that at the time of the war that took place among Ravana and Lord Ram, Ravana acquired the support and aid of Pathala's king, Mahiravana. Lord Hanuman created a fortress with the help of his tail so as to guard both Lord Ram and Lakshman. However, Mahiravana disguised as Vibeeshana abducted both of them to Pathala Loka. Hanuman, on knowing about this headed to Pathala Loka to look for Lakshman and Ram. He learnt that he needed to put out five lamps at a time in order to kill Mahiravana. Therefore, Hanuman took the form of Panchamukha with Hanuman, Narasimha, Varaha, Hayagriva and Garuda to extinguish the lamps.

Sri Viswaroopa Panchamukha Anjaneya Swami Temple Architectural Significance

The temple was constructed in the year 2004 by the Sri Viswaroopa Panchmukha Anjaneya Foundation. The idol of this temple or ashram has been made out of a massive green coloured granite stone with an approximate weight of about 220 tonnes. The idol of Lord Hanuman is considered to be amongst the tallest ones in the entire world and has been carved out of a single piece of massive granite stone. The idol of the presiding deity is known to weigh about 150 tonnes which indicates the enormity in terms of its size. The installation of the idol was made in accordance with the mantra shastra which is quite unique as typically the Hindu temples are constructed on the base of agama shastra.