Panchmukhi Hanuman Kavach — Benefits & How to Chant
पञ्चमुखी हनुमान कवच
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Panchmukhi Hanuman Kavach
A supremely powerful protective kavach
the five faces of Hanuman guard the devotee from every direction and danger.
The Narasimha and Varaha faces destroy fear, evil spirits (bhuta-preta), black magic, fevers and disease; the Garuda face removes the effect of all poisons and serpents.
Recited for victory over enemies, removal of obstacles, and rescue from adversity (aapada)
'shatru samhara mam raksha'.
Invokes the form of Hanuman that Lord Rama's devotees turn to for the strongest shield in difficult times.
Best recited on Tuesdays and Saturdays, after a bath, before an image of Panchamukha Hanuman, with a lamp of sesame oil.
How to Chant Panchmukhi Hanuman Kavach
Instructions
Bathe and sit before an image of Panchamukha (five-faced) Hanuman. Light a lamp, ideally of sesame or mustard oil, and offer red flowers and sindoor. Begin with the viniyoga and dhyana, holding in mind the five faces — Hanuman, Narasimha, Garuda, Varaha and Hayagriva — and recite the kavach with faith and a calm mind. It may be recited once daily, or 11 or 21 times for a specific need, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Spiritual Significance
It is said that one who recites the Panchamukha Hanuman Kavach with faith is shielded on all five sides as Rama and Lakshmana were shielded by Hanuman's five faces — no fear, poison, disease, spirit or enemy able to touch them.
Origin & History
Source: Sudarshana Samhita / traditional Hanuman kavacha literature
Author: Traditional
The five-faced (Panchamukha) form of Hanuman is famous from the Ramayana tradition: to slay the sorcerer Mahiravana, who could only be killed by extinguishing five lamps in five directions at once, Hanuman assumed five faces — His own and those of Narasimha, Garuda, Varaha and Hayagriva — and blew them all out together, rescuing Rama and Lakshmana. This kavach invokes that all-protecting five-faced form.