Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple, Gorakhpur

History of Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple

Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple was established in 2012. Despite being a relatively new temple, it quickly became an important centre of Hanuman worship in Gorakhpur.

The temple gained popularity because of its 31-foot-tall Panchmukhi Hanuman idol, south-facing form, and distinctive three-storey architecture. Devotees from Gorakhpur and nearby districts regularly visit the shrine, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Over time, the temple became known as Sarva Karya Siddhak Temple because devotees associated it with the removal of obstacles and the fulfilment of wishes.

When Was Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple Established?

Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple in Bargadwa was established in 2012. The temple was developed as a multi-storey shrine so that visitors could view the different portions and spiritual symbolism of the large Hanuman idol from separate floors.

The shrine’s most important feature is the 31-foot Panchmukhi Hanuman idol, which is considered one of the tallest Hanuman representations in the Gorakhpur region.

Story of Panchmukhi Hanuman

The Panchmukhi form of Hanuman Ji is associated with the Ramayana story of Ahiravan. According to tradition, Ahiravan abducted Lord Rama and Lakshmana and took them to the underworld.

Ahiravan’s life was protected by five lamps burning in five different directions. He could only be defeated if all five lamps were extinguished simultaneously.

To accomplish this, Hanuman Ji assumed the Panchmukhi form with five faces looking in different directions. He extinguished all five lamps at the same moment, defeated Ahiravan, and rescued Lord Rama and Lakshmana.

This form represents complete protection, courage, intelligence, devotion, and victory over evil.

Five Faces of Panchmukhi Hanuman

Hanuman Face

The principal Hanuman face represents courage, devotion, physical strength, and freedom from fear.

Narasimha Face

The Narasimha face represents protection from evil, enemies, injustice, and dangerous situations.

Garuda Face

The Garuda face symbolizes protection from poison, serpents, harmful influences, and unseen dangers.

Varaha Face

The Varaha face represents stability, prosperity, good health, and protection of the earth.

Hayagriva Face

The Hayagriva face represents knowledge, concentration, intelligence, spiritual wisdom, and success in education.

Together, these five faces make Panchmukhi Hanuman a powerful symbol of protection in every direction.

Religious Significance of the Temple

Devotees visit Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple to pray for:

• Protection from negative influences
• Courage and self-confidence
• Success in difficult work
• Relief from fear and anxiety
• Victory over enemies and injustice
• Progress in education and career
• Peace in family life
• Relief from obstacles
• Protection from planetary difficulties
• Fulfilment of righteous wishes

Tuesday and Saturday are considered the most auspicious days for worshipping Hanuman Ji.

Significance of the South-Facing Idol

The 31-foot idol faces the southern direction. According to religious tradition, the south is associated with Yama and powerful transformative energies.

The Dakshinmukhi form of Hanuman Ji is worshipped for protection from fear, untimely danger, negative forces, and difficult situations. Devotees also pray before this form for relief from the challenging effects associated with Shani.

Saturday worship at the temple is consequently considered particularly important.

Eleven Parikramas

A popular devotional practice at the temple is performing 11 parikramas of Hanuman Ji.

Devotees believe that completing 11 circumambulations with faith and concentration helps remove difficulties and brings success in important work.

While performing parikrama, devotees may chant:

Om Hanumate Namah

or

Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram

The pathway should be followed calmly without obstructing other visitors.

Architecture of Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple

The temple has an unusual three-storey design created around the 31-foot-tall Hanuman idol. Each level provides darshan of a different part of the divine form.

Ground Floor

On the ground floor, devotees receive darshan of Hanuman Ji’s feet. Bowing at the feet symbolizes humility, surrender, and devotion.

Second Floor

On the second floor, visitors see Lord Rama and Mata Sita positioned near the heart of Hanuman Ji. The arrangement represents the belief that Siya-Ram permanently reside in Hanuman Ji’s heart.

Third Floor

The third floor provides darshan of the five-faced form of Panchmukhi Hanuman. From this level, devotees can observe the different faces and details of the large idol.

Other Deities in the Temple

The temple premises also contain sacred representations of:

• Lord Rama and Mata Sita
• Lakshmi-Narayana
• Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati
• Lord Ganesha
• Lord Kartikeya
• Nandi
• Radha and Lord Krishna
• Other Hindu deities

The presence of these deities allows devotees to perform a complete family pilgrimage within the temple complex.

Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple Timings

The temple premises are listed as remaining open throughout the day and night. Access close to the sanctum may be briefly restricted during cleaning, shringar, bhog, or other internal rituals.

Timings may change or be extended during Hanuman Jayanti, Ram Navami, Tuesdays, Saturdays, and special devotional programmes.

Best Time for Darshan

The best time for peaceful darshan is between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Devotees wishing to attend the morning aarti should reach before 6:00 AM.

For evening darshan, visitors should arrive between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. The evening aarti begins at 7:00 PM.

Tuesday and Saturday receive the highest number of visitors. A regular weekday morning is better for a less crowded experience.

Daily Puja and Rituals

Daily worship at the temple includes:

• Cleaning and preparation of the shrine
• Shringar of Hanuman Ji
• Morning puja and aarti
• Offering of flowers and garlands
• Hanuman Chalisa recitation
• Sundarkand Path
• Ram Naam chanting
• Bhog offering
• Evening puja and aarti
• Distribution of prasadam

Special Sundarkand Path, Ramcharitmanas recitation, bhajan, and bhandara programmes may be organised on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Offerings at Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple

Devotees may offer the following items:

• Besan laddoo
• Boondi laddoo
• Marigold flowers
• Tulsi garland
• Sindoor
• Chameli oil
• Red cloth
• Fruits
• Coconut
• Jaggery and roasted gram
• Incense sticks
• Ghee or oil lamps

The idol is commonly decorated with marigold flowers and Tulsi leaves. Devotees should make offerings according to temple instructions.

Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand Path

Reciting Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most popular devotional practices at the temple. Devotees believe that regular recitation provides courage, concentration, peace, and protection.

Sundarkand Path is performed for overcoming difficult circumstances, family problems, fear, and obstacles. Group recitations may be organised on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and special occasions.

Major Festivals Celebrated

Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti is the temple’s most important festival. The idol is decorated with flowers, sindoor, clothes, and ornaments. Special puja, bhajan, aarti, Sundarkand Path, and prasadam distribution are organised.

Ram Navami

Because Lord Rama and Mata Sita are shown within Hanuman Ji’s heart, Ram Navami holds special importance at the temple.

Tuesdays and Saturdays

Special worship, Hanuman Chalisa, Sundarkand Path, and aarti are performed every Tuesday and Saturday.

Diwali

The temple is illuminated with lamps during Diwali. Hanuman Ji is worshipped for protection, courage, and removal of negative influences.

Vijayadashami

Vijayadashami celebrates the victory of righteousness over evil. Devotees pray for courage and success in new undertakings.

Shani Amavasya

Devotees worship the south-facing form of Hanuman Ji on Shani Amavasya for protection and relief from difficult circumstances.

Entry Fee

There is no entry fee for visiting Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple. General darshan is free for all devotees.

Charges may apply for special pujas, Sundarkand Path, bhog, bhandara, or other ceremonies arranged through authorised temple representatives.

Time Required for Visit

A regular visit generally takes 30 to 45 minutes. Visitors should allow additional time to climb the different floors and complete 11 parikramas.

Waiting time can increase on Tuesdays, Saturdays, Hanuman Jayanti, and Ram Navami.

Best Season to Visit

The best time to visit the temple is from October to March, when the weather in Gorakhpur remains pleasant.

Morning and evening visits are preferable during summer. Visitors should take extra care while climbing the temple floors during rain.

How to Reach Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple

By Air

The nearest airport is Mahayogi Gorakhnath Airport, Gorakhpur. The temple is approximately 15 kilometres from the airport.

Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and private vehicles are available for travelling to Bargadwa.

By Train

Gorakhpur Junction is the nearest major railway station and is approximately 8 kilometres from the temple.

Nakaha Jungle Railway Station is located very close to the Bargadwa temple area. Train availability at this smaller station is limited, so most long-distance travellers should use Gorakhpur Junction.

By Road

Gorakhpur is connected with Lucknow, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Kushinagar, Deoria, and other cities by road.

UPSRTC buses and private buses operate regularly. Local autos, e-rickshaws, and taxis are available for reaching the Bargadwa area.

Distances

Distances may vary according to the selected route and local traffic.

Nearby Places to Visit

Visitors can explore these attractions in Gorakhpur:

• Gorakhnath Temple
• Gita Press
• Geeta Vatika
• Ramgarh Tal
• Railway Museum
• Vindhyavasini Park
• Kushmi Forest
• Budhiya Mai Temple
• Vishnu Temple
• Tarkulha Devi Temple

Suggested Visit Plan

Begin your visit with the morning aarti between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM. Receive darshan of Hanuman Ji’s feet on the ground floor, Lord Rama and Mata Sita on the second floor, and the Panchmukhi form on the third floor.

After completing 11 parikramas, visit Gorakhnath Temple and Gita Press. In the evening, visitors can explore Ramgarh Tal and return for the evening aarti if desired.

Guidelines for Visitors

• Wear modest and respectful clothing.
• Remove footwear before entering the temple.
• Follow the designated route between different floors.
• Use stairways carefully, particularly during crowded periods.
• Senior citizens should request assistance if needed.
• Perform parikrama without blocking other devotees.
• Do not touch the main idol or decorations.
• Ask for permission before taking photographs.
• Keep the temple premises clean.
• Offer donations only at designated counters.
• Take care of personal belongings.
• Avoid carrying large bags on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
• Supervise children while using the stairs.
• Confirm special timings before Hanuman Jayanti.

Conclusion

Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple in Bargadwa is one of Gorakhpur’s distinctive modern temples. Established in 2012, it is famous for its 31-foot-tall south-facing Panchmukhi Hanuman idol and three-storey darshan arrangement.

The five faces represent courage, protection, stability, knowledge, and victory over negative forces. The representations of Lord Rama and Mata Sita within Hanuman Ji’s heart beautifully express his complete devotion. Daily aartis, 11 parikramas, Tuesday and Saturday worship, and the peaceful temple atmosphere make this shrine a meaningful destination for every Hanuman devotee.