Lord Shiva Temple with Panchmukhi Shivling
.Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India
Situated in the sacred land of Ayodhya, Panchmukhi Mahadev Temple is one of the most frequented religious attractions in the city. The temple houses a five-faced Mukhling of Lord Shiva, the destroyer in the holy trinity of Hinduism. Constructed with Lal Balua rocks, Panchmukhi Mahadev Temple is placed on the banks of River Saryu.
History of the temple
Panchmukhi Mahadev Temple embodies a long history of thousands of years. It is believed that the Mukhling was consecrated by the kings of the Suryavansh dynasty around 2,000 years ago. The present edifice of the temple was built over 250 years ago. The story of Panchmukhi Mahadev Temple revolves around Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, two prime deities in Hinduism. Once upon a time, Lord Vishnu took the form of an attractive teenager. Filled with affection for him, Lord Shiva wished to have multiple faces and eyes so that he could enjoy the divinity’s blissful look. Just as he wished, Lord Shiva got five faces and he was named ‘Panchmukhi’. Another mythological tale states that Lord Shiva assumed five faces for the creation of the universe and the five divine elements emanated from his different faces.
Significance of the temple
Mukhling is the name given to a Shivling with an evident face and it is said that the worship of Mukhling grants the siddhis of Bhog and Moksha to the devotees. It is believed that a mere darshan of the Mukhling endows the worshippers with everything they wish for and resolves all their issues and difficulties.
Architecture of the temple
The temple is constructed as per the ancient Nagara style of architecture, which is famed across North India. The Mukhling is placed right below the central pinnacle of the temple, in its sanctum sanctorum.
Temple Timings
Temple morning timings
03:00 AM - 12:00 PMMorning Aarti timings
07:00 AM - 07:30 AMTemple evening timings
04:00 PM - 09:00 PMEvening Aarti timings.
07:00 PM - 07:30 PMOfferings of the temple
The Mukhling at the Panchmukhi Mahadev Temple is sanctified by the holy waters of Saryu every day and offerings of Dhatoora, Belpatra, milk, flowers, laddoo etc are made to the deity. Every Monday, Lord Shiva is adorned in a special way and Bhang and Bhasm are presented to him. Mahashivratri and the sacred month of Shravan are observed with special ceremonies and celebrations at the temple.
Travel Details
The below are the travel details for the temple
Committee of the temple