Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Biju Patnaik International Airport at Bhubaneswar is the nearest commercial airport, about 28 km away.

• By train

  Cuttack Railway Station (CTC) is the nearest railway station to the temple.

• By road

  The temple is in Khannagar, Cuttack, on the banks of the Kathajodi River.

Why devotees come here

Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple stands on the banks of the Kathajodi River in Khannagar, Cuttack. It houses a five-faced idol of Hanuman and is one of Odisha's most significant Hanuman temples.

The temple's idol shows Hanuman in his five-faced form, called Panchmukhi. Legend says Hanuman took this form to defeat Ravana. Each face is said to stand for a quality: knowledge, courage, peace, wealth and liberation.

Worship at the temple is said to date back to the 17th century. The building follows the Kalinga style of architecture, which reflects Odisha's cultural heritage. At Khannagar in Odisha stands a place of faith and devotion, the Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple. Cuttack is the headquarters of Cuttack district.

Today it is one of Odisha's most significant Hanuman temples. The government page describes it as an oasis dedicated to Hanuman, on the banks of the Kathajodi River. Visitors can join the aarti and bhajans, which are part of the temple's religious ceremonies. Visitors can also learn the history and legends of Hanuman as they take part in these ceremonies.

Festivals

• AnnualHanuman Jayanti

  An annual festival that honours Hanuman's birth. It is celebrated in Cuttack each year.

Tips for your visit

• Aarti and bhajans are part of the temple's religious ceremonies, so visitors can take part in them during their visit.
• Plan a visit on Hanuman Jayanti if you want to see the festival celebrated in Cuttack.

Questions people ask