Shan Mukha is a Sanskrit term that translates to "six faces" or "six mouths". It is often used in Hinduism and other Indian religions to describe deities or objects with six faces.
Symbolic Significance in Hinduism
In Hinduism, Shan Mukha is most famously associated with Lord Murugan, also known as Skanda and Karthikeya. He is often depicted with six faces, representing his six powers or "shastras":
- Spear (Vel): Represents strength and victory.
- Axe (Parasu): Represents destruction of evil.
- Bow and Arrow (Dhanush Baan): Represents precision and accuracy.
- Chakra (Disc): Represents cosmic energy and power.
- Mace (Gada): Represents strength and resilience.
- Rope (Pasha): Represents control and binding.
These six powers symbolize Lord Murugan's ability to protect and guide devotees, destroy evil forces, and bring about justice.
Examples of Shan Mukha Deities
- Lord Murugan: As mentioned above, Lord Murugan is the most well-known deity with six faces.
- Six-faced Ganesha: While not as common as the six-faced Murugan, there are also depictions of Ganesha with six faces.
Practical Insights
The concept of Shan Mukha emphasizes the multifaceted nature of divine power. It suggests that deities have the ability to manifest different aspects of themselves to meet the needs of their devotees.
