The pañcānana (), also called the , are the five faces of Shiva corresponding to his five activities (): creation (), preservation (), destruction (), concealing grace (), and revealing grace (). The names, qualities, and attributes of these five aspects of Shiva are described in the Śaiva agamas and puranas. Aspects Though bearing each a different name, form, and set of qualities, these are all aspects of Śiva and are not to be looked upon as different deities. Sadyojāta Represents Icchā Śaktī. This face of Śiva will give both happiness and sadness to all creatures. Direction is West. This face of Śiva can potentially evoke curse and anger from Śiva. Represents Jalandhara Pīṭha. One billion mantras are trying to describe this face of Śiva. White in color. Ahaṃkāra element representing perfected ego. The fearsome aspect. This aspect is attained by solitude and practices that transcend conventional structures. Vāmadeva Represents Citta rūpa and Citta rūpiṇi of Śiva. This is Turīya, attained by getting acquainted with primordial energy of the sun. This face of Śiva has special powers to heal both mentally and physically of any creature. Represents Parāliṅga. Two billion mantras are trying to describe this face of Śiva. Blood red in color it represents unmatched force that is capable of transforming all elements of the cosmos. Uplifts the element of Tejasa. Direction is North. Predominates the energy of vital life force. It represents indescribable amount of brightness of light. Only those established in yoga can contain it within their physical forms, otherwise the mortal frame sheds itself immediately resulting in union with Vamadeva. The adepts contain energy of creation of elements within themselves. Aghora Represents Jñāna Śaktī (Infinite Knowledge). It is function of Prakṛti (nature, consort of Shiva) and Parā Śaktī. This face of Śiva is Buddhi rūpa (Intellect). Represents Pūrṇagiri Pīṭha. Banaliṅgam. One billion mantras are trying to describe this face of Śiva. Direction is South. Smoke (Dhumra varṇa) in color. It represents our balanced aspect of Ahaṃkāra Tattva (our ego nature). Mixture of Prāmaṇa and Prameya. It represents the forces of Rudra. Tatpuruṣa Represents Ānānda Śaktī. East direction. Kāmagiri Pīṭham. Manorūpa. It represents structure of soul. The individual merges with infinite. Two billion mantras are trying to describe this face of Śiva. Yellow in color. Svambhuva liṅga. If you have severe difficulty in focusing on any subject, you should meditate this face of Śiva. Śiva in this