The 5 faced form of Mahadeva is the Sadashiva form. Sadashiva is the most supreme form of Shiva. He has 5 different faced representing different aspects of the universe. The 5 faces are:
- Sadyojata- creation, associated with Brahma and earth element. Lord of the West direction.
- Vaamadeva- preservation, symbolizing beauty and water, is the sustaining force of Vishnu. Lord of the North direction.
- Aghora- destruction, the destroyer of arrogance and ego. Lord of the South direction.
- Tatpurusha- obstruction, the face of medidation and inner consiousness. Lord of the East direction.
- Ishana- grace, symbolizing space (Akash), transendental and the purest form of Shiva. Lord of the upwards direction.