Lord Hayagreeva - Horse Faced Avatar of Vishnu

Lord Hayagreeva is one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu where the Lord is worshipped in the form of a horse headed deity with a human body.

Hayagreeva or Hayagriva - Horse Faced Avatar of Vishnu

Unlike Dasavataras, the Hayagriva incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu is lesser known. Lord Hayagriva is regarded as the God of Knowledge and Wisdom. Lord Hayagreeva is depicted as horse headed Vishnu with a human body, white in color, white garments and seated on a white lotus. Hayagriva is most popular in the south Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Hayagriva Jayanti is an important festival celebrated in honor of the birthday of Lord Hayagriva. Observed on the full moon day of Sravana Month, the festival is celebrated with great importance by student community. It is said that worshipping Lord Hayagriva on Hayagriva Jayanthi will bestow success in all deeds.

Story of Hayagreeva Avatar

According to Bhagavata Puranas, Lord Vishnu took Hayagriva avatar to retrieve Vedas from the hands of Rakshasas Madhu and Kaitabha. The demons stolen the Vedas from Lord Brahma and kept it deep under the water. To recover Vedas from evil hands Brahma dev went for the help of Lord Vishnu. Thus Maha Vishnu manifested as Lord Hyagriva and recovered Vedas by killing the demon Rakshas Madhu and Kaitabha.

Hayagriva Mantra

Hayagriva Strotram is taken from the Pancaratra Agamas. It is believed that one who chants the Hayagriva strotras daily will become successful and able overcome from all difficulties.

Jyananadamayam Devam
Nirmala Spatikakrutim
Aadaram Sarpavidyanam
Hayagriva Mupasmahe