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Hayagriv Jayanti

Lord Hayagriv is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the supreme God of protection and sustenance. He remains to be the embodiment of intelligence and wisdom. Hayagriv is a unique God, who has the face of a horse and the physique of a human being. The Sanskrit word ‘Haya’ means the horse, while ‘Griva’ denotes the neck or the face. Hence, this horse-faced Lord is known as Hayagriv. Lord Vishnu is said to have taken Hayagriv Avatar for protecting the sacred Vedas and restoring them to Lord Brahma, the God of creation.

Significance

Hayagriv Jayanthi is the day of advent of Hayagriv, that is the day when the Lord took the Hayagriv Avatar. It is observed on the Poornima (full Moon day), in the Hindu calendar month of Shravana or the Tamil month of Aadi (July–August).

Legend

One of the Legends associated with Hayagriv Mahabharatha and other Puranas speak in detail about the incarnation of Hayagriv. As per one of the legends, the mighty demons Madhu and Kaitabha once stole away the Vedas from Brahma, the God of creation, and hid them deep down under the sea bed. It was a terrible loss as it was absolutely necessary for Brahma to have the Vedas with him for performing the job of creation successfully. So he sought Lord Vishnu’s help immediately, for getting the texts safely back with him. Vishnu stepped in right earnest, took the form of Hayagriv, the man-horse, fought a tough battle with the powerful demons and slayed them in the end. He thus retrieved the Vedas and restored them safely to Brahma, for him to continue with his creation without any impediment. The grateful universe still remembers and worships Lord Hayagriv as their great benefactor.

Importance of Hayagriv Jayanthi

The horse itself is said to represent knowledge and wisdom. While Hayagriv is regarded as the one who bestows higher learning, he is also held as the guardian deity who wards off evil.

Observance

On the day of Hayagriv Jayanthi, devotees chant hymns in his praise and offer worship to him at homes and in temples. Brahmins, especially in south, perform Upakarma or the sacred thread ceremony on that day. Students and others also pray to Lord Hayagriv for blessing them with good intellect, knowledge and wisdom. People in North celebrate the festival of Rakshabandhan on this day.

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