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.
Click here to watch video