Hayagriva Jayanti or Hayagreeva Jayanthi, also known as Hayagriva Uthpaththi, is celebrated as the birth day of ‘Lord Hayagriva’ an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is considered as the guardian of the Vedas. As the name goes Haya means Horse, He is a God with horse head and human body. In South India, the day is observed as Upakarma and Avani Avittam by Brahmins.

Vishnu as Hayagriva, the Epitome of Ultimate Knowledge

Hayagriva, the horse-faced God is a lesser known avatar of Vishnu. Lord Vishnu incarnated in this form to retrieve the ‘Vedas’ – ‘the wisdom’ that was stolen by the Demons. Hayagriva represents the restorer archetype that restores wisdom from the grasps of obliviousness.

Significance of Hayagriva Jayanthi

Haya, the horse, is a representation of the highest possible wisdom, he can do miracles. Hayagriva empowers his devotees with Knowledge and wisdom; the scared text says that, He makes life easy for people who worship him, by making them understand the problems much easily and also brings in clarity of thoughts.  It is conventional that people seek the blessings of Hayagriva, the guru of Goddess Saraswati, before initiating a new venture or study. Partaking in Hayagriva homa is strongly recommended for those who wish to improve their analytical and intuitive intelligence.

Legend

Hayagriva Avatar is mainly stated in the Shantiparva of Mahabharat and the Puranas. In the main legend linked with Hayagriva, Devas led by Indra are the villains. It is said that Indra Deva became very jealous of the powers possessed by Lord Vishnu and wanted to kill him. It so happened that, there came an opportunity when Lord Vishnu was resting his chin on his bow. The Devas turned into termites and chomped one end of the tight bowstring until it gave way. The bowstring broke with such force that it beheaded Vishnu.

The Devas felt helpless amidst the demons, without Vishnu. Asuras used this chance and stole the Vedas and conquered Devas. Indra and the other gods were ashamed of their imprudent act and decided to revive Vishnu but they could only find his body; the head was missing. It is said that the Devas placed the head of a horse and resurrected Vishnu. Hayagriva, defeated the demons, and brought back the Vedas.

From then on He is praised as the guardian of Vedas.

Hayagriva mantra – For Success in all endeavors

Gnanananda Mayam Devam

Nirmala Spatika Kruthim

Aadharam Sarva Vidyanam

Hayagrivam Upasmahe