Hayagriva – The Horse Necked One
Hayagriva is a primordial horse spirit too powerful to fade away:
• Hayagriva was incorporated into the Hindu pantheon as an avatar of Vishnu.
• Buddhism considers him a wrathful manifestation of Avalokitesvara.
• Hayagriva is one of the Eight Dharma Protectors.
Hayagriva is a fierce, protective guardian and healer. He is the guardian of sacred texts. Hayagriva heals all illnesses, especially ailments that manifest on the skin including the once-dreaded leprosy. He is invoked to banish all evil spirits.
Hayagriva has never lost his powerful association with horses and is especially venerated by Tibetan horse dealers.
Manifestations:
There are believed to be 108 forms of Hayagriva. He drives away Demons by neighing like a horse.
ICONOGRAPHY:
Hayagriva is identified by a small horse’s head, which surmounts his primary head (it sometimes resembles a hair ornament). His image often appears on phurpa daggers as well as on amulets intended to ward off harmful spirits.
ATTRIBUTE:
Phurbu (also known as phurpa), the triangular ritual dagger used to exorcise evil spirits. A true phurpa contains the essence of Hayagriva.
ANIMAL:
Hayagriva is the patron of horses. His mantra requests the protection of all horses.
Consort:
Marichi
OFFERINGS:
Cooked oats (as for a horse)
SEE ALSO:
- Avalokitesvara
- Bon Spirits
- Eight Dharma Protectors
- Marichi
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.
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