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.