In Hinduism, Hayagriva is the horse-headed incarnate of Lord Vishnu, who is the protector of the universe.
Lord Vishnu is responsible for restoring the balance between good and evil, and you’ll see the same characteristics in the manifestation of Hayagriva.
Hayagriva is known as the embodiment of wisdom and intelligence and can bestow those traits upon sentient beings as well.
Hayagriva is the ruler and protector of knowledge.
In stories about Hayagriva, he retrieved the Vedas, which is the source of knowledge.
It’s for this reason that he is given the ability to bestow wisdom, intelligence, and knowledge among all who connect with him.
Understanding Hayagriva
To best understand and connect with Hayagriva, it’s important to review the depictions of him.
His physical depiction is critical in understanding his origins as well as his powers.
Hayagriva has the body of a person but the head of a white horse.
In ancient stories, it is said that Lord Vishnu’s head was severed, and the Devas prayed to Goddess Durga, asking for help.
The Goddess Durga heard the prayers and replaced Lord Vishnu’s head with that of a horse, hence, the creation of Hayagriva, or “one with a horse’s head.”
While there are many different origin stories of Hayagriva, one thing is for certain: he is an avatar for Lord Vishnu and one of the most important ones at that.
He is a fierce protector of all and champions the seeking of wisdom and knowledge.
His right hand often holds a rosary to represent his connection with meditative wisdom.
His left hand is usually accompanied by a book to remind followers of his role as a spiritual teacher.
Hayagriva’s Mantra
While there are multiple mantras to connect with Hayagriva, there is a basic one that is recommended for many different journeys and people to connect with. The lyrics are as follows:
“Gnanananda Mayam Devam Nirmala Spatika krutim
Aadharam Sarva Vidyanaam Hayagreevam Upasmahe”
The translation of the above mantra is “I worship Lord Hayagreeva, who is the very form of knowledge, pure as a crystal, and who is the support of all knowledge.”
This mantra recognizes Hayagriva as the ultimate teacher who provides wisdom, which is critical on the path to enlightenment.
By reciting this mantra, you, too, are opening your heart up to the fact that all wisdom and intelligence flows through Hayagriva, then to you.
The Mantra’s Benefits
This mantra is a powerful tool on the quest for knowledge.
Hayagriva will support you in your quest, provide guidance, and protect you along the way.
It’s important to understand that there are many types of wisdom and intelligence, and Hayagriva provides guidance to all types.
Whether you’re in academia or hoping to become an expert on animals, Hayagriva is there for you.
Deep appreciation for knowledge is the backbone of enlightenment.
The knowledge to understand that you don’t know everything is the first step in moving toward a wisdom-filled existence.
By reciting Hayagriva’s mantra, you can turn to him for help in opening doors within your mind and removing blockages that are standing in your way of expanding your knowledge base, whatever that may be.
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Who Benefits from Hayagriva’s Mantra?
Hayagriva’s mantra benefits everyone. No matter your background, walk of life, or future goals, you can find solace in the guidance Hayagriva provides. While the mantra is a wonderful daily practice, there are a few types of people that traditionally ensure connection to Hayagriva:
- Students
All students are on the quest for knowledge, which is why, amongst academics, there’s a natural connection to Hayagriva. If you’re studying for a big exam, recite this mantra to ensure Hayagriva’s guidance on the day of your big test. If you’re working towards qualifications or degrees, Hayagriva can help provide the clarity you need to be successful. Or, if you’re a non-traditional student who is learning through one experience or another, Hayagriva can help ensure you get what you’re looking for out of that learning experience. Or, perhaps, what you need. Keep in mind that what you’re looking for and what you need may not always be the same thing.
- Athletes
In athletes, Hayagriva can help provide the wisdom and strategy that they need to be successful at their sport while helping them master their craft. No matter what athletic activity you’re doing, Hayagriva will lead you to success in that journey. Remember that your connection to Hayagriva has to be deep and sincere, or else the benefits of his mantra will not be plentiful.
- Pregnant Women
All mothers want their children to be intelligent and bestowed with the gifts of wisdom and curiosity.
For these reasons, pregnant women are known to do the spiritual work to form a bond with Hayagriva.
Hayagriva can bless a child with wisdom, but he can also bless the mother with wisdom on how to best care for and support that child.
During such a major life change that is so new and uncertain, Hayagriva becomes a pillar of support for the mom and baby alike.
READ MORE: Adi Shakti Mantra
Hayagriva’s Wisdom Goes Further
In reading about Hayagriva, it is common to hear of his connection with students and his ability to build intelligence in many different disciplines.
However, what’s really interesting about Hayagriva is the ability to provide guidance on and protection from sufferings and issues that are due to delusions and errors of humans.
When we think about the health of the earth or diseases that are running rampant, there’s often a large-scale lack of knowledge or understanding that comes along with those catastrophes.
The role of Hayagriva is to provide foundational knowledge to sentient beings so that we don’t fall into the same traps we have in the past.
History is all about learning from what happened and moving forward, and Hayagriva is commonly found supporting the knowledge quest to keep history from repeating itself.
When you think of the wide reach that the terms “wisdom” and “knowledge” have in the human experience of life, it’s no wonder that his guidance is so sought-after.
Collectively, let us chant the mantra a few times right now to bring about the wisdom humanity needs to move forward.
Image credit – @Getty
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As a founder and chief author at InsightState.com, Bulgarea Candin helps readers on their spiritual journeys. His writings are designed to inspire creativity and personal growth, guiding readers on their journey to a more fulfilled and enlightened life.