Lord Vishnu is believed to have taken 10 Avatars and each one for a different purpose. Hayagriva is another avatar of Vishnu and is the lesser-known form. This form of Lord Vishnu is thought to be the one where He enlightens the lives of His devotees with knowledge and wisdom. Seeking His blessings will help you get on the right path in life. Lord Hayagriva is depicted to be half human and half horse. He is shown to have the head of a horse and the body of a human. It is thought to be a combination that depicts the energy and nature that comes from their creation. Lord Vishnu took this form to save the universe from Kaitubh and Madhu, who were demons who stole the Vedas.
Hayagriva Jayanti 2022
This festival is observed to mark the celebration of the birth of Lord Hayagriva. It is conducted on the Shravan Month of the Hindu calendar on full moon day or the Shravan Purnima day. It is celebrated on August 11, 2022, this year.
The Shravan Purnima tithi starts at 10:39 Am on August 11, 2022
Shravan Purnima tithi ends at 7:05 AM on August 12, 2022
Significance of Hayagriva Jayanti and Lakshmi Hayagriva Homam on this day
Lord Hayagriva is a God that is a symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and memory. So those who want to gain knowledge and wisdom should perform this ritual. It is beneficial for a student who wants to become better at academics and attain higher rankings. It is also helpful for scholars, spiritual masters, teachers, or those who wish to gain knowledge in their domain. The Homam and Mantra saying can help invoke the blessings of Lord Vishnu and attain success in the work that the devotees take up. Homam and other rituals done on this day can enhance concentration and memory.
Mythological stories of Lord Hayagriva
There are many stories associated with Lord Hayagriva, and these are present in sacred texts; as per one story available in Mahabharata, it states that there was a time when water completely submerged the earth. During this time, Lord Vishnu decided to create the Universe. While doing so, Lord Vishnu falls asleep. That is when Madhu and Kaitab, two demons appear from the ears. They see Brahma present but manage to steal the Vedas from him and disappear.
That act pushed the Universe into darkness, and ignorance knew no bounds. Seeing the universe in this state, Brahma calls Lord Vishnu, and he wakes from his slumber. Lord Vishnu then takes the form of Hayagriva to get the Vedas from the demons. So, the day this incarnation happened is celebrated as Hayagriva Jayanthi.
Rituals conducted on this day
Lord Hayagriva is the manifestation of Vishnu and the protector of the Vedas. The form came into existence on the Shravana Purnima day. It is also observed as Avani Avittam or Upakarma. Vishnavites and Madhwas perform this festival with great devotion. This day is considered auspicious for discarding the old Yajnapavit and wearing a new one. This Avatar of Lord Vishnu is the epitome of wisdom and knowledge where Goddess Saraswati and Brahma reside. He encompasses all the Vedas put together and thus is called the God of Wisdom and knowledge.
On this day, apart from performing Pooja to Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, who is the God of wealth, is also worshipped. She is the consort of Lord Vishnu, and offering Pooja on this day can bring financial stability and affluence to the devotees who perform this. According to sacred texts, doing Lakshmi Homam on this day will bring prosperity and happiness. It can also aid in reducing debt and overcoming financial worries. Life’s needs are fulfilled, and there is material prosperity.
Hayagriva stotram
Gyaanaa nanda mayam devam
Nirmala sphatikaakritimh
Aadhaaram sarvavidyaanaam
Hayagriivamupaasmahe
The meaning of this Mantra is that.
O Supreme One, we meditate and pray upon The God who has the face and neck of a horse and is the manifestation of Anandha or Bliss and Jnana or Divine knowledge.He has a radiant body like a Thirmeni and blemishless like a Spatikam, a crystal. He is the abode of all branches of learning or Vidyas.
