Hayagriva or Hayasira

Hayagriva or Hayasira (Horse’s Neck or Horse’s Head) is an avatar of the god Vishnu, worshipped as the god of knowledge and wisdom, with a human body and a horse’s head.

He is clothed in white garments and sits on a white lotus. Hayagriva represents the triumph of pure knowledge guided by the hand of god, over the forces of darkness and passion.

A very important deity in the Vaisnava tradition, his blessings are sought when beginning the study of both sacred and secular subjects. Special worship is on the day of the full moon in August (Sravana Purnima) and on Mahanavami (the ninth day of the Navaratri festival).