Hayagriva – the wrathful emanation of Avalokiteshvara

This article is about who is Hayagriva in Buddhism, His origin, His iconography, relation with Rudra and doctrine.

Who is Hayagriva?

Hayagriva, the Buddhist God of Knowledge, is a wrathful emanation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of absolute compassion. Avalokiteshvara‘s compassion manifests through various wrathful deities, including Hayagriva, who attend to the needs of afflicted devotees. Tibetan practitioners regard Hayagriva as a Yidam, Ishtadevata, or meditational deity.

Hayagriva as meditational Deity

During meditation, Tibetan devotees visualize Hayagriva, using Him for spiritual realization and upliftment. Through Hayagriva, practitioners recognize their innate altruistic compassion, leading them towards spiritual enlightenment.

Hayagriva as the Heruka class of Esoteric Deities

Hayagriva belongs to the Heruka class of esoteric deities, aiding in spiritual upliftment by detaching practitioners from delusions and ignorance. His wrathful form allows Him to tame demons and distractors untamable by peaceful means, positioning Hayagriva as the supreme lord of the wrathful kings.

Hayagriva as Dharmapala

There are approximately one hundred and eight forms of Hayagriva. His origins trace back to the Yaksha attendant of Avalokiteshvara in India. Buddhist teachers later assimilated him into early Buddhist rituals and promoted him as a worldly Dharmapala. As Dharmapala, He defends the Buddhist faith and destroys demons. Horse traders particularly worship Him, believing He protects them and scares away demons by neighing like a horse.

Hayagriva – the enlightened speed of Buddhas

Hayagriva embodies the enlightened speech of all Buddhas, symbolized by the screaming or neighing horse head, which represents the roar of Dharma carried by the wind.

The iconography of Hayagriva

Several forms of Hayagriva exist in Mahayana Buddhism, predominantly in his Krodha-Atiguha (angry and most secretive) form. In this depiction, he is a powerful deity with three faces, six arms, four or eight legs, and sometimes enormous wings.

Faces and Symbolism

Among the three faces, the green face on the right usually smiles, the white face on the left represents covetousness, and the red face in the center symbolizes His compassion. the three doors of body, speech, and mind. His three heads symbolize the three doors of body, speech, and mind.

Fierce Countenance

Hayagriva typically possesses a heroic, fierce, and wrathful countenance. This fierceness is not malicious but symbolizes the dynamic energy essential for overcoming obstacles. His terrifying aspect expresses his determination to help devotees surmount inner and external challenges. Representations often feature him with a blazing aura, signifying his potent purifying capabilities.

Six Arms and Attributes

His six arms symbolize triumph over the suffering of the six realms through the practice of the six perfections. His various ornaments represent the six paramitas, or perfections: a bracelet for generosity, a girdle for morality, an ear ornament for patience, a necklace for diligence, a crown for contemplation, and an offering scarf for knowledge.

• The first right hand holds a vajra symbolizing primordial wisdom.
• The second right hand holds a trident symbolizing great bliss.
• The third right hand holds a sword symbolizing the eight Mahasiddhas.
• The first left hand points the index finger towards maras and evil forces.
• The second left hand holds a spear piercing through perverted views.
• The third left hand holds a noose.

Stance and Attire

He stands on two corpses, symbolizing the destruction of mundane attachments a spiritual seeker must overcome. According to the Sadhanamala, he is red in color, wears a garland of skulls, and adorns himself with snake ornaments. His Jata crowns him.

Most distinguishing form of His Iconography

The most distinguishing feature of Hayagriva’s iconography is the horse’s head protruding from his most terrifying face. Depictions often show him with three horse heads, especially when he has three heads.

Simplest Form

In his simplest form, Hayagriva has one face, two arms, and two legs. He appears angry with a scowling face, three glaring eyes, a roaring mouth with protruding fangs, and a warrior’s aggressive pose. His broad belly bulges with inner energy. He brandishes an authoritative staff with a skull on top it, threateningly raised to cut through delusions. His left hand is also in a threatening gesture; even His snake ornaments exude frightfulness.

Hayagriva and Rudra

Hayagriva, along with his consort Vajravarahi, removes obstacles and celebrates their legendary triumph over Rudra. This narrative seems to reflect the competitive spirit between Buddhists and Shaiva.

Doctrine and others

Hayagriva has special abilities to cure skin diseases, including leprosy, in other words, to counteract diseases caused by Nagas. In Chinese Buddhism, devotees associate him with travel and transportation, believing he safeguards their vehicles and co-passengers. He is a swift and powerful means to overcome negative forces and obstacles. He protects from all evil spells and black magic. The horse enables Him to run the fastest.

In summary, Hayagriva is an amalgamation of wisdom, strength, and protective vigor.

References

Buddhist Deities and Masters – An introduction by Chandra B Sakya

The iconography of Nepalese Buddhism by Min Bahadur Shakya

The Indian Buddhist Iconography by Benoytosh Bhattacharyya

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