The Legend of Hayagriva Jayanti on Sravana Purnima

---

Introduction: A Day to Celebrate Divine Knowledge

Sravana Purnima, the full moon day in the holy month of Shravan, holds immense spiritual and cosmic significance in Sanatana Dharma. While it is well known for Raksha Bandhan and Upakarma, it also marks the celebration of a lesser-known yet profoundly sacred occasion—Hayagriva Jayanti. This divine day commemorates the birth or appearance (Jayanti) of Lord Hayagriva, the horse-faced incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who restored the lost Vedas and re-established divine knowledge in the universe.

At www.hindutone.com, we delve into this rich, devotional tale of cosmic restoration, spiritual enlightenment, and the sacred observances that can elevate your soul on this blessed day.

---

Who is Lord Hayagriva?

Lord Hayagriva is one of the unique avatars of Lord Vishnu, depicted with the body of a man and the head of a horse. He is the divine embodiment of knowledge (Jnana), wisdom (Viveka), and intellect (Buddhi). He is worshipped by students, scholars, teachers, seekers, and devotees of Vedic knowledge, and is revered in both Vaishnavite and Tantric traditions.

---

The Legend: How Hayagriva Restored the Vedas

Long ago, during the Satya Yuga, the universe was enveloped in harmony, and the Vedas—divine scriptures of eternal wisdom—guided creation. But as fate would have it, two powerful demons, Madhu and Kaitabha, were born from Lord Vishnu’s earwax during his cosmic slumber (Yoga Nidra).

Infused with tamasic energy, Madhu and Kaitabha desired to plunge the world into ignorance. With their demonic strength, they stole the four Vedas—Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva—from the creator god Brahma and hid them in the depths of the cosmic ocean, intending to erase divine knowledge and plunge the universe into darkness.

Brahma, helpless and distraught, prayed to Lord Vishnu for help. Upon hearing his plea, Lord Vishnu took the form of Hayagriva, a being of intense brilliance with the head of a horse symbolizing noble strength, clarity, and wisdom.

With a thunderous neigh that echoed across the universes, Hayagriva dived deep into the cosmic ocean, where the demons lay in hiding. A fierce battle ensued under the vast waters, and in his divine wrath, Lord Hayagriva vanquished Madhu and Kaitabha, reclaiming the sacred Vedas.

He then restored the Vedas to Lord Brahma, ensuring that the eternal truths once again permeated creation. Thus, Lord Hayagriva became the preserver and protector of knowledge, hailed by sages as Jñānamūrti (the form of knowledge).

---

Spiritual Symbolism of the Hayagriva Avatar

• Horse Head: Represents swiftness in acquiring knowledge and the elevated intellect above base instincts
• White Color: Signifies purity of wisdom and sattvic qualities
• Four Arms: Holding a conch, discus, book, and rosary—symbolizing protection, spiritual sound, eternal knowledge, and meditation
• Restoration of Vedas: Symbolizes victory of wisdom over ignorance, light over darkness

---

How to Observe Hayagriva Jayanti on Sravana Purnima

On this powerful day, devotees can align themselves with the energies of knowledge, learning, and inner awakening through the following observances:

1. Morning Rituals and Sankalpa

• Wake up during Brahma Muhurta (before sunrise)
• Take a holy bath, wear clean or traditional white/yellow clothes
• Offer sankalpa (spiritual resolution) for wisdom, clarity, and removal of ignorance

2. Idol or Image Worship

• Set up a clean altar with an image or idol of Lord Hayagriva
• Decorate with white flowers, tulsi leaves, and sandal paste
• Offer items such as ghee lamps, fruits, honey, jaggery, and rice

3. Chanting Hayagriva Mantras
Chanting mantras dedicated to Hayagriva is considered especially powerful on this day.

Hayagriva Gayatri Mantra:
“Om Vaagishaya Vidmahe
Hayagrivaya Dhimahi
Tanno Hayagrivah Prachodayat”

Meaning:
Let us meditate upon the Lord of speech and wisdom, Hayagriva. May He enlighten our intellect and guide us toward truth.

Moola Mantra:
“Om Shri Hayagrivaya Namah”

Recommended Count: 108 or 1008 repetitions using a tulsi or sphatika mala

4. Reciting Sacred Texts
On this day, reciting or listening to the Vishnu Sahasranama, Srimad Bhagavad Gita, or Hayagriva Stotram composed by Sri Vedanta Desika is highly meritorious.

Hayagriva Stotram (Excerpt):

“Jñānanandamayam devam
Nirmala Sphatika-ākritim
Ādhāram sarvavidyānām
Hayagrīvam upāsmahe”

Meaning:
We worship Hayagriva, the embodiment of blissful knowledge, pure as crystal, and the support of all learning.

5. Vedic Learning and Teaching
Many Gurukuls and scholars begin Vedic teaching sessions or spiritual discourses on this day, marking it as an auspicious beginning for acquiring divine knowledge.

6. Charity and Feeding the Needy
Offering food, books, or monetary donations to students, teachers, and the underprivileged on Hayagriva Jayanti pleases the Lord and fulfills the purpose of restoring knowledge to society.

---

Devotee’s Faith: A Living Example

In Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, resides the sacred Hayagriva Shrine at Sri Parakala Mutt, where devotees offer special pujas on this day. One such devotee, a young student named Venkatesh, was struggling to pass a competitive exam. Guided by his Guru, he began chanting “Om Shri Hayagrivaya Namah” daily and offered prayers on Hayagriva Jayanti. In a few months, his memory improved, and he passed with distinction. Today, he teaches Vedic studies and attributes his success to the blessings of Lord Hayagriva.

---

Conclusion: Invoking Divine Wisdom Within

On this Sravana Purnima, let us not merely perform rituals, but awaken the Hayagriva Tattva—the principle of divine knowledge—within ourselves. Whether you are a student, a seeker, or simply someone striving for clarity in life, Lord Hayagriva’s blessings are open to all who seek sincerely.

As we chant his sacred names, let us remember:
True knowledge is not only about intellect but the realization of the divine Self.

May Lord Hayagriva bless you with unwavering intellect, deep wisdom, and a mind free from illusion.
Jaya Hayagriva! Jaya Jñāna Murti!

With devotion,
The team at www.hindutone.com