Mythological stories always used to fascinate me from childhood. I used to love reading all stories from folklore, mythology, and others. One that captivated me till date is Incarnations of Vishnu and the story behind each form.
Writing on your favorite topic is a pleasure. Today I wish to start with the Vishnu avatar that’s associated with an important aspect of our life- “Learning / Knowledge”.
‘Lord Hayagriva – The Form Of Vishnu who is worshipped mainly for knowledge/ learning/studies’. Lord Vishnu took this incarnation to rescue the ‘Vedas’ from the demons. Goddess Saraswati is also worshipped for learning. As per some texts, Lord Hayagreeva is considered to be the Guru of Goddess Saraswati.
The Story – During the process of creation of the world, Lord Vishnu gave the task of creating life to Lord Brahma. Lord Vishnu gave the ‘four Vedas’ to Lord Brahma for this purpose. Lord Brahma had to create the universe by looking into the Vedas as the standard texts.
Lord Brahma created two demons – Madhu and Kaitabha, from two water droplets. These two demons (Rakshasas) learned about the importance and power of Vedas. And ever since they were on the lookout to steal them from Lord Brahma.
Once Lord Brahma was feeling very tired due to his work (creating activity) and needed some rest. As night approached, given his tiring, Lord Brahma yawned. And all the four Vedas slipped from his mouth. The two rakshasas Madhu and Kaitabha, who were present nearby, saw this and took the opportunity to steal the Vedas easily. They stole the Vedas from Lord Brahma and placed them at the bottom of the sea.
Without the knowledge of Vedas, Lord Brahma was powerless and couldn’t do his duty, couldn’t create life. Worriedly, he approached and worshipped Lord Vishnu. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu took an incarnation of Hayagriva – Man’s body with Horse’s head; slayed both the demons and rescued, restored the Vedas. As Lord Hayagriva protected the Vedas – that is the epitome of knowledge, He is worshipped as ‘God of Knowledge’.
Lord Hayagriva
An incarnation of Vishnu, with human body and horse’s head, an embodiment of intelligence and knowledge; the divine being who bestows intelligence & wisdom. His blessings are always sought before the beginning of learning.
The great philosopher and Guru of Vaishnavites, ‘Swami Vedanta Desikan’ glorifies Lord Hayagreeva by stating : He is the one who can change one’s fate (Brahma-Lippi).
Swami Desikan’s Dhyana-Shloka describes Lord Hayagreeva’s great attributes:
Jnananandhamayam Devam Nirmala SpatikAkruthim |
AadhAram Sarva Vidhyaanaam Hayagreevam Upaasmahe ||
Meaning: We meditate upon the Supreme Lord Hayagreeva, who has the neck and face of a horse, Who’s Thirumeni (body) has a hue of blemish-less white crystal, who is adorned in a spotless white Vasthram and Who is radiant. He is the embodiment of Jnana (Divine Knowledge) and Anandha (Bliss) and He is the abode of all Vidhyaas (for all branches of Learning).
Sources: http://www.lakshmihayagriva.org/page3.html
https://divyakataksham.wordpress.com/tag/hayagreeva/
Disclaimer: My mythology write-ups are based on just the story behind it in general (what I have read, heard & known) and not based on the sects/tradition of Hinduism. I am not aware of all the legends from different sects and different sects have different legends.
Scribbled Tales 