Hayagriva Jayanti

 


Date & Tithi (2025)

  • Date: Friday, August 8, 2025
  • Tithi: Shravana Purnima (Full Moon day in the month of Shravana)

Significance

  • Lord Hayagriva is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, depicted with a human body and a horse’s head, symbolizing pure knowledge, wisdom, and intellect.
  • He is revered as the protector of the Vedas and the deity of learning, especially by students, scholars, and spiritual seekers.
  • The day is also observed as Upakarma, when Brahmins renew their sacred thread (Yajnopavita).

Legends

  • According to the Mahabharata (Shanti Parva) and Puranas, the demons Madhu and Kaitabha stole the Vedas from Brahma.
  • Lord Vishnu took the form of Hayagriva to slay the demons and restore the Vedas, symbolizing the victory of knowledge over ignorance.
  • In another version, Vishnu’s head is accidentally severed and replaced with a horse’s head by divine intervention, marking the birth of Hayagriva.

Rituals & Observances

  • Fasting: Devotees observe a vrat (fast) and maintain purity of thought and action.
  • Puja Vidhi:
    • Install an image or idol of Lord Hayagriva on a clean altar.
    • Offer white flowers, fruits, turmeric, sandalwood, and sweets.
    • Chant Hayagriva Stotram, Vishnu Sahasranama, and Vedic hymns.
  • Homa (Fire Ritual): Performed in temples and homes to invoke divine blessings.
  • Educational Offerings: Students place their books and pens before the deity to seek blessings for wisdom and academic success.

Regional Observance

  • Tamil Nadu & Karnataka: Celebrated with Avani Avittam, sacred thread renewal, and Hayagriva puja.
  • Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: Observed with special homas, chanting, and student-focused rituals.
  • Assam: Grand celebrations at Hajo Hayagriva Temple, blending Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

Temples

Temple Name

Location

Highlights

Hayagriva Madhava Temple

Hajo, Assam

Ancient hilltop temple; revered by both Hindus and Buddhists

Hayagreeva Temple

Nanganallur, Chennai

Major center for Hayagriva Jayanti in Tamil Nadu

Sri Lakshmi Hayagriva Temple

Tiruvahindrapuram, Tamil Nadu

Closely associated with Vedanta Desika

Ranganathaswamy Temple

Srirangam, Tamil Nadu

Has a dedicated shrine for Lord Hayagriva

Melkote Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple

Karnataka

Celebrates Hayagriva Jayanti with special rituals

Sri Hayagriva Swamy Temple

Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh

Located on North Mada Street, near the main Tirumala temple; managed by a Mutt; popular for Aksharabhyasam and student blessings

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