Hayagriva Mantra: Lyrics, Meaning and Benefits
As per Hindu tradition, Lord Hayagriva is an avatar of Lord Vishnu and is worshipped as a god of knowledge and wisdom. He is depicted seated on a white lotus, with a horse head and a human body and his face is white in colour. He is believed to be the male parallel to Goddess Saraswati. He is celebrated in the sacred texts for rescuing Vedas from Kaitabha demons and preaching them to Lord Brahma again.
Not just in Hinduism, but in Buddhism too, he is believed to be a manifestation of Bodhisattva Chenregiz (Compassion). Buddhists practice His teachings and believe it to be the best method to remove hindrances and negative forces. Symbolically, Lord Hayagriva’s legend depicts the victory of knowledge over forces of passion and darkness.
Lord Hayagriva is also a major deity for the Vaishnavas and people seek His blessings before they start studying both sacred as well as general subjects. He is also said to grant Siddhis (spiritual powers) when you pray with sincere devotion and connect with His healing energies. On the Mahanavami day which is the 9th day of Navaratri, special worship is performed. Full moon day in Sravana-Paurnami which is a full moon day, is also considered auspicious to perform special worship.
Iconography
The visual representation of Lord Hayagriva as per Hinduism, is that he has a human body with a white horse head. He is depicted with his right hand in the pose of blessing or teaching. It also holds a rosary, which represents his meditative knowledge and wisdom. In his left hand is a book which depicts Him as a spiritual teacher. He has a serene and peaceful face that is smiling. His beauty is like a crystal that is always fresh and never decays.
In Buddhism, he is shown with a face, 2 legs and 2 arms. He is depicted as a wrathful God with a scowling face, protruding fangs, roaring mouth, glaring eyes, and a bulging belly with great energy. His left hand has a sword raised in a threatening mudra. This visual representation shows fierce determination and compassion that help in overcoming inner ego and outer obstructions.
Hayagriva Mantra Lyrics:
”Gnanananda Mayam Devam Nirmala Spatika krutim
Aadharam Sarva Vidyanaam Hayagreevam Upasmahe.”
”Aum Vanishwaraaya Vidmahe.
Haya Grivaaya Dhimahee.
Thanno Hayagriva Prachodayath.”
Hayagriva Mantra Meaning
Lord Hayagreeva, we meditate and worship you, who is an incarnation of divine knowledge and wisdom(Gyaana) and bliss (anandam). He is the foundation of all Vidyas, his body emanates radiant and brilliant white light like a Spatika, which is blemishless.
Om, let me ponder on the God of wisdom and learning. Oh, Divine being with a horse face, give me enhanced knowledge and intellect and may the radiance of God Hayagreeva enlighten my mind and thoughts.
In-depth Meaning of the Lyrics
Gnana — True Knowledge; Ananda — Bliss; Mayam- Full of; Devam — God
One who is full of True Bliss and True Spiritual Knowledge
ParaBrahamam, the supreme reality, is called true knowledge, as everything beyond that is a false image or an illusion. The essence of true bliss or Ananada is Parabrahman. The bliss that mortals experience is only limited, and true bliss is not within their reach. Only after deep meditation and spiritual practices can you feel Parabrahman or true bliss. Lord Hayagreeva is Brahman Himself and is described as the bearer of true bliss and knowledge.
Nir- Without; Mala- Ignorance; Sphatika- Fresh Cut Crystal; Aakrti- Form
One whose form is pure as a fresh-cut crystal and is without dirt.
Lord Hayagreeva is an incarnation of Lord Knowledge, and He is pure without any trace of ignorance (dirt). It is said that dirt in the form of ignorance embodies true knowledge that is not recognizable to people. Because of this ignorance people believe they are different from other beings like plants, animals, etc. But people are just a reflection of the Supreme.
Aadharam- Foundation; Sarva- All; Vidyaa -Knowledge;
One who is the base or origin of all knowledge
All creation is steeped with universal consciousness. Even a spec in the universe has to abide by the rules of the creator. In creation, there are no random events and nature is ruled by these laws. These rules are the foundation of creation and nothing is possible without this knowledge. That foundation and basis is Lord Hayagreeva.
Hayagreevam — O Lord Hayagreeva; Upa- Near; Aas- Sit; Upaasmahe- Together
We sit to perform the worship and reverence of Lord Hayagreeva
O Lord Hayagreeva, you are true bliss and true knowledge pure as crystal. We Worship You.
Benefits of This Mantra
Students will gain
Devotees will gain