Date & Tithi (2026)
- Date:
Friday, August 28, 2026
- 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 |