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