HAYAGRIVA / HAYAGREEVAR (Sanskrit: हयग्रीव)

This 90x120 cm original oil on canvas painting depicts Shree Hayagreevar and Vidya Lakshmi as described in Māhābhāratā's Shānti Parva - Moksha dharma - Nārāyaneeyam - Adhiyāyam 357. This image is derived based on the pravacchan of Dr.Venkatesh's upanyāsams. This painting took 58 hours of effort and was completed in January 2025

This is an art print version on photo paper.

ABOUT HAYAGRIVA/HAYAGREEVAR:

Hayagriva or Hayagreevar is the horse-headed & horse necked avatar of Vishnu as per the SANATANA DHARMA. This form is taken by Lord Vishnu to protect and uphold knowledge/wisdom. Hayagreevar is the Guru of Saraswathi Devi and is prayed to for education, career development, attaining higher knowledge and wisdom.

THE BACK STORY:

There are many versions to the reason as to why Vishnu took this form. However, the following storyline underpins the importance of knowledge and the speed and effort required to attain the same. This avatar is closely connected to the Garbhodhakshayi Vishnu who, through his NAABI (navel) creates Lord Brahma and hands over the responsibility of creation of all matters within the cosmos, which includes all living beings and the planets. From his navel through the lotus stem, stands a beautiful lotus on which Lord Brahma evolves. After having created Lord Brahma, Vishnu also hands over the four vedas (scriptures) or rule books for the creation and maintenance or much more. The four vedas are handed over in the form of 4 children to Lord Brahma. In all excitement about the newly acquired powers, Lord Brahma feels extraordinarily elated. Lord Vishnu notices the inner ego ebbing out of Lord Brahma and decides to give him a challenge. In the lotus flower stands two dew drops. Lord Vishnu turns these 2 dew drops into MADHU and KAITABHA, the horrendous demons that want to steal the wisdom. Both Madhu and Kaitabha decide to get into the lotus and start playing with the 4 children or the 4 vedas. Lord Brahma, thinks that they cannot harm him in any way and overlooks their act. The demons Madhu and Kaitabha, abuse the freedom given and steal all the 4 children (vedas) and end up in the RASAATHALA LOKAM (Deep dark waters underneath the earth). Lord Brahma now notices that he is unable to even create a small germ or a cell because he has lost all the knowledge or the procedures for creation process. When the process of creation, maintenance or dissolution gets disturbed it affects all the planets, the entire cosmos and ultimately every single being. He realizes his mistake and pleads for forgiveness to Lord Vishnu. If everything has to be reinstated at a lighning speed, Lord Vishnu knows that he needs the HORSE POWER. He, therefore, reincarnates himself as this horse-headed avatar, rushes to the Rasaathala lokam, wins over the demons Madhu and Kaitabha, and ultimately saves the 4 children (4 vedas).

THE METAPHOR:

Knowledge & wisdom are the eternal assets one should aim for. When something important gets stolen from us, we may feel dejected. However, if it is a material loss, it can either be compensated or reinstated with time and effort. On the other hand, when one loses knowledge, one loses the prospect of earning anything at all.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO STEAL KNOWLEDGE?

Yes, it is unfortunately possible. During times of war or civil conflict, damage and destruction to libraries, historical locations, ancient scriptures and such, leaves communities and societies in complete darkness. The next generation of such societies lack any kind of reference to their past values or wisdom. We call is social cleansing or ethnic cleansing too. Even languages, dialects, and ways of life erode with time in such situations. During conflicts, we often focus on saving our lives and most of them who are alive, move into other countries or locations as REFUGEES. When one moves into another place as a refugee, the first target is to ensure that the family is safe and there is a way of living or way of sustenance established. Which indirectly means, learning the language of the new location or country, finding a job or something similar. The kids also grow up in the newly formed community. And gradually, they miss the connection to their ROOTS.

KEY MESSAGE OF HAYAGRIVA/HAYAGREEVAR IN TODAY'S CONTEXT:

Top priority must be given to knowledge and wisdom even in dire situations. When wisdom gets protected, the affected communities get a 2nd chance to revive themselves, recreate all their values and virtues, and reestablish themselves by renewing their identities from "DEPENDENT REFUGEES" to "INDEPENDANT SELF-SUSTAINING COMMUNITY"

Our sturdy wooden framed posters feature premium semi-glossy paper that enhances colors with a subtle shine while protecting against fading from light and moisture:

• Ready-to-hang: Includes hanging kit, ready to hang directly on the wall.
• Frame Material: Durable pine wood.
• Frame Color: Black, white (smooth finish), natural, and dark brown wood (visible grain).
• Frame Measurements: 20-25mm (0.79"-0.98") thick, 10-14mm (0.4"-0.6") wide.
• Paper Weight: 200 gsm (80 lb), thickness: 0.22 mm (8.7 mils).
• Paper Finishing: Semi-glossy, enhances colors with a subtle shine.
• Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the poster.
• Sustainable Paper: FSC-certified materials or equivalent.
• Available Sizes: 15 sizes in inches (US&CA) and cms (rest of the world).

Learn about paper types and their unique textures and finishes here.

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