Hayagriva (Buddhism)

[1] Hayagriva together with his female consort Vajravarahi (Dorje Pakmo) remove hindrances and are renowned for their epic conquering of the demon Rudra.

Hayagriva's iconography encapsulates his embodiment of a wrathful manifestation of compassion, symbolizing an unwavering determination to surmount internal obstacles and external challenges.

Displaying attributes such as a scowling countenance with three penetrating eyes, green horse heads, a raised sword, a threatening mudra, and symbolic ornaments, Hayagriva conveys an intense resolve in his representation.

In Tibetan Buddhist practices, Hayagriva's significance is linked to his role in curing ailments, especially skin diseases like leprosy that are attributed to nāgas.

In the context of Japanese Mahayana Buddhism, he emerges as a form of Avalokiteśvara, with his dominion extending over beings embodying animal-like mental states.

Everything about him is wrathful - a scowling face with three glaring eyes, a roaring mouth with protruding fangs, a pose of warrior’s aggressiveness, a broad belly bulging with inner energy, a sword raised threateningly in his right hand (poised to cut through delusion), his left hand raised in a threatening gesture and snake ornaments.

Vanquished, Rudra promises to become a protector of dharma, and his demonic body is worn as a garb by Hayagriva, who emerges with his horse head from the skull.

Hayagriva is reborn as the resultant child, Vajrarakshasha, who takes over Rudra's realm, submits him and destroys him by plunging a three-pointed khaṭvāṅga into his chest.

[citation needed] In some temples, visitors are allowed to have their license plates enshrined in front of an image of this deity to invoke his protection over their vehicle.