Hayagriva Puja on Mahanavami during Navratri

Hayagriva Swamy

Hayagriva Puja is observed on Mahanavami day in Navratri. The ninth day of Navaratri, Lord Hayagriva (Horse-headed incarnation of Lord Vishnu) is worshipped in many places of India, especially in South India.

In 2025, Mahanavami Hayagriva Puja date is October 1. Hayagriva Swamy is the Lord of wisdom and knowledge.

Mahanavami is the day of Saraswati visarjan, the day when Goddess Saraswati is offered send-off to her heavenly abode.

On this day Hayagriva swamy is worshipped for better results in education, and other knowledge oriented industries. It is the last day of Navratri and Triratra Vratham.

Lord Hayagriva is also worshipped on Hayagriva Jayanti which is observed on Shravan Purnima (August).

Hayagriva is worshipped as the embodiment of divine intellect and learning. According to Hindu history, Vishnu assumed the form of Hayagriva—having a horse’s head and a human body—to rescue the Vedas from asuras (demons) who stole them.

Iconography depicts Hayagriva seated, serene, often with right hand raised in blessing or teaching gesture and left hand holding scriptures, symbolizing his role as a bestower of wisdom.

Temples dedicated to Hayagriva, such as those in Mysuru (Parakala Matha) and Thiruvanthipuram, are prominent centers of his worship, often in association with Goddess Lakshmi as Lakshmi-Hayagriva.

Hayagriva is invoked by seekers of knowledge, students, and spiritual aspirants, especially during periods aiming for clarity and understanding. His worship involves recitation of Vedic mantras, visualizing his luminous, radiant form, and seeking blessings for wisdom and protection.