ORIGIN: Hindu (Epic and Puranic)
TYPE: The most significant minor incarnation of the God Visnu
INFORMATION: He probably originated as a horse god and later became an avatara associated with wisdom and knowledge. At the behest of Brahma, Hayagriva rescued the Vedas, stolen by two demons, from the bottom of the primeval ocean. Depicted in human form with the head of a horse and, according to texts, eight hands. Also Hayasirsa, Vadavavakatra.
ATTRIBUTES: Book (Veda), horse's mane and rosary. Also the attributes of Visnu.