This story is from [Devi:5.1-112]. Long ago, Vishnu, also known as Janardhana, waged a war that lasted for sixteen thousand years with the Asuras. At the end of this prolonged battle, exhausted and overcome with fatigue, Vishnu entered a deep slumber, standing upright, with his head supported by the tip of his peerless bow. His fatigue was so profound that he remained unaware of his surroundings, standing as though lifeless.
The Devas (gods) and divine sages, upon witnessing this, became deeply concerned. Vishnu, the great protector of the world, was in a state of deep sleep, and without his vigilance, who would safeguard the world? Moreover, the time for the grand Yagna (sacrifice) in heaven was approaching, a ritual that required Vishnu’s presence as the Yajaman (the lord of the sacrifice). Even Brahma and Shiva, who were present, grew anxious about Vishnu’s slumber.
Indra’s Plea and Shiva’s Counsel
Seeing the increasing chaos in the world due to Vishnu’s absence, Indra, the king of the Devas, humbly approached Shiva and said, “O Lord, the protector of the world, Vishnu, also known as Hari, is immersed in a deep sleep, and the world is descending into chaos. The Yagna, which is essential for maintaining balance in the cosmos, is fast approaching, and we are without the lord of the sacrifice. Please help us, O Mahadeva!”
Shiva, who understood the gravity of the situation, addressed Brahma and the assembled gods, saying, “The scriptures teach that disturbing someone in deep sleep is a grave sin. However, desperate times call for desperate measures. Among your many creations, O Brahma, there is a tiny beetle of the Chel species. Let this beetle gnaw away at the bowstring of Vishnu’s bow from the bottom. Once the string snaps, the bow will recoil, and the noise it makes will wake Vishnu from his slumber.”
The Breaking of the Bow and Vishnu’s Decapitation
Following Shiva’s advice, Brahma commanded the beetle to chew through the bowstring. As predicted, when the string broke, the bow snapped upright with a thunderous noise, one so terrifying that it seemed as if it were the sound of the Pralaya (the dissolution of the world). The noise was so deafening and foreboding that it sent shivers down the spines of all present. Even nature itself reacted to the calamity—dark omens filled the sky, and the sun sank before its appointed time. All living creatures began behaving erratically, reflecting the cosmic disarray.
To the utter horror of the Devas, instead of waking Vishnu, they saw a ghastly sight: the force of the bow’s recoil had decapitated Vishnu! His lifeless body remained standing, but his head had been severed. The Devas were struck with shock and fear as they witnessed the grim scene of their protector’s lifeless torso, and panic swept over the entire gathering.
Brahma’s Call to Pray to Devi
Seeing the catastrophe, Brahma knew that the only recourse lay in invoking the supreme feminine principle, Devi. He spoke to the Devas, “There is only one who can guide us out of this calamity. Devi is the life force behind all creation, and whatever happens, it happens according to her will. If Vishnu’s head has been severed, it must be by her divine will. Let us all pray to the great Shakti (power) and ask for her mercy.”
Following Brahma’s guidance, the Devas, along with Shiva and Brahma, began chanting hymns and singing praises to Devi, extolling her supreme power, compassion, and love for all her creations. They acknowledged her as the creator, protector, and destroyer of the universe, the one who holds the fate of all living beings in her hands.
The Voice of Devi and the Purpose Behind the Event
After prolonged and heartfelt prayers, a disembodied voice rang out from the heavens, addressing the anxious Devas: “O Devas, be at peace, for your prayers have reached me. I am pleased with your devotion. Know that Vishnu’s decapitation happened according to my divine plan. There is a reason behind this event.”
The voice continued, revealing a story from the past: “Long ago, a powerful Asura king named Hayagreeva performed severe penance on the banks of the river Saraswati, invoking me with utmost devotion. When I appeared before him, he asked for the boon of immortality. However, as you all know, immortality cannot be granted. Undeterred, Hayagreeva then asked for a boon that he may be killed only by a being who possessed the head of a horse. Feeling confident that no such being could exist, he believed himself invincible.”
“Embarking on his reign of terror, Hayagreeva oppressed the world with his immense power. The time has come for him to be vanquished. Vishnu is the chosen one to defeat him, but for this to happen, Vishnu must assume the form of Hayagreeva, with the head of a horse. Let Brahma now affix the head of a horse to Vishnu’s body so that he may fulfill this divine mission.”
The Creation of Vishnu as Hayagreeva
Following Devi’s instructions, Brahma immediately found a horse, beheaded it, and fitted its head onto Vishnu’s body. By Devi’s grace, Vishnu transformed into a magnificent being—Hayagreeva, with the body of a man and the head of a horse. Empowered by this transformation, Vishnu arose with renewed strength and purpose.
In his new form, Hayagreeva (Vishnu) sought out the Asura king Hayagreeva and engaged him in a fierce battle. The fight between the two horse-headed beings was epic, shaking the heavens and the earth. Ultimately, Vishnu, in his Hayagreeva form, defeated the wicked Asura and restored balance to the cosmos.
Vishnu Regains His Original Form
With the Asura king Hayagreeva vanquished, the cosmic order was restored. Vishnu, having fulfilled his divine purpose, regained his original form, thanks to the grace of Devi. The Devas rejoiced, grateful for the intervention of the Goddess, and peace returned to the world.
Significance of the Hayagreeva Form
The Hayagreeva avatar of Vishnu holds profound significance in Hindu mythology. Hayagreeva is revered as the embodiment of wisdom, intellect, and the divine knowledge of the Vedas. As such, the Hayagreeva form of Vishnu is often worshipped by students, scholars, and seekers of wisdom, who pray to him for guidance in their intellectual pursuits. This form symbolizes the triumph of knowledge and the divine over ignorance and chaos, aligning with the larger theme of cosmic order upheld by the gods.
Conclusion
This tale highlights the interconnectedness of the various deities in Hindu mythology, showcasing how even Vishnu, the great protector, requires the intervention and grace of Devi to fulfill his divine duties. It also emphasizes the essential role of the feminine divine in the cosmic balance, reminding us that the power of creation, preservation, and destruction flows from Devi herself. The Hayagreeva avatar remains an enduring symbol of divine wisdom, illustrating how even the mightiest forces must sometimes undergo transformation to fulfill their cosmic roles.