Sri Lakshmi Hayagreeva (the Lord with the horse’s face) Haya-horse: greeva-neck:, in Hindu Vaishnava belief is considered as the presiding deity for all knowledge. This is one other avatar of Lord Vishnu apart from his Dashavathara, here Bhagavan (Lord Hayagreeva) restored the Vedas to Lord Brahma. Temples for Sri Lakshmi Hayagreeva are few, the most famous of them is at Thiruvaheendrapuram, near Cuddalore. In Chennai at Nanganallur and in Pondicherry at Muthialpet. I am humbled to say that my grandfather, Late Sri.V.Krishnaswami Sarma was an important force behind the construction of temples for LORD SRI HAYAGREEVA in Nanganallur (Chennai in 1969) and in Sri Ramakrishna Nagar (Muthialpet) Pondicherry in 1971.
This week (Sunday evening & Monday morning) I was in Pondicherry for the Kumbabishekam (ritual done after construction of a new temple or after extensive renovation) of Sri Lakshmi Hayagriva Temple in Sri Ramakrishna Nagar, Muthialpet. It is believed during the auspicious hour when the Kumbabishekam (pouring of blessed water on the Temple crown a.k.a Kalasam) is performed, the Devas and Angels from Heaven visit the place and while here bless the assembled. The crowd assembled here on the morning during the auspicious hour was overwhelming. I am glad I got an opportunity to be here.
See the photos below, they are taken with point & shoot (Canon IXY DIGITAL 900 IS) and iPhone4.
Sri Lakshmi Hayagriva Temple, Pondicherry
Homam at Sri Lakshmi Hayagriva Temple, Pondicherry
Kalasam view of Sri Lakshmi Hayagriva Temple, Pondicherry