Hayagriva as it appears in Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE
Hayagriva (ハヤグリーヴァ?) is a recurring demon in the series.
History
Hayagriva is a horse-headed deity present in Hinduism and Buddhism.
In Hinduism, Hayagriva is an avatar form of Vishnu, as described in the Bhagavata Purana, representing knowledge and wisdom.
Various legends surround Hayagriva: In some sources he is a white horse who pulls the sun into the sky every morning. In others, such as the great epic Tārakā-battle, Vishnu appeared as a ferocious warrior called Hayagriva when the gods were under attack from the dānava’s demons.
In Tibetan Buddhism, Hayagriva is the wrathful Chenrezig or Avalokiteshara, the deity of compassion. He is a Dharmapala, and one of the eight main dharmapalas, alongside Mahakala, Yama, Yamantaka, Vaisravana, Palden Lhamo, Tshangspa Dkaro, and Begste. In Japanese Buddhism, he is called Bato Kannon, the horse headed aspect of Kannon Bodhisattva (Avalokitesvara) who protects those who are reborn in the animal realm.
Though present within both Hinduism and Buddhism, Hayagriva embodies distinctively different aspects and mythology between the two religions, and should be considered as separate entities.
Appearances
- Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE: Demigod Race
- Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner: Asura Race
- Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner 2: Asura Race
Profile
Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE
"A bodhisattva in Buddhist teachings, known in Japan as "Batou-Kannon" or "Shishi-Mui-Kannon." His name means "Horse's Head" or "one with a horse's mane."
Hayagriva is counted among the six aspects of Avalokitesvara. He has a wrathful appearance. He is the bodhisattva of destroying evil and of eradicating ignorance and harmful thoughts.
While Avalokitesvara usually wears a serene expression, Hayagriva's face is grim, with bared fangs. He is also sometimes considered one of the Eight Vyaraja.
These days, it is common to build a statue of Hayagriva on the street corner when a horse suddenly dies. A marker carved with Hayagriva's name is often placed near racetracks to commemorate horses who have died racing."
Hayagriva can only be obtained through fusion. He appears as an enemy in Nakano Boundless Domain and Nakano's Stone Site gold level instance. During the horse-themed New Year's event of 2014, he could be obtained as a mountable demon.
Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner
Hayagriva serves as the Atma Avatar for Harley, leader of the Vanguards. Hayagriva is proficient in fire skills, but weak to ice.
Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner 2
Hayagriva reappears as a boss in the sequel. In the 2nd Layer of the Sun, the party comes across Harley's Solar Data, which seems to be stuck reliving his last moments in the Junkyard. He transforms into Hayagriva and attacks once he sights the party.
Stats
Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner
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Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner 2
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Gallery
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