Thangka of Hayagriva mandala

Hayagriva, ‘the horse-necked one’, a wrathful emanation of Avalokiteshvara, is depicted in the centre of this mandala or spiritual diagram. He functions both as a powerful protector who destroys evil spirits and as a yidam or personal deity. Hayagriva is identified by the three horse’s heads in his hair. Top, Buddhas of the Three Eras, Centre Upper Left, Amitayus, Centre Upper Right, Chenrezi, Bottom Centre, Vaishravana on a snow lion flanked by the Eight Horse Lords (ta dag gya).