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14. THE CONCEPT OF AVATARS
It may be assumed that such retrieval of lost status of the Vedic religion was repeated and were led by various leaders. These most probably represents the tribal leaders with those insignia.
This is supported by the similar epics in Buddhism also. Like Mahakala, Hayagriva is one of the Eight Great Protectors of Buddhism, called as Tam Drim, a guardian and a destroyer of obstacles to enlightenment. He is a popular personal, deity among the Gelug order of Tibetan Buddhism.
Hyagriva Buddhist representation
The earliest surviving Tantric text date back to about 600 A.D
Hayagriva is one of the emanations of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Hayagriva is also regarded as Yidam or Istadevata. Hayagriva has many forms often with three faces, six arms and four legs sometimes with huge wings. Hayagriva can be recognized by a small horse head surmounted on the top of his main terrific head. He is a wrathful god. Tantrism is common to both Hinduism and Buddhism of the period.
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