Item: Hayagriva (Buddhist Deity)

Hayagriva, Heruka (Tibetan: tam drin, drag tung. English: the Hose-necked Blood-drinker) from the Longchen Nyingtig system of 'Revealed Treasure.'

Wrathful in appearance, red in colour, with five fearsome faces each crowned with a green horse head, sixteen hands, embracing the consort. Wings unfurl behind and he stands with eight legs atop various figures and snakes on a sun disc and multi-coloured lotus seat; surrounded by the brightly burning flames of pristine awareness. Above and to the left and right are three more Hayagriva deities. At the top center is the buddha Amitabha with lamas seated to the right and left. The very fierce Tibetan worldly protector Tsi'u Marpo, guardian of Samye Monastery, sits astride a hose accompanied by his six brothers engulfed in clouds of orange flame and dark smoke.

Jeff Watt 9-2000