Hayagriva, a horse-headed deity in Buddhism, symbolizes profound wisdom, formidable power, and protective strength. He is famed for overcoming obstacles and the evil with his iconography, featuring a scowling face, three eyes, horse heads, a sword, and a threatening mudra, symbolizing his fierce compassion and determination to overcome challenges. In Bhutan and Tibet, Hayagriva is linked to curing certain physical ailments, while in Chinese Buddhism, he serves as a Dharma protector associated with travel. In Japanese Mahayana Buddhism, he is an aspect of Avalokiteśvara, connected to animalistic mental states.