Hayagriva is a Hindu deity, the horse-headed avatar of Vishnu. The purpose of this incarnation was to slay a danava also named Hayagriva, who had the neck of a horse and the body of a human.
Painting of Hayagriva, Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
Hayagriva in Khajuraho Lakshamana Temple
Hayagreevar Temple, adjacent to Koodal Azhagar Temple
Sri Lakshmi Hayagriva Temple in Sri Ramakrishna Nagar, Muthialpet, Pondicherry
Avatar is a concept within Hinduism that in Sanskrit literally means 'descent'. It signifies the material appearance or incarnation of a powerful deity, or spirit on Earth. The relative verb to "alight, to make one's appearance" is sometimes used to refer to any guru or revered human being.
Hindu god Vishnu (centre) surrounded by his ten major avatars, namely Matsya; Kurma; Varaha; Narasimha; Vamana; Parashurama; Rama; Krishna; Buddha, and Kalki
Mohini, the female avatar of Vishnu (statue at Belur temple, Karnataka.)
Sharabha (right) with Narasimha (18th-century painting, Pahari/Kangra School)
Jhulelal, incarnation of Varuna