When
the chopper shows the figure of Hayagriva as in this ritual object, it is known
as Hayagriva Chopper. The image of a horse head at the top is the distinctive
mark of Hayagriva, a wrathful manifestation of Avalokiteshvara. As an attribute
the kartika is held in the right hand symbolizing the dissective wisdom which
cuts through and chops up all delusive appearances and reduces all things to voidness,
suitable for transformation into wisdom.
Hayagriva
is worshipped in Tibet by horse-dealers because he is believed to frighten away
demons by neighing like a horse and the sound is said to pierce all false appearances
of substantiality, revealing the shining reality of freedom.
