Hayagriva (also Hayagreeva; Sanskrit: Hayagriva) is a horse-headed deity that appears in both Hinduism and Buddhism and is known as Bato Kannon in Japan.

In Hinduism; Hayagriva is also considered an Avatar of Vishnu. He is worshipped as the God of Knowledge and Wisdom; with a human body and a horse's head; brilliant white in color; with white garments and seated on a white lotus. Symbolically; the story represents the triumph of pure knowledge; guided by the hand of God; over the demonic forces of passion and darkness.

In Japan; Bato Kannon ???? is the Horse-Headed Kannon (Guanyin). Protector of Animals. Bato Kannon appears in the Mahavairocana Sutra (Jp. = Dainichikyo ???; composed sometime in the 6th / 7th century AD) and other tantric texts. He is thus a member of the esoteric pantheon.

Bato is also one of the Six Kannon. In this latter role; Bato protects those reborn in the animal realm (chikushodo ???); a realm characterized by stupidity and servitude.

In Japan; farmers pray to Bato Kannon for the safety and preservation of their horses and cattle. Bato Kannon is not only said to protect dumb animals; particularly those who labor for mankind; but extends those powers to protecting their spirits and bringing them ease and a happier life than they experienced while on earth.