A trishula (Sanskrit: त्रिशूल trishūla, Malay: trisula, Malayalam: trisool, Thai: trisoon) is a type of traditional Indian trident but also found in Southeast Asia. It is usually a Hindu-Buddhist religious symbol. The word means "three spear" in Sanskrit and Pali.

Symbolism

left|100px|thumb|Trishula details
The trishula symbolism is polyvalent and rich. The trishula may also be mounted on a danda or staff. The trishula is wielded by the Hindu God Shiva and is said to have been used to sever the original head of Ganesha. The three points have various meanings and significance, and, common to Hindu mythology, have many stories behind them. They are commonly said to represent various trinities--creation, maintenance and destruction, past, present and future, the three gunas.

It also represents the place where the three main nadis, or energy channels (ida, pingala and shushmana) meet at the brow. Shushmana, the central one, continues upward to the 7th chakra, or energy center, while the other two end at the brow, there the 6th chakra is located. The trisula's central point represents Shushmana, and that is why it is longer than the other two, representing ida and pingala.

Other uses

• Trishula can sometimes also designate the Buddhist symbol of the triratna.

• A similar word, Trishul, it the Romani word for Cross.

The Goddess Durga also holds the trishula among other weapons and attributes in Her hands and amongst her accoutrement, having received celestial weapons from both Shiva and Vishnu.

In Nepal, the trishul is the election symbol of the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist).

Gallery

See also

• Gankyil

• Khatvanga

• Krabi Krabong

• Phurba

• Silat

• Weapons of Kalarippayattu

• Trident