Old Nepalese iron trident, small size #4

The symbol of the trident (or trishula, as it is more often called in Hinduism and Buddhism) is a very ancient one. It can be found in spiritual traditions and historical and mythological tales all over the world. Depictions of tridents can be found in prehistoric petroglyphs, showing how this symbol even pre-dates the written history.

In eastern traditions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, the trident is considered to be one of the most important (symbolic) weapons used by a number of deities such as Shiva and Durga to fight against the enemies of Buddhism and the forces of Evil in general.

The trident symbolizes trinity in many different ways. For example in Buddhist symbolism it can represent the  the three aspects of consciousness (waking, dreaming and sleeping), or the three (Buddhist) jewels Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

Also in traditional shamanism the trident can be found. Here yet other forms of trinity it symbolizes can be considered important, such as the three times (past, present and future), or the trinity of Powers (will, knowledge and action), or the trinity of Creation, Preservation and Destruction. A trident worn or used by a traditional shaman can be considered a symbol of willpower, inner strength and authority. It can be both a powerful, active tool or even weapon for the shaman when performing healing rituals or ceremonies, or can be used as a protective attribute for spaces and locations.

Underneath the trident the symbol of a small damaru drum can be seen. In Hinduism, this instrument is associated with Shiva. It is said to be created by him to produce sounds with a very specific spiritual energy, aligned with the sounds that created and regulate the whole universe. Also in Tibetan Buddhism the damaru has found its place as a sacred instrument.

This old trident is handmade by a traditional blacksmith in Nepal. It is made from iron and, due to age, usage and weather-influences, there is of course some oxidation/rust on it.

The remains of old fabric attached to this trident show blessings and/or empowerment given to it by its previous owner(s). 

Size; approximately 35 centimeters lenght.