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 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 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.
This trident here in our shop has been used as a personal attribute by a traditional Nepalese shaman. The trident has been attached into a simple wooden sleeve and combined with some other sacred objects; a bundle of porcupine quills and a mantra scroll. Everything has been bound together with blessed puja-thread. The pieces of cotton fabric show the consecrations / empowerments / blessings given to it by its previous owner.
Having been used for a long time before, of course this item shows the traces of its age. This is a truly unique item with an authentic history of ritual use.
Sizes; approximately 32 centimeters high.
