THE TRISHULA

THE TRISHULA

The Trishula is commonly used as a symbol in Buddhism and Hinduism. It is a trident symbol. This symbol is associated with Lord Shiva, the God of destruction. In Hinduism the three points represent creation, preservation, and destruction. They also represent will, action, and wisdom. This symbol represents the tearing down of old ways to create new ones. The Trishula also represents the three energies found within a person. The two side prongs go up to a person’s brow, while the third rises higher. The middle prong represents the ‘all-seeing eye’. That is the eye of spiritual wisdom and knowledge. In Nepal and Thailand, the term also often refers to a short-handled weapon which may be mounted on a daṇḍa 'staff'. Unlike the Okinawan sai, the trishula is often bladed. In Indonesian, trisula usually refers specifically to a long-handled trident, while the diminutive version is more commonly known as a cabang or tekpi. The name ‘trishula’ ultimately derives from the Sanskrit word त्रिशूल (triśūla), from त्रि (trí), meaning ‘three’ and शूल (śū́la), meaning ‘a sharp iron pin or stake’, referring in this case to the weapon's three prongs. It is wielded by the Lord