Triśūla (The Sacred Trident)(त्रिशूल)
Śaiva & Śākta
Mastery over threefold existence: the 3 cosmic Guṇas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas); the 3 realms (Earth, Sky, Heavens); the 3 states of time (Past, Present, Future); and the 3 subtle energetic channels (Iḍā, Piṅgalā, and central Suṣumnā).
Visual Iconography & Construction
A three-pronged spear surmounted upon a central golden or iron shaft, carried by Lord Śiva and Goddess Durgā.
Ritual Usage & Somatic Application
Planted at sacred Dhūnīs (sacred fires), Śaiva shrines, and Himalayan pilgrim routes as an emblem of ascetic mastery and absolute protection.
Philosophical & Cosmic Signification
Mastery over threefold existence: the 3 cosmic Guṇas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas); the 3 realms (Earth, Sky, Heavens); the 3 states of time (Past, Present, Future); and the 3 subtle energetic channels (Iḍā, Piṅgalā, and central Suṣumnā).
Canonical Sources & Vedic Citations
Śiva Purāṇa, Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad, Liṅga Purāṇa