Ritual object

Trishul (Trident)

त्रिशूल

Associated deity

Lord Shiva — also wielded by Durga in her demon-slaying forms

Meaning

The trishul is the three-pronged spear of Shiva, with the three points read variously as the three gunas (sattva-rajas-tamas), the three times (past-present-future), the three states (waking-dream-sleep), and the three shaktis (iccha-jnana-kriya). Held by Durga, it is the weapon with which she beheads Mahishasura.

Use in rituals

Installed at the entrance of Shiva and Devi temples
Planted in the ground at akhara grounds and ascetic dhuni fires
Carried in procession on Maha Shivaratri and during Navaratri
Worshipped on the chariot of Devi during Durga Puja visarjan
Small trishul placed on the home altar beside the Shiva lingam

Placement guidance

Planted upright (prongs upward) — never laid flat — beside the Shiva lingam, at the temple gate, or at the dhuni; the centre prong should align with the deity's gaze.

Common materials

Iron (traditional, especially for sadhus)
Brass
Copper
Silver (home altars)
Stone (temple installations)
Damascened steel (decorative)

Iconography

A long staff topped with three sharp prongs of equal length, often with a damaru drum tied at the join; the central prong is sometimes slightly longer or marked with a small flame.

Modern relevance

Standard iconography on Shiva temple flags, sadhu staffs, akhara emblems and Devi processions; the trident continues to be installed at every new Shiva temple consecration.

Explore further

See the full symbol library, the Lord Shiva — also wielded by Durga in her demon-slaying forms guide, related Sanskrit mantras, and the complete wisdom library.