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".....the kapāla (skull-cup) and the khaṭvāṇga (trident) are considered to be two of the greatest substances in the vajrayana, especially if you are one of the highest vajrayana practitioners." Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche
"The trishula (khaṭvāṇga) is wielded by the Hindu God Shiva and is said to have been used to sever the original head of Ganesha. The three points have various meanings and significance, and, common to Hindu religon, have many stories behind them. They are commonly said to represent various trinities--creation, maintenance and destruction, past, present and future, the three gunas. When looked upon as a weapon of Shiva, the trishula is said to destroy the three worlds."
Padmasambhava, who is considered the superme subduer of rakshas (demons) is usually portrayed with a khatvanga or trishula. It leans in the crook of his left arm resting against his shoulder and therefore represents the inseparable connection between himself and his consort, the Dakini Mandarava.
In his youth Padmasambhava, at that stage known as Nyima Oser (Rays of the Sun,) was a practitioner of the Shaivite tradition. Shaivism is the oldest of the four main hindu traditions and focuses its practices on Shiva. According to the biography attributed to Yeshe Tsogyal, his trident was an important aspect of his practice, the points standing for victory over the three poisons -- attraction, aversion, confusion/ignorance. In Dza Patrul Rinpoche's instructions for visualizing Guru Rinpoche, the three points represent essence, nature and compassionate energy but they also stand for his mastery over the three times: past, present, and future.
This piece has been hand crafted in Nepal and is designed to rest on your shrine.
Silver on copper with a hand carved crystal skull at the apex.
Length approx 11 inches
Width 8.5 cm
Crystal Skull measures 46 mm x 40 mm
