trisula

plural trisulas · alternative trishul · alternative trisul · alternative trishula

1. HinduismBuddhismA trident, seen as a religious symbol of Hinduism and Buddhism.

   She had a trishul in one hand. Her long raven-black hair was left loose.

   2004, Khushwant Singh, Burial at Sea, Penguin, page 96

   3 more examples

   It may be wondered, at first sight, that the innumerable texts left by Buddhism give us no positive information with regard to the meaning and origin of the trisula.

   1894, Eugène Goblet d'Alviella, The Migration of Symbols

   The trisula placed upon a pillar surmounted by flames is the monogram of Buddha.

   1945, William J. Fielding, Strange Superstitions and Magical Practices, page ii. 15

   The trishula is most commonly associated with the god Shiva, one of the most prominent Hindu deities and the primary god in the sect of Hinduism known as "Shaivism."

   2014, Micah Issitt, Carlyn Main, Hidden Religion, page 168

   Synonyms: soolam, sulam