Trishula (trident) is a weapon of Lord Shiva but it is also used as a Hindu symbol. “Tri” means three and “Shul” means spear or something which pokes. Therefore, Trishula means three spears. Three spears are combined into one which looks like the above picture. It is a lethal weapon generally made up of brass or iron. The outer two points are curved and the middle point is sharply pointed. The middle spear is a little bit longer than the other two equal-sized spears and it is mounted on a long metal shaft. The height of the Trishula depends upon the idol or the user but it is generally 4-5 feet.

It is used as a symbol in Buddhism also. Lord Shiva is always depicted as having a Trishula in his hand or by his side. It is the main weapon of Lord Shiva and he kills demons with it. Goddess Durga is also shown to have a Trishula as one of her weapons. Some Hindu sadhus also carry Trishula made up of brass with them for protection as well as a symbol of Lord Shiva. It is kept in Hindu temples of Lord Shiva and of Hindu Goddesses. Trishula is also printed as a Tilaka between the eyebrows. People also use it as a body tattoo.

The Greek god Poseidon also carries a trident always with him.

It is the election symbol of the Communist Party of Nepal.

“Trishul” is also a multi-starred super-hit Hindi film in which Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Hema Malini, and Rakhi are the main actors.