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Origin Of Trishul – The Trident of Shiva - Story Of The First Trishul

Trishul, the trident, is one among the symbols of Shiva. Shiva in human form carries the Trishula. Origin of Trident as per Vishnu Purana is associated with Surya, the Sun God. It is believed that Trishul was carved out using matter from Sun.

Legend has that Surya married Samjna, the daughter of Vishwakarma. But Samjna was unhappy with her married life due to the unbearable heat of Surya. She complained to Vishwakarma, who agreed to solve the problem.


It is believed that Surya agreed to reduce his heat to accommodate Samjna and have a happy married life.

Another legend has that to reduce the heat of Surya, Vishwakarma removed a part of the burning matter from Surya – it said that Surya was grounded on a grinding machine for the purpose.

It is said that 1/8th of the heat of Surya was reduced.

The matter that was removed from Surya fell on earth and from it was created the Trishula – the trident of Shiva.

Vishwakarma created the Trishula using the matter from sun and gave it to Shiva.

Trishul is now widely accepted symbol of Shiva, representing his three powers of will (iccha), knowledge (jnana), and action (kriya).

Shiva’s trident symbolizes his triumph over the three realms and the three times. Trident also stands for overcoming sattva, rajas and tamas. It also represents creation, preservation and transformation. It also stands for the sacred symbol A-U-M (OM).

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Trishul in Hinduism – The Trident Symbolism