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Khadga and Khetaka – Sword and Shield in the Hands of Hindu Gods

Khadga, Sword, and Khetaka, Shield, are found in the hands of several Hindu Gods especially Goddess Durga. Sword is found in the hands of Vishnu and other deities. Khetaka is limited to few deities.

Khadga is either long or short and is either single-edged or double-edged. It has a handle.

Khetaka is either circular or quadrangular and has a handle at the back to hold it. Sometimes symbols are engraved on the face of the shield.

The sword of Vishnu is known as Nandaka.

Khetaka is always found in the images of Durga when Durga is depicted as having eight or more arms.