Gada or Mace was an important weapon used in ancient Hindu world. In Hinduism, mace as weapon is associated with Hanuman and Bhima, the second of Pandavas. Here is a look at the material, size and other specifications of Gada in Hinduism.
Gada was made using iron, bronze or wood. The mace had eight corners (the sphere is divided into eight equal parts). The spherical head was attached to a handle or shaft. The sphere had a spike on the top. The size of the mace is from ground to the heart of the user. Sometimes the sphere had spokes.
Yama, the Hindu God of Death, is depicted with Gada.
Balarama, elder brother of Sri Krishna, too is associated with Gada. He taught how to use the mace to Bhima and Duryodhana.
Bhima mortally injured and killed Duryodhana using a mace.
King Jarasandha and numerous other kings of ancient Hindu world used the mace. Ghatotkach, the son of Bhima, too was proficient in the use of mace.
The mace of Vishnu is known as Kaumodaki.
Goddess Durga too holds the mace when she is depicted with 18 hands.
It is believed that the Gada used by Hanuman was the biggest as He could grow to enormous size.