Lord Shiva is the main deity of Hinduism. He was an integral part of many notable events like Samudra Manthana and Ramayana etc. And so did his many weapons. Let's learn about Shiva's weapons.

1. Trishula

This trident with three prongs is Lord Shiva's main weapon

Trishual's three prongs represent the three aspects of reality — the past, the present, and the future. Three qualities of nature are also represented through this trident that is sattva (purity), rajas (activity), and tamas (inactivity).

According to Hindu mythology, the trident is regarded as the three functions of creation, maintenance, and destruction.

2. Pashupatastra

God Agni gave this powerful weapon to Lord Shiva 

In Hindu mythology, the pashupatastra is the most powerful weapon in the universe. It is believed that this weapon is capable of destroying creation and vanquishing all beings. 

It is also said that this weapon can destroy the entire universe with a single shot. This weapon is described as being difficult to obtain, only the most devout and worthy individuals can wield it.

3.Pinaka or Shiva Dhanush

God Vishnu gave this bow to Lord Shiva. Made with special wood, Pinaka is known for its power to bring peace to the world. Ganesha, who had been designated to keep watch while his mother Parvati bathed, was the target of Shiva's conflict with the Pinaka in the Shiva Purana.

When the Prajapati Daksha performed a Yajna for the gods in the Harivamsa Purana, Shiva and a human avatar of Nandi who wielded the Pinaka interfered with his ceremony. When Princess Sita was in her swayamvara in the Ramayana, Rama broke the Pinaka to gain her hand in marriage.

4. Khaṭvāṅga

It is a  symbol of spiritual power and attainment.

Khaṭvāṅga is a ritual staff mentioned in Hindu mythology. It is said to be a symbol of spiritual strength and achievement. 

It is a long, clawed handle that was originally designed as a weapon. In some stories,  Khaṭvāṅga is described as having magical powers and the ability to grant wishes or cause miraculous events. 

The Khaṭvāṅga is also associated with Lord Shiva, who is often depicted holding the Khaṭvāṅga and is considered the ultimate embodiment of spiritual power and enlightenment.

5. Nandaka

Lord Shiva's this weapon has the power to cut through ignorance and ego

This sword was originally wielded by Lord Vishnu and sometimes also depicted in Lord Shiva’s hands.

It is believed that Nandaka has the power to cut through ignorance and ego and to offer more clarity and understanding to the wielder.

Lord Shiva used it to defeat many powerful enemies. It is mentioned that it is incredibly sharp and has the power of cutting through any substance. 

6. Parashu

Battle-axe that is sometimes depicted in Lord Shiva’s hands

Parashu is also the name of a weapon mentioned in Hindu mythology which is said to be used by lord Shiva and deities of other gods. 

Some stories describe it as a powerful weapon that can destroy entire armies and even mountains. It is also said to have the ability to destroy ignorance and bring enlightenment to users.

7. Girish

This means Lord of the Mountains

Girish is a special sword of Shiva with some different abilities and features. Lord Shiva is also known as Girish, due to his abode in the Himalayan Mountains.

In Sanskrit, it means, “The Lord of the Mountains”; ‘Giri’ refers to Mountain, and ‘Ish’ means God.

8. Sudarshana Chakra

God Brahma gave this  spinning discus to Lord Vishnu 

It is believed that Lord Shiva's this weapon is capable of destroying evil and ignorance. It is strongly associated with time, as it is said that this is capable of cutting through the cycles of birth and death.

9. Teen Baan

Lord Shiva gifted this  destructive weapon to Barbarika

One of Shiva’s most powerful weapons is the Teen Baan. In Hindu mythology, it is said that an arrow from this weapon was capable of destroying an entire hostile force in war. Shiva gifted the Baan to Barbarika, who could use it to release three arrows.

The first arrow would mark the target, the second arrow would mark any targets that the shooter wanted to spare, and the third arrow would destroy the marked target before returning to the bow.

10. Chandrahasa

This weapon is capable of destroying armies and destroying mountains

Chandrahasa means “moon-crested” or “having a crescent moon on the head” but in Hindu mythology, it is a sword that is associated with the Lord Shiva. According to various beliefs, Chandrahasa is one of Shiva's main weapons. 

Shiva got this sword as a reward from god Vishnu for his help in the battle against the demon king Hiranyakashipu. It is said to be a powerful weapon that is capable of destroying armies and mountains. 

11. Damaru

Cosmic pulse's sound

The damru is traditionally held in Lord Shiva’s hand. In Hindu mythology, it is said to represent the sound of the cosmic impulse and is used to vibrate the universe. 

 In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is often depicted holding a damru, which is considered a symbol of his power and authority. 

Damru is also associated with the creation of the universe because it is believed to represent the sound of the cosmic pulse that created the universe.