Khatvanga
Sometimes called a tantric staff, it is usually made of wood, metal or bone and has three skulls on top, representing the elimination of the…
Category: Ritual instruments
Triton
During the ritual, the humming sound produced by blowing the conch shell symbolizes the proclamation of divine glory. It represents the deity, as the sound…
Drum (Damaru)
The Damaru is made of two small drums joined together with a rope in the middle. When the Damaru is shaken, the wooden beads at…
Handheld prayer wheel
Often used as a devotional tool, prayer wheels contain scriptures, such as the popular six-syllable mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum”, which are usually printed multiple…
Handbell
The bell represents the feminine aspect and is a symbol of wisdom (prajna). In rituals, the bell is usually held in the left hand and…
Vajra
Commonly known as the vajra or vajra scepter, it represents the path or method and is a symbol of the unshakable male principle in Vajrayana…