Shiva’s Trishool

Chandu Bapurao Sontake
Enamel paint on CR metal sheet, 17” x 12.5”, €150

Tri (three) and shool (spear)—the trident held by Lord Shiva—is of great significance in Hinduism. Though this weapon is held by a lot of other deities, the one held by Lord Shiva is said to have many powers. It’s believed that Shiva’s Trishool destroys the physical world (illusion), the mental world (ego), and then takes us to the third world (spiritualism).

Curator’s Note: Lord Shiva is part of Hinduism’s holy trinity along with Brahma (the Creator) and Vishnu (the Preserver).