The Khatvanga is one of the most complex symbolic tools of Vajrayana Buddhism.
This Khatvanga consists of a long hexagonal copper shaft, which ends with a half crystal vajra at its base and is crowned with a flaming trident at its top. Below the trident is a crystal carved skull, which is framed by two pennants.
The Vajrayana Khatvanga essentially symbolizes the ultimate bodhichitta as the union of great bliss and emptiness, which finds its full expression in the Yab-Yum form of the Yidam deity and her consort. As a symbol of the consort, the Khatvanga is held in the crook of the arm. When held by male deities, it symbolizes the female consort as the "essence" of wisdom, and when held by female deities, it represents the male consort as the "essence" of method.
The half vajra at the bottom of the khatvanga symbolizes the indistinguishable perfection of the Five Buddha Wisdoms and the unity of the five kayas of the Highest Yoga Tantra Systems. The flaming trident crowning the top of the khatvanga symbolizes the three kayas, the three jewels, the Buddhas of the three times, and the victory over the three realms. On a deeper esoteric level, the trident represents the unison of the three main psychic channels.
Khatvanga
Crystal carved skull and vajra, staff and trident made of copper, decorated with fine filigree ornaments, silver and gold plated, set with colored stones. Patinated for an antique finish.
