Material: Iron. Bronze

Size: Approx. 15 cm

Narrative:

The five-pronged vajra is one of the most important ritual instruments in Tibetan Buddhism and Tantric Buddhism (Vajrayana). Its shape is dignified and majestic, and has profound religious and philosophical symbolic significance. It is usually made of metal and the shape ends in five strands, each with a specific spiritual meaning. The following is the origin and story of the five-pronged pestle:

**Origin of the Five-pronged Pestle**

The shape and concept of the five-pronged vajra originate from the Vajrayana tradition of Indian Buddhism, which emphasizes the role of symbolic instruments in practice. The design of the five-pronged pestle is inspired by the Vajra. The Vajra itself represents indestructible wisdom and power, and the five-pronged pestle further extends this meaning.

During the process of Buddhism being introduced into Tibet, the use of the five-pronged pestle was preserved and integrated into Tibetan Buddhist rituals. Each of the five prongs of the pestle is seen as symbolizing the wisdom and compassion of the five Buddhas:

- Akshobhya Buddha of the East (Immovable Buddha) - symbolizes immovable stability and freedom from suffering.

- Ratnasambhava Buddha of the South - symbolizes giving material and spiritual satisfaction to all living beings.

- Amitabha Buddha in the West - symbolizes infinite light and compassion.

- Amoghasiddhi Buddha of the North - symbolizes precise action and success.

- Vairocana Buddha in the center - symbolizes transcendental wisdom.

**Story and cultural background**

According to legend, the five-pronged pestle was used by the Buddhist guardian gods in ancient India to exorcise demons and protect practitioners from external interference. Its shape symbolizes both the sacred order at the center of the universe and the goal of Buddhist practice - the perfect combination of wisdom and compassion.

The five-pronged pestle is also often used in religious ceremonies, such as praying for blessings, expelling negative energy or summoning guardian gods. In these rituals, the five-pronged pestle and the vajra bell are used in pairs, symbolizing the unity of wisdom (bell) and convenience (pestle).