This large phurba is cast in iron and handcrafted in Dehradun, India. The handle features an elaborately cast wrathful deity face.

"The wrathful phurba is depicted in the dark-blue colour of iron, symbolising its unchangeable and indestructible vajra nature. Vajra-flames often emanate along the edges of its blades, as the phurba is described as blazing with fire when it is stabbed in the ten directions. The lower half of the dagger represents method or skilful means, and its upper shaft symbolises wisdom. The point of its blade metaphorically presses on the hell realms beneath the earth, and its upper shaft ascends through the god realms."

"The triple blade of the phurba, which is described as 'a ferocious striker issuing from the jaws of a makara', symbolises the overcoming or cutting through of the three root poisons: ignorance, desire, and hatred."

— Robert Beer, The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs, p. 247

Details

• Height: 8.5 in (21.6 cm)
• Width: 2 in (5.1 cm)
• Material: Cast iron
• Origin: India