Ritual trident with the Hindu deity Auspicious Kali

This ritual trident would have had a long handle attached. The goddess Durga, of whom Kali is an aspect, wielded a trident when she conquered unrighteous enemies. This weapon, like the gods' other weapons, was seen as capable of liberating the human soul from bondage to the things of this world and would have been worshiped for this power. The goddess standing in front of the middle prong of the trident has the symbolic implements and flame-like hair standing on end of the horrific goddess Kali. Here, however, she does not show her most terrifying side, but appears in the gracious aspect known as Auspicious Kali.