Sword

Skt., khadga
Tib., ral-gri

In Hindu iconography, the sword is not only a weapon symbolizing strength, valor, and a deity's potential for destruction, but it is also a symbol of spiritual wisdom and/or enlightenment. In general, the longer its blade, the more auspicious a symbol it is; with a blade shaped like a bamboo-leaf being regarded as the most perfect.

In the tradition of Buddhism, the sword is most often associated with Manjushri and/or his various emanations. In this case, it is often shown as a flaming sword which symbolizes enlightenment by being able to cut through ignorance. In other cases, if carried or brandished by fierce and protective deities, it is simply an offensive weapon.

Follows a table with names of specific (types of) swords:

	Sanskrit	Tibetan
Manjushri's (flaming) Sword of Wisdom	prajnakhadga	ye-shes ral-gri
curved sword of Chinnamasta	ardhacakrakripana
name of the sword created by Brahma	asi
name of the magical sword of Indra	paranjaya
black sword of the non-Buddhist Mon tribe (Burma)		mon-gri nag-po
broad, one-edged sword used by some Dharmapala		shang-lang