Khadga is a sword, long or short, and is used along with a Khetaka or shield made of wood or hide.
The Khadga is either single-edged or double-edged and has a handle that is not different from the handle of swords seen in the pictures of the Crusaders and the early kings of Europe.
Khadga is a primary weapon of Goddess Durga and many other forms of Shakti.
Famous Khadga – swords:
- Aruval – Tamils revere the weapon, a type of billhook, as a symbol of Karupannar. (Tamil history)
- Asi (also Sword of Drona) – a legendary sword in Hinduism.
- Chandrahas – Sword of Lord Shiva. The divine sword Chandrahas (literally the laughter of the moon but referring to the shape formed by a crescent moon which resembles a smile) was given to Ravana by Lord Shiva, who was pleased by Ravana’s intense devotion. Ravana gave this sword to Indrajit on different occasions especially to fight against Devas.
- Girish – A special sword of Shiva with unique characteristics.
- Indra Kaakam – The sword of Indra; having a crescent-shaped tip.
- Khanda – The khanda is a symbol of Shiva. Khanda often appears in Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh scriptures and art.
- Kharga – The Sword of Kali, which slaughters demons indiscriminately and without mercy.
- Nandaka – Is the sword of the Hindu god, Vishnu.
- Nistrimsha – The sword of Pradyumna, son of Krishna.
- Pattayudha – The divine sword of Lord Virabhadra, commander of Lord Shiva’s Armies.
