Hinduism - What Is A Khatvanga?


One of the most recognizable things in Hindu imagery is a club or staff topped with a human skull.

At times the shaft of the staff was constructed from another human bone, such as a thigh or an arm bone.

The deity Shiva is most closely identified with this emblem.

Its usage depicts his outcast, uncontrollable personality, as well as his complete alienation from mainstream society's normal ideals.

Ascetics, for whom Shiva is the model ascetic and a model for emulation, nonetheless carry it on occasion. 

~Kiran Atma


Discover more about Hindu Art, Architecture, and Iconography here.

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.

Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.