This ritual object of the Dharma traditions including Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism was said to be a weapon of the Vedic rain and thunder deity Indra. The word Vajra very roughly translates from Sanskrit to mean diamond, symbolizing indestructibility and thunder, symbolizing irresistible force.
The vajra (symbolizing the male principle, fitness of action) is held in the right hand and the bell (symbolizing the female principle, intelligence) in the left hand, the interaction of the two ultimately leading to enlightenment.
