The triple blade of the phurba, which is described as a ferocious striker issuing from the jaws of a Makara, symbolizes the overcoming of cutting through the three root poisons of ignorance, desire, and hatred. The properties of its triangular shape, representing the element fire, symbolize wrathful activity. The tenacious grip of the makara-head at the top of the blade represents its ferocious activity, and the inseparable union of method and wisdom as the fearlessness and certainty of its accomplishments.

The six entwined naga tails – three pairs of which emanate from the maker’s mouth and coil down the blades –symbolize the six perfections of the phurba, as the six-armed deity Vajarakilaya. As the phurba is mainly used in earth-subjugating rituals, nagas which cause affliction such as leprosy the phurba’s wrathful activities. The garuda wings and naga represent control over the three times of past, present, and future, and control over the three realms– above, on, and below the earth’s surface.