The mace or gada existed since Vedic times in India and finds mention in ancient literatures. It signifies concentration of immense power on the individual. It is associated with certain very powerful energies like Lord Hanuman, Bheemsen who were carriers of the extremely powerful pranic (life) force.
The mace represents concentrated prana (life). Like earth moves around sun and gathers life force from it and stores it, similarly mace also moves around the body to gather life force to be used by its practitioner. It is considered a sign of bravery, immense physical strength, virility and radiance like the sun.
The Mace that Hanuman is adorned with is not a physical weapon, but is symbolic of one who is the embodiment of moral and spiritual values. It is carried in the right hand as a symbol of self-sovereignty, authority of governance and the power to rule.
This weapon is adorned on the hands of the deities such as Vishnu, Krishna, Durga and the Pandav Bheema.
To be adorned with this ornament, one must have complete control over the five organs of action, the five organs of perception and the five vices of anger, greed, ego, lust and attachment.
When the mace is held in the right hand of the beholder in the upraised position, it means that there is agitation judgmental and controlling power is required to bring the situation to normalcy.
When the mace is lowered and held relaxed from the right hand with its pointed tip just in front the right instep, it signifies that there is orderliness and contentment in the society.
When the beholder sits in the meditative lotus position with the mace resting by his right side on the ground with the pointed end in full view, it is said that there is total peace, prosperity and happiness, where everyone is contented and there is an abundance of everything.
