Padmasambhava is widely assumed to have invented the phurba. The phurba is a three-sided stake that is used in Buddhist rituals. Padmasambhava used the phurpa to consecrate the ground when he established the Samye monastery in the 8th century. A " magic dart" used especially for the ritual slaying of human effigy of foe.The tantric use of the phurba encompasses the curing of disease, exorcism, killing demons, meditation, consecrations (puja), and weather-making. The blade of the phurba is used for the destruction of demonic powers. The top end of the phurba is used by the tantrikas for blessings. Phurbas can also be used as decoration in homes and temples, and many use phurbas as part of their meditation rooms. 

The phurba symbolizes stability, and it is often used during ceremonies. The phurba is often used by Tantric practitioners. The phurba can also hold demons in place. Only those who are empowered to use the phurpa may use it in these rituals. The phurba can be used to tether negative energies during ceremonies, or as a stabilizer. The blade on a phurba is never sharp, it is only used as a ritual dagger, not an actual weapon.