- Exorcising malevolence 

Phurbas serve to "pin down" and immobilize negative energies and malevolent forces.

  - Establishing equilibrium

 Phurbas are employed to represent stability on a prayer ground during rituals.

  - Shamanic healing 

Wooden phurbas are utilized in shamanic healing practices, harmonization, and energy work.

  - Symbolizing the Vajrakila Buddha 

The phurba represents the essence of the Vajrakila Buddha, who possesses the power to vanquish all evil in existence.

  - Consuming the three poisons 

The phurba signifies the consumption of the three poisons: ignorance, greed, and delusion, which obstruct spiritual advancement.

  - Creating a portal 

Phurbas can be employed to establish a portal between the physical realm, the illusory world, and the true reality.

  - Consecrating sacred areas 

Phurbas are also used to sanctify sacred spaces. 

Additionally, the phurba is referred to as a magic dagger or "nail." Its ritualistic application is first documented in the Vajrakilaya Tantra, a Vajrayana scripture that dates back to the eighth century or earlier.