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Astra (weapon)

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For the modern-day weapon, seeAstra (missile).

Anastra(Sanskrit:अस्त्र) is asupernaturalweapon inHindu epics.It is presided over by a specific deity and imbued with spiritual and occult powers. The term came to denote any weapon that was released from the hand (such as an arrow), compared to holding it (such as a sword).

The bearer of anastrais anastradhari(Sanskrit:अस्त्रधारी).[1]

History

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Astras are supernatural weapons invoked usingmantras.In battle, a warrior would use a mantra to convert any weapon (usually an arrow) into a divine weapon. Astras comprise four classes of weapons. The origin of Astras is elaborated in theAhirbudhnya Samhita,a dialogue between Sage Narada and Shiva.

When Narada asks Shiva about the origin of Astras, the god recounts a story: Eons ago, before the universe was created,Vishnuassumed many forms for his own amusement. Eventually, he assumed the form ofBrahmaand created the universe. In order to protect the universe from wicked beings of his own creation, Vishnu created theSudarshana Chakra.However, only he could wield the Chakra. Using the power of the Sudarshana Chakra, Vishnu created over one hundred Astras. They were categorised according to their origin–from Vishnu's mouth, chest, thighs, and feet, and other parts such as the chest, waist, and lower abdomen.

Summoning

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To summon or use anastrarequired a specific incantation. Thedeitywould endow the weapon with supernatural powers, making it impossible to counter through regular means. Specific conditions existed involving the usage ofastras,violating them could be fatal. Because of the power involved, the knowledge involving anastrawas passed in theGuru-shishya traditionfrom aGuru(teacher) to aShishya(pupil) by word of mouth, and only after the student's character had been established. Certainastrashad to be handed down from the deity directly; knowledge of the incantation was insufficient.[citation needed]

Hindu epics

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Astras come into importance mainly in theRamayanaandMahabharata,where they are used in the great battles. They are depicted as used by archers such asParashurama,Rama,Lakshmana,Meghanada(Indrajit),Ravana,Krishna,Bhishma,Drona,Karna,Ashwatthama,Arjunaand other warriors. In theRamayanaand the Mahabharata,Ramaand ShreeKrishnahad more astras than any other warrior. It is believed thatRamapossessed all the astras.[2][3]

The divya ( "divine" )[4]astras were generally invoked into arrows, although they could potentially be used with anything. Ashwatthama invokedBrahmashirshstrausing a blade of grass as his weapon.[5][6]

Astra Deity Effect
Brahmastra Brahma Brahma's celestial weapon. It could destroy entire armies at once and counter most other astras. It is invincible and a supreme weapon in theMatsya Purana.[7]It was the only weapon capable of piercing the Brahma kavacha, Brahmas invincible armour.Atikaya,one of Ravana's sons, possessed the armour that could only be pierced by a Brahmastra. He was killed byLakshmana,brother of Rama, using a Brahmastra.[8]
Trishula Shiva Shiva'strident.According toShaivatradition, the trishula is the most powerful weapon in Hindu mythology, infallible, and can destroy anything, except Shiva andParvati.
Sudarshana Chakra Vishnu Vishnu's celestial discus, created for him byVishvakarma.Vaishnavatraditions hold it to be the most powerful weapon in Hindu mythology. It is infallible and flies at Vishnu's command. It could be stopped only by Vishnu's wish.[9][10]It was used by Krishna, Vishnu's eighthavatar,to behead his cousinShishupala.[11]
Vibhuti Devi Devi's celestial weapon, offered toBarbarikaby a Brahmin, has the ability to "split the vital centre of the body of an enemy". It possesses ash that resembled saffron, and when released, spills the ash on the vulnerable positions of the enemy combatants, not affecting allies.[12]When arrows were released after the ash was spilled against the enemy, it destroys them.[13]Barbarika employed this in the Kurukshetra War, planning to singlehandedly defeat the Kaurava army, but was slain by Krishna before his plan could be carried out due to a previous life curse.[14]
Indrastra Indra Indra's celestial weapon. It multiplies itself into thousands and attacks the enemy with devastating effect, as employed by Arjuna in theMahabharata.[15]It is possessed by other warriors including Lakshmana,Meghanada,and Rama.
Vasavishakti Indra Indra'sshakti(divine energy). It could be used only once and upon usage, kills the opponent. It was employed byKarnaagainstGhatotkachato kill him in theKurukshetra War.[16]
Prasvapastra Vasus It causes the afflicted to fall asleep. In theMahabharata,Bhishmawas stopped by Narada from using this weapon against his guru,Parashurama.[17]In theRamayana,Rama has this weapon.
Agneyastra Agni Agni's celestial weapon. When discharged, it emits flames inextinguishable through normal means.Arjunaused it against Angaraparna, thegandharva.Aurvaoffered the astra toSagara.[18]This weapon was also used byAshvathamaduring the Kurukshetra war, which reduced to ashes a wholeAkshauhiniof soldiers, horses, chariots and elephants.[19]
Varunastra Varuna Varuna's celestial weapon. It released torrential volumes of water. This weapon is commonly mentioned as used to counter theAgneyastra.[20]It is possessed by Rama,Indrajit,Ravana,Lakshmana,Arjuna,Bhishma,andDrona.
Manavastra Manu Manu's celestial weapon. It carries the target hundreds of thousands ofyojanasaway.[21]It could inspire humane traits in an evil being. This weapon was used by Rama on theRakshasa,Marichain theRamayana.[22]Arjuna also possesses this weapon.[23]
Varunapasha Varuna Varuna's noose.[24]It bears seven loops, capable of torturing sinners, and allowing no escape.[25]Warriors including Rama, Indrajit and Arjuna possessed this weapon.
Bhaumastra Bhumi Bhumi's celestial weapon. The weapon could create tunnels deep into the earth and summon jewels. Arjuna has employed this astra in the Mahabharata.[26]
Bhargavastra Parashurama Parashurama's celestial weapon. It is s mysterious weapon in Hindu mythology. Except Parashurama and Karna, no one knows about this weapon. Karna uses this astra to counter the Indrastra in theMahabharata.[27]
Nagastra Nagas Celestial weapon associated with the Naga race. It has an unerring aim and takes the form of a snake, deadly upon impact. Arjuna used this against Susharma, and Karna is also described as possessing it.[28]
Nagapasha Nagas Noose affiliated with the Naga race. Upon impact, this weapon binds the target in coils of venomous snakes.[29]In theRamayana,Indrajit used it against Rama and Lakshmana. Arjuna obtained it from his wife Ulupi.
Garudastra Garuda Garuda's celestial weapon. It is commonly employed to counter thenagastra.It is possessed by Arjuna, and used by Rama in theRamayana.[30]
Anjalikastra Indra Celestial weapon affiliated with Indra. It was employed by Arjuna to behead Karna.[31]
Vayavyastra Vayu Vayu's celestial weapon. It brings a gale capable of lifting armies off the ground. During the Kurukshetra War, Ashwatthama it to penetrate the illusions made by Anjanaparvan. Arjuna uses this astra against Drona.[32]Indrajit and Rama also had this weapon.
Suryastra Surya Surya's celestial weapon. It produces a dazzling light that dispels any darkness and dries water bodies while discharging fire.[33]
Maghavana Indra Indra's celestial weapon. It is a swift and flaming weapon during crossfire, especially used in illusionary warfare.Arjunaobtained this weapon from Indra.[34]
Vajra Indra Indra's personal thunderbolt. It creates bolts of lightning. Indra gave this astra to his son Arjuna.[35]
Mohiniastra Mohini Celestial weapon named for Mohini, the female avatar of Vishnu. It produces a mesmerising song and dispelsmayaor sorcery in the vicinity. Arjuna used this astra against thenivatakavachasand dispelled illusions created by them.[36]
Tvashtarastra Tvashtr When used against a group of opponents (such as an army), causes them to mistake each other for enemies and fight each other. OnlyArjunaand Rama possessed this weapon. It was created by Tvashtr, the divine builder and artisan.[37]
Sammohana/Pramohana Gandharva Caused armies to collapse in a trance. Arjuna uses this weapon against the Kaurava army during the Virata war. On the 6th day of the Kurukshetra war, Dhrishtadyumna used it against Kauravas, which caused them to be unconscious, but Drona used his Prajnastra to stop its effect.
Parvatastra Caused aparvata(mountain) to fall on the target from the skies. Arjuna possessed this astra.
Brahmashirastra Brahma Capable of killingdevas.It was used byAshwatthamaonParikshit.It is thought that theBrahmashirsha astrais an evolved version of theBrahmastraand a secret infallible weapon created by Brahma to be four times stronger than Brahmastra.Mahabharatareports that the weapon manifests with the four heads of Brahma on its tip. In theMahabharataera, Sage Agnivesha,Bhishma,Drona,Karna,Kripa,ArjunaandAshwatthama(Ashwatthama didn't have the knowledge to retract it). It could erase beings from the past, present and future.[38]
Brahmadanda Brahma A defensive personal weapon and divine rod (danda) possessed only by Bhramana. Capable of repelling other higher-energy weapons. Used byVashishtaagainstVishwamitra.It is used only for defence.
Narayanastra Vishnu Creates showers of arrows and discs. The astra's power increased with the resistance offered to it. This weapon had to be obtained fromVishnu'sNarayanaform directly, and could be used only once. It is one of the most powerful weapons.[39]

Any attempt to invoke it a second time rebounds on the user and his troops. InMahabharataera, Vishnu in Narayana form blessedDronawith this weapon.Dronasubsequently presented thisastrato his sonAshwatthama.In theMahabharatawar, Ashwatthama used this weapon against the Pandava army after Drona's death.[40]It destroyed Akshauhini of the Pandava army. The only way to escape is total submission, which prompts the weapon to spare the target as stated by Krishna. When it was used, Ekadasha (Eleven) Rudras appeared in the sky to destroy the targets. Millions of types of weapons, includingChakras,Gadhas,and ultra sharp arrows appeared in a rage to destroy the target or an opposing army. Whoever resists it is destroyed.

Vaishnavastra Vishnu Destroyed its target, irrespective of the target's nature. It must be obtained fromVishnudirectly. The only counter was to invoke another Vaishnavastra to counter the attacking Vaishnavastra or for the presiding deity to stop the Vaishnavastra. InMahabharataeraNarakasura,Bhagadatta,andKrishnahad this weapon. Bhagadatta used this weapon on Arjuna, but Krishna stood up before Arjuna to retrieve the weapon.Ramaused this weapon to destroy the energy of Bharghava Rama.[41]
Kaumodaki Vishnu Vishnu's divine mace. Destroyed whole armies. Infallible and without parallel. Krishna slayed the demon Dantavakra with it.
Sharanga Vishnu Vishnu's bow, also called theVaishnava dhanush,was used byRama,thenKrishna.
Nandaka Vishnu Visnu's sacred sword. It had an indestructible blade. It was used by Krishna to kill countless demons.
Vijaya Shiva Celestial weapon made byVishvakarmaforShiva.It was given toParashurama,who gave it to Karna, impressed by his skills.[42][43]The only time Karna ever fought using the Vijayadhanush[44]was on the 17th day of the Kurukshetra war when he fought against Arjuna and met his fate with Anjalikastra.
Pinaka Shiva Shiva's bow, also calledShivadhanush, which he used to kill countless Asuras in battle (Tripura was destroyed by Shiva using thePinaka). It was given toParashuramaBy Shiva.
Maheshvarastra Shiva The power ofShiva's third eye. Shoots a fiery beam that can turn even celestial beings to ash. It has the power to turn the entire world to ash. Lakshmana employed it against Indrajit. In Dwapar Yuga onlyArjunapossessed it.[45]
Rudrastra Shiva Contains the power of a Rudra. When it is used, it invokes the power of Rudra out of the Ekadasha (Eleven) Rudras and destroys the target. InMahabharataArjuna uses it against 30 million Nivatakavachas and Kalakeyas. OnlyArjunapossessed this weapon inMahabharata.[46]
Pashupatastra Shiva One of the most powerful astras. Every time it was summoned, its head was different. It summons monsters and a huge spirit which personifies the weapon. Destroys any target, irrespective of its nature. This astra could destroy the world. InDvapara Yuga,onlyArjunapossessed Pashupatastra.[47]InTreta Yuga,sage Vishwamitra possessed this weapon[48]
Parashu Shiva The Parashu (axe) was an unconquerable and indestructible divine weapon given toParashuramaby Shiva, along with other divine weapons. Parashurama later gave this axe toGanesha.Parashurama means Rama, who wields the axe, as Rama was the name Parashurama was known by until he acquired the axe from Shiva.
Chandrahasa Shiva The divine sword. Has-laugh, literally 'the laughter of the moon', but referring to the shape formed by a crescent moon which resembles a smile) was given to Ravana with a warning that if it was used for unjust causes, it would return to the three-eyed Shiva andRavana's days would be numbered.
Gandiva Brahma This invincible bow was created byBrahma,who created the universe. Brahma held it for a thousand years, thenPrajapatiheld it for five hundred and three years,Indra,for five hundred and eighty years, andSomafor five hundred years. After thatVarunaheld it for a hundred years before handing it toArjunaalong with a Kapi/Hanumanbannered chariot, and two inexhaustible quivers, as requested byAgniduring theKhandava-daha Parva.The bow was decorated with hundreds of gold Boss es, and had radiant ends. The bow was worshiped byDevas,GandharvasandDanavas.No person other than Arjuna could wield theGandivaand Arjuna was wielder of Gandiva then he came to be known as gandivdhari (carrier of gandiva bow).
Sabdavedastra Prevents an opponent from turning invisible. Used by Arjuna against Gandharva king Chitrasena. In theMahabharata,only Karna, Arjuna and Krishna knew this weapon
Antardhanastra Kubera The Antardhanastra would make things, people or entire places disappear. The astra was given to Arjuna by Kubera.
Prajnastra This weapon was used to restore the senses and thoughts of someone. It was a good counter to the Sammohana Astra. Warriors like Arjuna and Drona used this astra in war.
Sailastra Vayu The Sailastra was used to make heavy winds disappear, making it the counter to Vayvayastra, the wind weapon. It was possessed by warriors Rama, Krishna, Indrajit and Arjuna.
Visoshana Indra The Visoshana was the drying weapon. It could dry anything. It was an amazing counter to the Varunastra. Arjuna obtained this weapon from Indra in heaven.[49]
Jyotikshastra Surya The Jyotikshastra could brighten a dark area. Arjuna had this astra in theMahabharata.
Sauparna The Sauparnatra would invokeGaruda.Hence, it was a good counter to the Nagastra. It was used by Susharma in the Mahabharata war when Arjuna used the Nagastra on the Sampshapataka army.[50]
Govardhana Vishnu Powerful bow of Vishnu. During the Mahabharata, Vishnu gave Vidura this bow.

See also

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References

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  2. ^Gopa l, Madan (1990). K.S. Gautam (ed.).India through the ages.Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. p. 72.
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