Astra (weapon): Difference between revisions

Browse history interactively ← Previous edit Next edit →Content deleted Content addedVisual WikitextInline

Revision as of 17:36, 29 August 2024

Supernatural weapon in Hinduism For the modern-day weapon, see Astra (missile).

An astra (Template:Lang-sa) is a supernatural weapon in Hindu 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 an astra is an astradhari (Template:Lang-sa).

History

Astras are supernatural weapons invoked using mantras. 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 the Ahirbudhnya 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, Vishnu assumed many forms for his own amusement. Eventually, he assumed the form of Brahma and created the universe. In order to protect the universe from wicked beings of his own creation, Vishnu created the Sudarshana 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

To summon or use an astra required a specific incantation. The deity would endow the weapon with supernatural powers, making it impossible to counter through regular means. Specific conditions existed involving the usage of astras, violating them could be fatal. Because of the power involved, the knowledge involving an astra was passed in the Guru-shishya tradition from a Guru (teacher) to a Shishya (pupil) by word of mouth, and only after the studen'ts character had been establish. Certain astras had to be handed down from the deity directly; knowledge of the incantation was insufficient.

Hindu epics

This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (June 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Astras come into importance mainly in the Ramayana and Mahabharata, where they are used in the great battles. They are depicted as used by archers such as Parashurama, Rama, Lakshmana, Meghanada (Indrajit), Ravana, Krishna, Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Ashwatthama, Arjuna and other warriors. In the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Rama and Shree Krishna had more astras than any other warrior. It is believed that Rama possessed all the astras.

The divya ("divine") astras were generally invoked into arrows, although they could potentially be used with anything. Ashwatthama invoked Brahmashirshstra using a blade of grass as his weapon.

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 the Matsya Purana. In Mahabharata, it is said that the weapon manifests with the head of Brahma as its tip. In the Mahabharata era, Parashurama, Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Kripa, Ashwatthama, Arjuna, and in other eras several other Maharathis possessed the knowledge to invoke this weapon. 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 by Lakshmana, brother of Rama, using a Brahmastra.
Trishula	Shiva	Shiva's trident. According to Shaiva tradition, the trishula is the most powerful weapon in Hindu mythology, infallible, and can destroy anything, except Shiva and Parvati.
Sudarshana Chakra	Vishnu	Vishnu's celestial discus, created for him by Vishvakarma. Vaishnava traditions 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. It was used by Krishna, Vishnu's eighth avatar, to behead his cousin Shishupala.
Vibhuti	Devi	Devi's celestial weapon, offered to Barbarika by 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. When arrows were released after the ash was spilled against the enemy, it destroys them. 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.
Indrastra	Indra	Indra's celestial weapon. It multiplies itself into thousands and attacks the enemy with devastating effect, as employed by Arjuna in the Mahabharata. It is possessed by other warriors including Lakshmana, Meghanada, and Rama.
Vasavishakti	Indra	Indra's shakti (divine energy). It could be used only once and upon usage, kills the opponent. It was employed by Karna against Ghatotkacha to kill him in the Kurukshetra War.
Prasvapastra	Vasus	It causes the afflicted to fall asleep. In the Mahabharata, Bhishma was stopped by Narada from using this weapon against his guru, Parashurama. In the Ramayana, Rama has this weapon.
Agneyastra	Agni	Agni's celestial weapon. When discharged, it emits flames inextinguishable through normal means. Arjuna used it against Angaraparna, the gandharva. Aurva offered the astra to Sagara.
Varunastra	Varuna	Varuna's celestial weapon. It released torrential volumes of water. This weapon is commonly mentioned as used to counter the Agneyastra. It is possessed by Rama, Indrajit, Ravana, Lakshmana, Arjuna, Bhishma, and Drona.
Manavastra	Manu	Manu's celestial weapon. It carries the target hundreds of thousands of yojanas away. It could inspire humane traits in an evil being. This weapon was used by Rama on the Rakshasa, Maricha in the Ramayana. Arjuna also possesses this weapon.
Varunapasha	Varuna	Varuna's noose. It bears seven loops, capable of torturing sinners, and allowing no escape. 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.
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 the Mahabharata.
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.
Nagapasha	Nagas	Noose affiliated with the Naga race. Upon impact, this weapon binds the target in coils of venomous snakes. In the Ramayana, 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 the nagastra. It is possessed by Arjuna, and used by Rama in the Ramayana.
Anjalikastra	Indra	Celestial weapon affiliated with Indra. It was employed by Arjuna to behead Karna.
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. Indrajit and Rama also had this weapon.
Suryastra	Surya	It is the celestial weapon of Surya. It produces a dazzling light that would dispel any darkness about and dry up water bodies while discharging fire.
Maghavana	Indra	It is a celestial weapon of Indra. It is described to be a swift and flaming weapon during crossfire, especially used in illusionary warfare. Arjuna obtained this weapon from Indra.
Vajra	Indra	It is the personal thunderbolt of Indra. It creates bolts of lightning to attack targets. Indra gave this astra to his son Arjuna.
Mohiniastra	Mohini	It is a celestial weapon named for Mohini, the female avatar of Vishnu. It produces a mesmerising song and dispelling any form of maya or sorcery in the vicinity. Arjuna used this astra against the nivatakavachas and dispelled all illusions created by them.
Tvashtarastra	Tvashtr	When used against a group of opponents (such as an army), would cause them to mistake each other for enemies and fight each other. Only Arjuna and Rama possessed this weapon.
Sammohana/Pramohana	Gandharva	Caused entire hosts/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 a parvata (mountain) to fall on the target from the skies. Arjuna possessed this astra.
Brahmashirastra	Brahma	Capable of killing devas. It was used by Ashwatthama on Parikshit. It is thought that the Brahmashirsha astra is an evolved version of the Brahmastra and a secret infallible weapon created by Brahma to be four times stronger than Brahmastra. Mahabharata reports that the weapon manifests with the four heads of Brahma on its tip. In the Mahabharata era, Sage Agnivesha, Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Kripa, Arjuna and Ashwatthama (Ashwatthama didn't have the knowledge to retract it). It could erase beings from the past, present and future.
Brahmadanda	Brahma	A defensive personal weapon and divine rod (danda) possessed only by Bhramana. Capable of repelling other higher-energy weapons. Used by Vashishta against Vishwamitra. 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 from Vishnu's Narayana form directly, and could be used only once. It is one of the most powerful weapons of Hindu mythology. Any attempt of invoking it a second time would rebound on the user and his troops. In Mahabharata era, Vishnu in Narayana form blessed Drona with this weapon. Drona subsequently presented this astra to his son Ashwatthama. In the Mahabharata war, Ashwatthama used this weapon against the Pandava army after Drona's death. 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, including Chakras, 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. Had to be obtained from Vishnu directly. The only counter to this weapon was to invoke another Vaishnavastra to counter the attacking Vaishnavastra or for the presiding deity to stop the Vaishnavastra. In Mahabharata era Narakasura, Bhagadatta, Krishna, Shishupala and Karna had this weapon. Bhagadatta used this weapon on Arjuna, but Krishna stood up before Arjuna to retrieve the weapon. Rama used this weapon to destroy the energy of Bharghava Rama.
Kaumodaki	Vishnu	Divine mace of Vishnu. Would destroy whole armies. Infallible and without parallel. Krishna slayed the demon Dantavakra with it.
Sharanga	Vishnu	The bow of Vishnu, also called the Vaishnava dhanush, was used by Rama, then Krishna.
Nandaka	Vishnu	The sacred sword of Vishnu. It had a blade which was indestructible. It was used by Krishna to kill countless demons.
Vijaya	Shiva	It is an celestial was made by Vishvakarma for Lord Shiva. It was given to Parashurama, who gave it to Karna after impressed by his skills. The only time Karna ever fought using the Vijaya dhanush was on the 17th day of the Kurukshetra war when he fought against Arjuna and met his fate with Anjalikastra.
Pinaka	Shiva	Also called Shiva dhanush, this was the bow of Shiva, which he used to kill countless Asuras in battle (The city of Tripura was destroyed by Shiva using the Pinaka). It was given to Parashurama By Shiva.
Maheshvarastra	Shiva	Contains the power of Shiva's third eye. Shoots a really fast fiery beam which can turn even celestial beings to complete ashes. It has the power to turn the entire creation to ashes. Lakshmana is described to employ it against Indrajit. In Dwapar Yuga only Arjuna possessed it.
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. In Mahabharata Arjuna uses this astra in war against 30 Million Nivatakavachas and Kalakeyas. Only Arjuna possessed this weapon in Mahabharata.
Pashupatastra	Shiva	One of the most powerful weapons among all the astras. Every time it was summoned, its head would never be the same. It summons a larger number of monsters and a huge spirit which personifies the weapon. Would destroy target completely, irrespective of target's nature. This astra was capable to destroy whole world. In Dvapara Yuga, Arjuna, Drona and Karna possessed Pashupatastra. In Treta Yuga, sage Vishwamitra possessed this weapon
Parashu	Shiva	The Parashu (axe) was an unconquerable and indestructible divine weapon given to Parashurama by his guru Shiva, along with other divine weapons, due to the extreme devotion of Parashurama. Parashurama later gave this axe to Ganesha. 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 Chandrahasa (Chandra-Moon, 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 and Ravana's days would be numbered.
Gandiva	Brahma	This invincible bow was created by Brahma, the Creator of universe. Brahma held it first for a thousand years, then Prajapati held it for five hundred and three years, Indra, for five hundred and eighty years, and Soma for five hundred years. After that Varuna held it for a hundred years before handing it to Arjuna along with a Kapi/Hanuman bannered chariot, and two inexhaustible quivers, as requested by Agni during the Khandava-daha Parva. The bow was decorated with hundreds of gold bosses, and had radiant ends. The bow was worshiped by Devas, Gandharvas and Danavas. No person other than Arjuna could wield the Gandiva and Arjuna was wielder of Gandiva then he came to be known as gandivdhari (carrier of gandiva bow).
Sabdavedastra		This weapon prevents an opponent from turning invisible. Used by Arjuna against the Gandharva king Chitrasena. In the Mahabharata, only Karna, Arjuna and Krishna knew this weapon
Antardhanastra	Kubera	The Antardhanastra would make things, people or entire places disappear. It 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, meaning it was 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.
Jyotikshastra	Surya	The Jyotikshastra could brighten a dark area. Arjuna had this astra in the Mahabharata.
Sauparna		The Sauparnatra would release crazy birds. 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.
Govardhana	Vishnu	The Govardhana was a powerful bow of Vishnu. During the Mahabharata, Vishnu gave Vidura this bow.

References

Bane, Theresa (2020-05-29). Encyclopedia of Mythological Objects. McFarland. p. 120. ISBN 978-1-4766-3920-8.
Gopa l, Madan (1990). K.S. Gautam (ed.). India through the ages. Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. p. 72.
Mahabharata by Roy, Chandra Pratap
"Sanskrit: Divya". Bhaktivedanta Database. Archived from the original on 2012-03-18. Retrieved 27 July 2018. A concordance of occurrences of the word divya in the Bhagavad-gita and other sacred texts, with a translation for each occurrence.
"The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Kairata Parva: Section XL". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 2018-01-28.
Sacred Texts Hinduism, Mahabharata, Section CLXIV
Basu, Baman Das (2007). The Matsya Puranam (vols.2 Set). Cosmo Publications. p. 79. ISBN 978-81-307-0557-6.
DK (2022-12-15). The Illustrated Ramayana: The Timeless Epic of Duty, Love, and Redemption. Dorling Kindersley Limited. p. 292. ISBN 978-0-241-56053-2.
Bodhasarananda Swami. (2016). Stories from the Bhagvatam. Advaita Ashrama. ISBN 978-81-7505-814-9., Quote: "There, Mahadeva told him: 'I cannot help you either. Go to Vaikuntha. Nobody but Sri Hari can save you."
Sri Swami Vishwananda (2016). The Essence of Shreemad Bhagavatam. Bhakti Marga Publications. p. 308. ISBN 978-3-940381-52-1., Quote: "Lord Shankar looked and said, "Aaah! I can't help you. Go to Maha Vishnu."
"The Mahabharata, Book 8: Karna Parva: Section 89". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
Bane, Theresa (2020-05-29). Encyclopedia of Mythological Objects. McFarland. p. 167. ISBN 978-1-4766-3920-8.
Shastri, J. L.; Bhatt, G. P. (1993). The Skanda Purana Part 2: Ancient Indian Tradition And Mythology [Volume 50]. Motilal Banarsidass. p. 565. ISBN 978-81-208-1022-8.
Mani, Vettam (2015-01-01). Puranic Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Work with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature. Motilal Banarsidass. pp. 107–108. ISBN 978-81-208-0597-2.
Krishnamacharya, N.V.R. (2015). The Mahabharata By Dr. N.V.R. Krishnamacharya In English. TTD. p. 274.
Mahabharata. Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. 2007. p. 664. ISBN 978-81-7276-405-0.
Valmiki; Vyasa (2018-05-19). Delphi Collected Sanskrit Epics (Illustrated). Delphi Classics. p. 4472. ISBN 978-1-78656-128-2.
Williams, George M. (2008-03-27). Handbook of Hindu Mythology. OUP USA. p. 69. ISBN 978-0-19-533261-2.
D.Sc. (Paris), Dr R. Krishnan (2023-05-08). Mahabharata. Giri Trading Agency Private Limited. p. 443. ISBN 978-81-7950-842-8.
Sharma, Bulbul (2008-01-09). The Ramayana. Penguin Books India. p. 10. ISBN 978-0-14-333031-8.
Bane, Theresa (2020-06-22). Encyclopedia of Mythological Objects. McFarland. p. 106. ISBN 978-1-4766-7688-3.
Menon, Ramesh (2006-07-20). The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering. iUniverse. p. 275. ISBN 978-0-595-84565-1.
Dalal, Roshen (2014-04-18). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin UK. p. 1324. ISBN 978-81-8475-277-9.
Pandey, Rajbali (2015-03-03). Atharvaveda. Diamond Pocket Books Pvt Ltd. p. 35. ISBN 978-81-288-2276-6.
Menon, Ramesh (July 2006). The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering. iUniverse. p. 147. ISBN 978-0-595-40187-1.
Menon, Ramesh (2006-07-20). The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering. iUniverse. p. 382. ISBN 978-0-595-84565-1.
Raman, Gowri (2020-06-09). Mahabharatha. Blue Rose Publishers. p. 322.
Vyasa's Mahabharatam. Academic Publishers. 2008. p. 596. ISBN 978-81-89781-68-2.
"Valmiki Ramayana - Yuddha Kanda". www.valmikiramayan.net.
"The Mahabharata in Sanskrit: Book 8: Chapter 67". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
Menon, Ramesh (2006-07-20). The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering. iUniverse. p. 190. ISBN 978-0-595-84565-1.
Bane, Theresa (2020-05-29). Encyclopedia of Mythological Objects. McFarland. p. 148. ISBN 978-1-4766-3920-8.
"The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CLXIX". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
"The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CLXXI". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
Menon, Ramesh (2006-07-20). The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering. iUniverse. p. 515. ISBN 978-0-595-84564-4.
Childress, David Hatcher (2013-12-18). Vimana: Flying Machines of the Ancients. SCB Distributors. ISBN 978-1-939149-23-7.
Oppert, Gustav Salomon (1880). On the Weapons, Army Organisation, and Political Maxims of the Ancient Hindus: With Special Reference to Gunpowder and Firearms. Higginbotham. p. 30. Narayanastra most powerful.
"The Mahabharata, Book 7: Drona Parva: Drona-vadha Parva: Section CC". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
Rao, Desiraju Hanumanta. "Valmiki Ramayana - Baala Kanda - Sarga 76". www.valmikiramayan.net.
Shah, Umakant Premanand (1995). Studies in Jaina Art and Iconography and Allied Subjects in Honour of Dr. U.P. Shah. Abhinav Publications. ISBN 9788170173168.
Narasimhan, Chakravarthi V. (1999). The Mahābhārata: An English Version Based on Selected Verses. Motilal Banarsidass. ISBN 9788120816732.
"The Mahabharata, Book 8: Karna Parva: Section 42".
Krishnan, R. (2021-01-16). Valmiki Ramayana. Giri Trading Agency Private Limited. p. 288. ISBN 978-81-7950-730-8.
"The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CLXX".
"The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Kairata Parva: Section XL". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
Rao, Desiraju Hanumanta. "Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - Sarga 56". www.valmikiramayan.net.
"The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CLXX".

Category:

Weapons in Hindu mythology

Misplaced Pages