An astra (Sanskrit: अस्त्र) is a supernatural weapon in Hindu mythology. It is presided over by a specific deity and imbued with spiritual and occult powers that causes its effects.The term came to subsequently denote any weapon which was used by releasing it from one's hand (such as an arrow), compared to keeping it one's hand (such as a sword).

The bearer of an astra is called an astradhari (Sanskrit: अस्त्रधारी).[1]

Brief overview and origin

Astras are supernatural weapons which can be invoked using Mantras. In battle, the warrior would use the Mantra to convert any weapon (usually an arrow) into a divine weapon. There are four classes of weapons. The origin of Astras is elaborated in the Ahirbudhnya Samhita, which is a dialogue between Sage Narada and Shiva.

When Narada asks Shiva about the origin of Astras, the god narrates the story- Eons ago, when the universe wasn't 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 some wicked beings of his own creation, Vishnu created the Sudarshana Chakra. However, only he could wield the Chakra, while none of the gods and kings could do so. Hence, using the power of the Sudarshana Chakra, Vishnu created over a hundred different Astras. They were categorised according to their origin- from Vishnu's mouth, chest, thighs, and feet, and other parts like the upper chest, waist, and lower abdomen.

Summoning of an Astra

To summon or use an astra required use of a specific incantation or invocation. The deity invoked would then endow the weapon with supernatural powers, making it impossible to counter through regular means. Specific conditions existed involving the usage of astras, the violation of which 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 alone, and only following the establishment of the student's character. Certain astras had to be handed down from the deity involved directly, knowledge of the incantation being insufficient.

Astras in Hindu epics

Astras come into importance mainly in the Ramayana and Mahabharata, where they are used in the great battles described in each epic. They are depicted as used by archers such as Parashurama, Rama, Lakshmana, Meghanada (Indrajit), Ravana, Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Ashwatthama, Arjuna and other warriors. In the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Rama had more astras than any other warrior. It is believed that Rama possessed all the astras.[2][3]

The divya ("divine")[4] 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. Arjuna was capable of shooting all of his celestial weapons including Pashupatastra by the power of his mind alone.[5][6]

AstraDeityEffect
BrahmastraBrahmaIt would destroy entire armies at once and could also counter most other astras. In the epic Mahabharata, it is said that the weapon manifests with the head of Brahma as its tip. In the Mahabharata era, Parasurama, 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 Kavach; the invincible armor of Brahma. Atikaya, one of Raavan's sons, possessed the invincible armor of Brahma that could only be pierced by a Brahmastra and was killed by Lakshmana, brother of Rama, using a Brahmastra. In ancient Sanskrit writings, the Brahmastra was a weapon created by Brahma, along with its more powerful versions: the Brahmashirastra

(The most powerful astra that is four times more powerful than the original and has the ability to destroy Devas through causing a chain reaction of massive explosions)

TrishulaShivaIt was the Trident of Shiva. According to Shaiva traditions, the most powerful weapon in Hindu mythology, infallible, cannot be stopped by anyone and can destroy anything, except Shiva himself and Goddess Shakti; the consort of Shiva in Parvati form.
Sudarshana ChakraVishnuThe legendary discus of Vishnu, was created for him by Vishvakarma. The most powerful weapon in Hindu mythology, according to Vaishnava traditions, infallible, flies at the command of Vishnu. It could be stopped only by Vishnu's wish.[7][8] It has tremendous occult and spiritual power that could protect or destroy anything. It was used by Krishna, Vishnu's 8th avatar, to behead his cousin Shishupala.[9]
TrayabāṇaShivaShiva [10] gave Barbarika three infallible arrows (Trayabāṇa). A single arrow was enough to destroy all opponents in any war, and it would then return to Barbarika's quiver. The first arrow was used to mark all the things that Barbarika wants to destroy. On releasing the third arrow, it would destroy all the things that are marked and then would return to Barbarika's quiver. If Barbarika uses the second arrow, then the second arrow would mark all the things that Barbarika wants to save. On using the third arrow, it would destroy all the things that are not marked, such as when one of his arrows fired at a leaf that was under Krishna's feet within the Mahabharata, the arrow hovered over his foot. In other words, with one arrow Barbarika could fix all his targets and with the other, he can destroy them. Barbarika came to be known by the appellation Trayabāṇadhāri, the "Bearer of the Three Arrows". Barbarika was the son of Ghatotkacha and the grandson of Bhima, second of the Pandava brothers, and Hidimbi.
IndrastraIndraIt would bring about a 'shower' of arrows, like rain, from the sky. Arjuna displayed this astra first in Rangabhoomi. It was also possessed by some other warriors like Lakshmana, Meghanada, Rama, etc.
VasavishaktiIndraThe second weapon of Indra, inferior to Vajra. It could be used only once and upon usage, it killed the opponent. Karna used it on Ghatotkacha and killed him.
PrasvapastraVasusThis weapon would cause the afflicted to fall asleep on the battlefield. Bhishma was stopped by the Akashvani from using this weapon against his Guru, Parashurama. In Ramayana and Mahabharata, Rama and Bhishma had this weapon.
AgneyastraAgniThe weapon discharged would emit flames inextinguishable through normal means. Arjuna used it against Angaraparna, the Gandharva. Aurva offered the astra to Sagara.[11]
VarunastraVarunaThe weapon discharged would release torrential volumes of water. This weapon is commonly mentioned as used to counter the Agneyastra.[12] It was possessed by Rama, Indrajit, Ravana, Lakshmana, Arjuna, Bhishma, Drona.
ManavastraManuIt could overcome supernatural protections and carry the target hundreds of miles 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 possessed this weapon.
VarunapashaVarunaA powerful noose which not even other gods could escape from. Warriors including Rama, Indrajit and Arjuna possessed this weapon.
BhaumastraBhumiThe weapon could create tunnels deep into the earth and summon jewels. Only Arjuna had this astra.
BhargavastraParashuramaParashurama was the creator of this astra which he imparted to his disciple Karna.
NagastraThe NagasThe weapon would have an unerring aim and take on the form of a snake, proving deadly upon impact. It was used by many warriors. Arjuna used this against Susharma.
NagapashaNagasUpon impact, this weapon would bind the target in coils of living venomous snakes.[13] In the Ramayana, it was used against Rama and Lakshmana by Indrajit. Arjuna obtained it from his wife Ulupi.
GarudastraGarudaA weapon that can defend against Nagastra when attacked by the opponents. It was possessed by Rama and Arjuna. It was used by Rama in Ramayana.[14]
AnjalikastraIndraArjuna killed Karna using this astra,[15] which passed through his chest when his wheel was stuck in the mud.
VayuvyastraVayuBrings about a gale capable of lifting armies off the ground. On the 14th day of the Kurukshetra War, when the battle continued after the sunset Ashwatthama used this weapon to penetrate the illusions made by Anjanaparvan the son of Ghatotkacha. Arjuna, Indrajit, Rama also had this weapon.
AdityastraAditya (Surya)Creates a dazzling light that would dispel any darkness about and dry up water bodies also starts a great fire. Which would be used by Surya to destroy the universe at the end of the Kali Yuga. Only Rama and Surya has ever possessed this astra.
Maghavana Indra Swift and flaming weapon capable of baffling arms shower used especially in illusionary warfare. Arjuna obtained this weapon from Indra.[16]
VajraIndraTarget would be struck with bolts of lightning (vajra referring to Indra's thunderbolt). Apart from Indra, only Arjuna possessed Vajra. Indra gave this astra to his son Arjuna.[17]
MohiniastraMohiniDispel any form of maya or sorcery in the vicinity. Arjuna used this astra against Nivatakavachas and dispelled all illusion created by them.
TvashtarastraTvashtrWhen 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.
Samamohana/PramohanaGandharvasWould cause 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 Kurukshetra war, Dhrishtadyumna used it against Kauravas which caused them to be unconscious but Drona used his Prajnastra to stop its effect.
ParvatastraWould cause a Parvata (mountain) to fall on the target from the skies. Arjuna possessed this astra.
BrahmashirastraBrahmaCapable of killing devas. Was used by Ashwatthama on Parikshit. It is thought that the Brahmashirsha astra is the evolution of the Brahmastra and is a secret infallible weapon creates by Brahma 4 times stronger than Brahmastra. In the epic Mahabharata, it is said that the weapon manifest with the four heads of Brahma as its tip. In Mahabharata era Sage Agnivesha, Drona, Arjuna and Ashwatthama (only Arjuna got the knowledge to release the astra and retract it) while all the other three possessed the knowledge only to invoke this weapon. Could erase beings from the past, present and future.[18]
BrahmadandaBrahmaA defensive personal weapon divine rod (danda) possessed only by Bhramana. Capable of repelling other higher energy weapons . Used by Vashishta against Vishwamitra. This high energy is used only as defence.
NarayanastraVishnuWould create showers of arrows and discs. The astra's power would increase with the resistance offered to it. This weapon had to be obtained from the Narayana form Vishnu directly, and could be used only once. It is one of the most powerful weapons of Hindu mythology.[19]

Any attempt of invoking it a second time would rebound back on the user and his troops. In Mahabharata era, Vishnu in Narayana form blessed Drona with this weapon. Drona as presented this astra to his son Ashwatthama. In Mahabharata war Ashwatthama used this weapon against Pandava army after the death of Drona.[20] It destroyed one Akshauhini of Pandava army.The only way to escape is total submission before the weapon, which prompts this weapon to spare the target as stated by Krishna. When it was used, Ekadasha (Eleven) Rudras appear in the sky to destroy the targets. Millions of types of weapons like Chakra, Gadha, ultra sharp arrows appeared in rage to destroy the target or an opposing army as seen in the Mahabharata. Who ever tries to resist it will be destroyed.

VaishnavastraVishnuWould destroy target completely, irrespective of target's nature. Infallible. 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 of the Vaishnavastra to stop the Vaishnavastra. In Mahabharata era Bhagadatta, Krishna and Arjuna 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.[21]
KaumodakiVishnuDivine mace of Vishnu. Would destroy whole armies. Infallible and without parallel. Krishna slayed the Demon Dantavakra with it.
SharangaVishnuThe bow of Vishnu, also called as Vaishnava dhanush was used by Rama then Krishna.
NandakaVishnuThe sacred sword of Vishnu. It had a blade which was indestructible. It was used by Krishna to kill countless demons.
VijayaIndraThe bow was made by Vishvakarma. Vijaya dhanush was claimed to be the personal bow of Shiva, which was regarded as the foremost of bows. Indra used it who on instruction from Shiva gave it to Sage Parashurama. Warrior Parashurama used this as his personal bow.[22][23] The Sanskrit name 'Vijaya' means 'victory' and this bow is said to give sure victory to the possessor. But the Vijaya bow unlike its name never made its welder victorious upon using it including Parashurama .it is so heavy that normal person cannot lift and weld it. Every time an arrow is released from this bow, it created a terrible twang, which is said to be loud as thunder causing terrible fear in enemies and produces flashes of light as brilliant as lightning, which blinds the enemy. Vijaya dhanush is unparalleled as Arjuna's Gandiva bow and could be used by someone of skilled levels.

The only time Karna ever fought using the Vijaya dhanush[24] was on the 17th day of the Kurukshetra war when he fought against Arjuna and met his fate with Anjalikastra.

PinakaShivaAlso called as Shiva dhanush, 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.
MaheshvarastraShivaContains 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.[25]
RudrastraShivaContains 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.[26]
PashupatastraShivaOne 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, only Arjuna possessed Pashupatastra.[27] In Treta Yuga, sage Vishwamitra possessed this weapon [28]
ParashuShivaThe 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.
ChandrahasaShivaThe 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.
GandivaBrahmaThis 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).
SabdavedastraThis weapon prevents an opponent from turning invisible. Used by Arjuna against the Gandharva king Chitrasena. In the Mahabharata, only Arjuna and Krishna knew this weapon
AntardhanastraKuberaThe Antardhanastra would make things, people or entire places disappear. It was given to Arjuna by Kubera.
PrajnastraThis weapon was used to restore the senses and thoughts of someone. It was a good counter to the Sammohanastra. Warriors like Arjuna and Drona used this astra in war.
SuryastraSuryaThe Sequestrator of the brilliance of enemies. Karna obtained this from Surya which was again used by yudhistra on the 18th day while killing shalya as karna gave the knowledge and usage to yudhistira while he was in his last stage i.e. before his death.
SailastraVayuThe 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.
VisoshanaIndraThe Visoshana was the drying weapon. It could dry anything.It was an amazing counter to the Varunastra. Arjuna obtained this weapon from Indra at heaven.[29]
JyotikshastraSuryaThe Jyotikshastra could brighten a dark area. Arjuna had this astra in the Mahabharata.
SauparnaThe 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.
GovardhanaVishnuThe Govardhana was a powerful bow of Vishnu. During the Mahabharata, Vishnu gave Vidura this bow.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Bane, Theresa (2020-05-29). Encyclopedia of Mythological Objects. McFarland. p. 120. ISBN 978-1-4766-3920-8.
  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.
  3. ↑ Mahabharata by Roy, Chandra Pratap
  4. ↑ "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.
  5. ↑ "The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Kairata Parva: Section XL". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 2018-01-28.
  6. ↑ Sacred Texts Hinduism, Mahabharata, SECTION CLXIV
  7. ↑ 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."
  8. ↑ 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."
  9. ↑ "The Mahabharata, Book 8: Karna Parva: Section 89". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  10. ↑ Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda (2017). Shreemad Bhagavad Gita: The Song of Love. Publishdrive. ISBN 978-3940381705.
  11. ↑ Williams, George M. (2008-03-27). Handbook of Hindu Mythology. OUP USA. p. 69. ISBN 978-0-19-533261-2.
  12. ↑ D.Sc. (Paris), Dr R. Krishnan (2023-05-08). Mahabharata. Giri Trading Agency Private Limited. p. 443. ISBN 978-81-7950-842-8.
  13. ↑ Vyasa's Mahabharatam. Academic Publishers. 2008. p. 596. ISBN 978-81-89781-68-2.
  14. ↑ "Valmiki Ramayana - Yuddha Kanda". www.valmikiramayan.net.
  15. ↑ "The Mahabharata in Sanskrit: Book 8: Chapter 67". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  16. ↑ "The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CLXIX". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  17. ↑ "The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CLXXI". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  18. ↑ Childress, David Hatcher (2013-12-18). Vimana: Flying Machines of the Ancients. SCB Distributors. ISBN 978-1-939149-23-7.
  19. ↑ 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.
  20. ↑ "The Mahabharata, Book 7: Drona Parva: Drona-vadha Parva: Section CC". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  21. ↑ Rao, Desiraju Hanumanta. "Valmiki Ramayana - Baala Kanda - Sarga 76". www.valmikiramayan.net.
  22. ↑ Shah, Umakant Premanand (1995). Studies in Jaina Art and Iconography and Allied Subjects in Honour of Dr. U.P. Shah. Abhinav Publications. ISBN 9788170173168.
  23. ↑ Narasimhan, Chakravarthi V. (1999). The Mahābhārata: An English Version Based on Selected Verses. Motilal Banarsidass. ISBN 9788120816732.
  24. ↑ https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08042.htm
  25. ↑ Krishnan, R. (2021-01-16). Valmiki Ramayana. Giri Trading Agency Private Limited. p. 288. ISBN 978-81-7950-730-8.
  26. ↑ "The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CLXX".
  27. ↑ "The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Kairata Parva: Section XL". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  28. ↑ Rao, Desiraju Hanumanta. "Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - Sarga 56". www.valmikiramayan.net.
  29. ↑ "The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CLXX".
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