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		<title>47.149.102.87 at 23:12, 5 July 2021</title>
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&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;New page&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;div&gt;{{about||the Astras of Arjuna|Arjuna}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{{more citations needed|date=April 2018}}&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Ashwatthama_uses_Narayanastra.jpg|thumb|361x361px|Ashwatthama uses Narayanastra]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Ajun afight with Angaraparna.jpg|thumb|[[Arjuna]] uses the Agneyastra against Angaraparna]]&lt;br /&gt;
In [[Hinduism]], an &amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;{{IAST|astra}}&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039; ([[Sanskrit]]: अस्त्र) was a [[supernatural]] weapon, presided over by a specific deity and imbued with spiritual and occult powers that caused its effect or impact. Later the word came to denote any weapon which was used by releasing it from one&amp;#039;s hand (e.g. an arrow, compared to keeping it one&amp;#039;s hand e.g. a sword ([[Shastra]]). In Ramayana, [[Rama]] had more astras than any other warrior. Various texts have stated that Arjuna possessed almost all astras except [[Narayanastra]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite book |title=India through the ages | last=Gopa l|first=Madan |year= 1990| page= 72|editor=K.S. Gautam |publisher= Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Mahabharata by Roy, Chandra Pratap&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Astradhari==&lt;br /&gt;
The bearer of the weapon is called an &amp;#039;&amp;#039;Astradhari&amp;#039;&amp;#039; ([[Sanskrit]]: अस्त्रधारी).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite web|url=http://dict.hinkhoj.com/words/meaning-of-ASTRADHARI-in-english.html|title=Astradhari (Astradhari) meaning in English - ASTRADHARI मीनिंग - Translation|website=dict.hinkhoj.com}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Summoning of Astra==&lt;br /&gt;
To summon or use an &amp;#039;&amp;#039;astra&amp;#039;&amp;#039; 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 &amp;#039;&amp;#039;astras&amp;#039;&amp;#039;, the violation of which could be fatal. Because of the power involved, the knowledge involving an &amp;#039;&amp;#039;astra&amp;#039;&amp;#039; was passed in the [[Guru-shishya tradition]] from a [[Guru]] (teacher) to a &amp;#039;&amp;#039;Shishya&amp;#039;&amp;#039; (pupil) by word of mouth alone, and only following the establishment of the student&amp;#039;s character. Certain &amp;#039;&amp;#039;astras&amp;#039;&amp;#039; had to be handed down from the [[deity]] involved directly, knowledge of the incantation being insufficient.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Astras in Hindu Epics==&lt;br /&gt;
{{Refimprove section|date=June 2017}}&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Arjuna gifted Arrow of Fire to Gandarva.jpg|thumb|Arjuna gifts the Agneyastra to the Gandharva]]&lt;br /&gt;
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]], [[Lakshman]], [[Meghanada]] (Indrajit), [[Ravana]], [[Bhishma]], [[Drona]], [[Karna]], [[Ashwatthama]], [[Arjuna]] and other warriors.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The divya (&amp;quot;divine&amp;quot;)&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite web | website= Bhaktivedanta Database | url= http://vedabase.net/d/divya| url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120318224435/http://vedabase.net/d/divya | archive-date =2012-03-18 | access-date= 27 July 2018 }} A concordance of occurrences of the word &amp;#039;&amp;#039;divya&amp;#039;&amp;#039; in the Bhagavad-gita and other sacred texts, with a translation for each occurrence.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; astras were generally invoked into arrows, although they could potentially be used with anything. [[Ashwatthama]] invoked [[Brahmashirsha astra]] 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.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{Cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03040.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Kairata Parva: Section XL|website=www.sacred-texts.com|access-date=2018-01-28}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03164.htm]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable sortable&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
!Astra!!Deity!!Effect&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[Brahmastra]]||[[Brahma]], the Creator||It 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 Lord 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 Lord Brahma. [[Atikaya]], one of Raavan&amp;#039;s sons, possessed the invincible armor of Lord Brahma that could only be pierced by a Brahmastra and was killed by Lakshmana, brother of Lord Rama, using a Brahmastra. In ancient Sanskrit writings, the Brahmastra was a weapon created by Brahma, along with its more powerful versions:- the Brahmashirsha Astra and the Brahmanda Astra.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[Trishula]]||[[Shiva]], the Destroyer||It was the Trident of Lord Shiva. The most powerful weapon in Hindu mythology, according to [[Shaivism|Shaiva]] traditions, infallible, cannot be stopped by anyone, except Lord Shiva himself and Goddess Shakti; the consort of Lord Shiva in Parvati form. Though it was once stopped by Atikaya, who caught hold of it mid-air.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[Sudarshana Chakra]]||[[Vishnu]], the Preserver|| The legendary discus of Lord Vishnu, was created for him by [[Vishvakarman]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite web|url=http://www.speakingtree.in/allslides/the-divine-weapon-of-krishna-sudarshan-chakra|title=The unknown and untold story of Krishna&amp;#039;s Sudarshan Chakra|website=www.speakingtree.in}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The most powerful weapon in Hindu mythology, according to [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnav]] traditions, infallible, flies at the command of Lord Vishnu. It could be stopped only by Lord Vishnu&amp;#039;s wish.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite book|author1= Bodhasarananda Swami.|title=Stories from the Bhagvatam|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a4SoCwAAQBAJ&amp;amp;pg=PT77|year=2016|publisher=Advaita Ashrama|isbn=978-81-7505-814-9}}, Quote: &amp;quot;There, Mahadeva told him: &amp;#039;I cannot help you either. Go to Vaikuntha. Nobody but Sri Hari can save you.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite book|author1= Sri Swami Vishwananda|title=The Essence of Shreemad Bhagavatam|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uMEGDAAAQBAJ&amp;amp;pg=PA308|year=2016|publisher=Bhakti Marga Publications|isbn=978-3-940381-52-1|page=308}}, Quote: &amp;quot;Lord Shankar looked and said, &amp;quot;Aaah! I can&amp;#039;t help you. Go to Maha Vishnu.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It has tremendous occult and spiritual power that could protect or destroy anything. It was used by Krishna, Vishnu&amp;#039;s 8th [[avatar]], to behead his cousin Shishupala. &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{Cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08089.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 8: Karna Parva: Section 89|website=www.sacred-texts.com|access-date=2018-01-11}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[Barbarika]]&amp;#039;s Teen Baan (is only fictional )(three infallible arrows)||Shiva, the Destroyer|| Lord Shiva &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite book|author1=Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda|title=Shreemad Bhagavad Gita: The Song of Love|url=https://books.google.com/books?|year=2017|publisher=Publishdrive|isbn=978-3940381705}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; gave Barbarika three infallible arrows (Teen Baan). A single arrow was enough to destroy all opponents in any war, and it would then return to Barbarika&amp;#039;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&amp;#039;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. 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 Teen Baandhaari, the &amp;quot;Bearer of the Three Arrows&amp;quot;.  Barbarika was the son of Ghatotkacha and the grandson of Bhima, second of the [[Pandava]] brothers, and Hidimbi.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[Indrastra]]||[[Indra]], God of Weather||It would bring about a &amp;#039;shower&amp;#039; of arrows, like rain, from the sky. Arjuna displayed this astra first in Rangabhoomi.It was also possessed by some other warriors like Lakshman Meghanad Lord Rama etc.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Vasavi Shakti||[[Indra]], God of Weather||The 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.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Praswapastra||[[Vasus]], Gods of Skies|| This weapon would cause the afflicted to fall asleep on the battlefield. Bhishma was stopped by the Akashvani from using this weapon against his Guru, Lord Parashurama. In Ramayana and Mahabharat, only [[Bhishma]] had this weapon.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Agneyastra||[[Agni]], God of Fire||The weapon discharged would emit flames inextinguishable through normal means. Arjuna used it against Angaraparna, the Gandharva. &lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[Varunastra]]||[[Varuna]], God of Water||The weapon discharged would release torrential volumes of water. This weapon is commonly mentioned as used to counter the Agneyastra. It was possessed by Rama, Indrajit, Ravana, Lakshman, Arjuna, Bhishma, Drona, likewise warriors.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Manavastra|| [[Manu (Hinduism)|Manu]], Father of the Human Race|| It 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 Lord [[Rama]] on the [[rakshasa]], [[Maricha]]. Arjuna also possessed this weapon.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Varunapasha|| [[Varuna]], God of Oceans|| A powerful noose which not even other gods could escape from. Warriors including Rama, Indrajit,  Arjuna possessed this weapon.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Bhaumastra|| [[Bhūmi]], Goddess of Earth|| The weapon could create tunnels deep into the earth and summon jewels. Only Arjuna had this Astra.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Bhargavastra|| [[Parashurama]], an avatar of Lord Vishnu|| Lord Parashurama was the creator of this Astra which he imparted to his disciple Karna.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Nagastra||The [[Nāga|Nagas]]||The 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.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Nagapasha||The [[Nāga|Nagas]]||Upon impact, this weapon would bind the target in coils of living venomous snakes. In the [[Ramayana]], it was used against [[Rama]] and [[Lakshmana]] by [[Indrajit]]. Arjuna obtained it from his wife Ulupi.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Garudastra||[[Garuda]], the vehicle of [[Vishnu]]||A weapon that can defend against Nagastra when attacked by the opponents. It was possessed by Rama and Arjuna. It was used by [[Lord Rama]] in [[Ramayana]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite web|url=http://www.valmikiramayan.net/yuddha/sarga102/yuddha_102_frame.htm|title=Valmiki Ramayana - Yuddha Kanda|website=www.valmikiramayan.net}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[Anjalika Astra]]||[[Indra]], God of Weather||Arjuna killed Karna using this astra.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{Cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/mbs/mbs08067.htm|title=The Mahabharata in Sanskrit: Book 8: Chapter 67|website=www.sacred-texts.com|access-date=2018-01-11}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[Vayuvyastra]]||[[Vayu]], God of Wind||Brings 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.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Suryastra||[[Surya]], God of the Sun||Creates a dazzling light that would dispel any darkness about and dry up water bodies. Arjuna used this astra against Shakuni on 12th day of Kurukshtra War.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Maghavan&lt;br /&gt;
|[[Indra]]&lt;br /&gt;
|Swift and flaming weapon capable of baffling arms shower used especially in illusionary warfare. [[Arjuna]] obtained this weapon from Indra.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{Cite web|title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CLXIX|url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03169.htm|website=www.sacred-texts.com|access-date=2020-05-01}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[Vajra]]||[[Indra]], God of Weather||Target would be struck with bolts of lightning ([[vajra]] referring to Indra&amp;#039;s thunderbolt). Apart from [[Indra]], only [[Arjuna]] possessed Vajra. Indra gave this Astra to his son Arjuna.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{Cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03171.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CLXXI|website=www.sacred-texts.com|access-date=2018-01-11}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Mohini Astra||[[Mohini]], an [[Avatar]] of [[Vishnu]]||Dispel any form of [[maya (illusion)|maya]] or sorcery in the vicinity. Arjuna used this astra against Nivatakavachas and dispelled all illusion created by them.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Twashtar Astra||[[Twashtri]], the Heavenly Builder||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]] possessed this weapon. &lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Sammohana/Pramohana||Gandharvas|| Would 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 Prajna astra to stop its effect.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Parvatastra||||Would cause a Parvata/mountain to fall on the target from the skies. Arjuna possessed this astra.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[Brahmashirsha astra]]||[[Brahma]], the Creator||Capable of killing [[Deva (Hinduism)|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 Lord Brahma 4 times stronger than [[Brahmastra]]. In the epic [[Mahabharata]], it is said that the weapon manifest with the four heads of Lord [[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.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[Brahmadanda]]||[[Brahma]], the Creator||A 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.   &lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[Narayanastra]]||[[Vishnu]], the Preserver||Would create showers of arrows and discs. The astra&amp;#039;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. &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/onweaponsarmyor00oppegoog | page=[https://archive.org/details/onweaponsarmyor00oppegoog/page/n41 30] | quote=Narayanastra most powerful. | title=On the Weapons, Army Organisation, and Political Maxims of the Ancient Hindus: With Special Reference to Gunpowder and Firearms| publisher=Higginbotham | last1=Oppert| first1=Gustav Salomon| year=1880}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
Any attempt of invoking it a second time would rebound back on user and his troops. In Mahabharata era, Lord 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.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{Cite web|title=The Mahabharata, Book 7: Drona Parva: Drona-vadha Parva: Section CC|url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07196.htm|website=www.sacred-texts.com|access-date=2020-05-01}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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. Who ever tries to resist it will be destroyed.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[Vaishnavastra]]||[[Vishnu]], the Preserver|| Personal weapon of Lord Vishnu in his warrior form. Would destroy target completely, irrespective of target&amp;#039;s nature. Infallible. Had to be obtained from [[Lord 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. Sri [[Rama]] used this weapon to destroy the energy of Bharghava Rama.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite web|url=http://www.valmikiramayan.net/utf8/baala/sarga76/bala_76_frame.htm|title=Valmiki Ramayana - Baala Kanda - Sarga 76|first=Desiraju Hanumanta|last=Rao|website=www.valmikiramayan.net}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[Kaumodaki|Kaumodaki Gada]]||[[Vishnu]], the Preserver||Divine mace of [[Vishnu]]. Would destroy whole armies. Infallible and without parallel. Lord [[Krishna]] slayed Demon Dantavakra with it.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[Sharanga]] (bow)||[[Vishnu]], the Preserver||The bow of Lord [[Vishnu]], also called as Vaishnav Dhanush was used by Sri [[Rama]] then Sri [[Krishna]].&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[Nandaka]]||[[Vishnu]], the Preserver||The sacred sword of [[Vishnu]]. It had a blade which was indestructible. It was used by Lord [[Krishna]] to kill countless demons.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[Vijaya (bow)]]||[[Shiva]], the Destroyer|| The bow was made by [[Vishvakarma]]. Vijaya Dhanush was the personal bow of Lord Shiva, which was regarded as the foremost of bows. Lord Shiva left it in the care of Indra Dev who on instruction from Lord Shiva happily gave it to Sage Parashurama. Warrior Parashurama used this as his personal bow.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite book |last1=Shah |first1=Umakant Premanand |title=Studies in Jaina Art and Iconography and Allied Subjects in Honour of Dr. U.P. Shah |date=1995 |publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=9788170173168 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fETebHcHKogC&amp;amp;q=brahmanda%20purana%20vijaya%20bow&amp;amp;pg=PA177 |language=en}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite book |last1=Narasimhan |first1=Chakravarthi V. |title=The Mahābhārata: An English Version Based on Selected Verses |date=1999 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=9788120816732 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-P56leXRgAYC&amp;amp;q=Vijaya&amp;amp;pg=PA161 |language=en}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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|[[Shiva Dhanush|Pinaka]] (bow)||[[Shiva]], the Destroyer||Also called as [[Shiva]] Dhanush, was the bow of Lord [[Shiva]], which he used to kill countless Asuras in battle (The city of Tripura was destroyed by Lord [[Shiva]] using the [[Shiva Dhanush|Pinaka]]). It was given to [[Parashurama]] By Lord [[Shiva]], which was passed down to King Janaka, the father of Devi Sita, and was broken by Lord Rama in her swayamvara.&lt;br /&gt;
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|Maheshwarastra||[[Shiva]], the Destroyer|| Contains the power of [[Shiva]]&amp;#039;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.&lt;br /&gt;
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|Rudra Astra||[[Shiva]], the Destroyer||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 3 crore Nivatakavachas and Kalakeyas. Only Arjuna possessed this weapon in Mahabharata.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03170.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
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|[[Pashupatastra]]||[[Shiva]], the Destroyer||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&amp;#039;s nature. This Astra was capable to destroy whole world. In &amp;#039;&amp;#039;[[Dvapara Yuga]]&amp;#039;&amp;#039;, only [[Arjuna]] possessed Pashupatastra.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{Cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03040.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Kairata Parva: Section XL|website=www.sacred-texts.com|access-date=2018-01-11}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; In &amp;#039;&amp;#039;[[Treta Yuga]]&amp;#039;&amp;#039;, sage Vishwamitra possessed this weapon &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite web|url=http://www.valmikiramayan.net/utf8/baala/sarga56/bala_56_prose.htm|title=Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - Sarga 56|first=Desiraju Hanumanta|last=Rao|website=www.valmikiramayan.net}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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|[[Parashu]] (axe)||[[Shiva|Lord Shiva]]||The Parashu (axe) was an unconquerable and indestructible divine weapon given to Lord [[Parashurama]] by his Guru Lord [[Shiva]] along with other divine weapons due to the extreme devotion of Lord [[Parashurama]]. Lord [[Parashurama]] later gave this axe to Lord [[Ganesha]]. [[Parashurama]] means Rama who wields the axe as Rama was the name Lord [[Parashurama]] was known by till he acquired the axe from Lord [[Shiva]].&lt;br /&gt;
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|[[Chandrahas]]||[[Shiva]], ||The divine sword Chandrahas (Chandra-Moon, Has-laugh, literally &amp;#039;the laughter of the moon&amp;#039; but referring to the shape formed by a crescent moon which resembles a smile) was given to Raavan with a warning that if it was used for unjust causes, it would return to the three-eyed Lord [[Shiva]] and [[Ravana]]&amp;#039;s days would be numbered.&lt;br /&gt;
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|[[Gandiva]] (bow)||[[Brahma]], the creator||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 (deity)|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 &amp;#039;&amp;#039;Khandava-daha Parva&amp;#039;&amp;#039;. The bow was decorated with hundreds of gold bosses, and had radiant ends. The bow was worshiped by [[Deva (Hinduism)|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).&lt;br /&gt;
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|Sabda-veda astra||||This weapon prevents an opponent from turning invisible. Used by Arjuna against the Ghandarva king Chitrasena. In Mahabharat era, only Arjuna and Krishna knew this weapon&lt;br /&gt;
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|Antardhana Astra||[[Kubera]]||The Antardhana Astra would make things, people or entire places disappear. It was given to Arjuna by Kubera.&lt;br /&gt;
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|Prajnastra||||This weapon was used to restore the senses and thoughts of someone. It was a good counter to the Sammohanastra. Warriors like Drona Arjuna had and Drona used this astra in war. &lt;br /&gt;
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|Tej Prabha Astra||[[Surya]]||The Sequestrator of the brilliance of enemies. Arjuna obtained this when he visited heaven.&lt;br /&gt;
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|Sailastra||||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. &lt;br /&gt;
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|Visoshana||[[Indra]], god of weather||The 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.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03170.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  &lt;br /&gt;
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|Jyotiksha Astra||[[Surya]], god of the sun||The Jyotiksha Astra could brighten a dark area. Arjuna had this astra in the Mahabharata. &lt;br /&gt;
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|Sauparna||||The Sauparna weapon 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.&lt;br /&gt;
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|Govardhana (bow)||[[Vishnu]], the Preserver||The Govardhana was a powerful bow of Vishnu. During the Mahabharata, Vishnu gave Vidura this bow.&lt;br /&gt;
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==See also==&lt;br /&gt;
{{portal|Hinduism|India}}&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Astras of Arjuna]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Ramayana]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Mahabharata]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Bhagavata Purana]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
{{Reflist|30em}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Weapons in Hindu mythology]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>47.149.102.87</name></author>
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