Astra (weapon): Difference between revisions

{{Short description|Supernatural weapon in Hinduism}}

In [[Hinduism]], an '''{{IAST|astra}}''' ([[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's hand (e.g. an arrow), compared to keeping it one's hand (e.g. a sword) ([[Shastra]]). In Ramayana and Mahabharata, [[Rama]] had more astras than any other warrior. It is believed that Rama possessed all astras. Various texts have stated that Arjuna possessed almost all astras except Brahmandastra & [[Narayanastra]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gopa l |first=Madan |title=India through the ages |publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India |year=1990 |editor-last=K.S. Gautam |page=72}}</ref><ref>Mahabharata by Roy, Chandra Pratap</ref>

The bearer of the weapon is called an ''Astradhari'' ([[Sanskrit]]: अस्त्रधारी).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Astradhari (Astradhari) meaning in English - ASTRADHARI मीनिंग - Translation |url=http://dict.hinkhoj.com/words/meaning-of-ASTRADHARI-in-english.html |website=dict.hinkhoj.com}}</ref>

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.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}

{{More citations needed section|date=June 2022}}

The divya ("divine")<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sanskrit: Divya |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 |website=Bhaktivedanta Database}} A concordance of occurrences of the word ''divya'' in the Bhagavad-gita and other sacred texts, with a translation for each occurrence.</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Kairata Parva: Section XL |url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03040.htm |access-date=2018-01-28 |website=www.sacred-texts.com}}</ref><ref>[http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03164.htm Sacred Texts  Hinduism, Mahabharata, SECTION CLXIV]</ref>

|[[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'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 Brahmashira Astra

( the most powerful astra and more powerful than Brahma and Brahmanda astra [ brahmashira astra also known as destroyer of everything including gods ]) and the Brahmanda Astra.

|[[Trishula]]||[[Shiva]], the Destroyer||It was the Trident of Lord Shiva. According to [[Shaivism|Shaiva]] traditions, the most powerful weapon in Hindu mythology, 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.

|[[Sudarshana Chakra]]||[[Vishnu]], the Preserver|| The legendary discus of Lord Vishnu, was created for him by [[Vishvakarma]]. 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's wish.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bodhasarananda Swami. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a4SoCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT77 |title=Stories from the Bhagvatam |publisher=Advaita Ashrama |year=2016 |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."</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Sri Swami Vishwananda |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uMEGDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA308 |title=The Essence of Shreemad Bhagavatam |publisher=Bhakti Marga Publications |year=2016 |isbn=978-3-940381-52-1 |page=308}}, Quote: "Lord Shankar looked and said, "Aaah! I can't help you. Go to Maha Vishnu."</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Mahabharata, Book 8: Karna Parva: Section 89 |url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08089.htm |access-date=2018-01-11 |website=www.sacred-texts.com}}</ref>

|[[Barbarika]]'s Teen Baan(three infallible arrows)||Shiva, the Destroyer|| Lord Shiva <ref>{{Cite book |last=Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda |url=https://books.google.com/books? |title=Shreemad Bhagavad Gita: The Song of Love |publisher=Publishdrive |year=2017 |isbn=978-3940381705}}</ref> 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'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. 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 "Bearer of the Three Arrows".  Barbarika was the son of Ghatotkacha and the grandson of Bhima, second of the [[Pandava]] brothers, and Hidimbi.

|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]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Valmiki Ramayana - Yuddha Kanda |url=http://www.valmikiramayan.net/yuddha/sarga102/yuddha_102_frame.htm |website=www.valmikiramayan.net}}</ref>

|[[Anjalika Astra]]||[[Indra]], God of Weather||Arjuna killed Karna using this astra.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Mahabharata in Sanskrit: Book 8: Chapter 67 |url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/mbs/mbs08067.htm |access-date=2018-01-11 |website=www.sacred-texts.com}}</ref>  

|Adityastra||[[Surya]], God of the Sun||Creates a dazzling light that would dispel any darkness about and dry up water bodies also starts a great fire. Only Karna and Lord Aditya( supreme form of Surya) has this astra

|Swift and flaming weapon capable of baffling arms shower used especially in illusionary warfare. [[Arjuna]] obtained this weapon from Indra.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CLXIX |url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03169.htm |access-date=2020-05-01 |website=www.sacred-texts.com}}</ref>

|[[Vajra]]||[[Indra]], God of Weather||Target 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CLXXI |url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03171.htm |access-date=2018-01-11 |website=www.sacred-texts.com}}</ref>  

|[[Narayanastra]]||[[Vishnu]], the Preserver||Would 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.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Oppert |first=Gustav Salomon |url=https://archive.org/details/onweaponsarmyor00oppegoog |title=On the Weapons, Army Organisation, and Political Maxims of the Ancient Hindus: With Special Reference to Gunpowder and Firearms |publisher=Higginbotham |year=1880 |page=[https://archive.org/details/onweaponsarmyor00oppegoog/page/n41 30] |quote=Narayanastra most powerful.}}</ref>  

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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Mahabharata, Book 7: Drona Parva: Drona-vadha Parva: Section CC |url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07196.htm |access-date=2020-05-01 |website=www.sacred-texts.com}}</ref> 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.

|[[Vaishnavastra]]||[[Vishnu]], the Preserver||Would destroy target completely, irrespective of target'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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rao |first=Desiraju Hanumanta |title=Valmiki Ramayana - Baala Kanda - Sarga 76 |url=http://www.valmikiramayan.net/utf8/baala/sarga76/bala_76_frame.htm |website=www.valmikiramayan.net}}</ref>

|[[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.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Shah |first=Umakant Premanand |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fETebHcHKogC&q=brahmanda%20purana%20vijaya%20bow&pg=PA177 |title=Studies in Jaina Art and Iconography and Allied Subjects in Honour of Dr. U.P. Shah |date=1995 |publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=9788170173168 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Narasimhan |first=Chakravarthi V. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-P56leXRgAYC&q=Vijaya&pg=PA161 |title=The Mahābhārata: An English Version Based on Selected Verses |date=1999 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=9788120816732 |language=en}}</ref>

|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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CLXX |url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03170.htm}}</ref>  

|[[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's nature. This Astra was capable to destroy whole world. In ''[[Dvapara Yuga]]'', only [[Arjuna]] possessed Pashupatastra.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Kairata Parva: Section XL |url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03040.htm |access-date=2018-01-11 |website=www.sacred-texts.com}}</ref> In ''[[Treta Yuga]]'', sage Vishwamitra possessed this weapon <ref>{{Cite web |last=Rao |first=Desiraju Hanumanta |title=Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - Sarga 56 |url=http://www.valmikiramayan.net/utf8/baala/sarga56/bala_56_prose.htm |website=www.valmikiramayan.net}}</ref>

|[[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 until he acquired the axe from Lord [[Shiva]].

|Suryastra||[[Surya]]||The Sequestrator of the brilliance of enemies. Karna obtained this from Lord Surya.

|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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CLXX |url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03170.htm}}</ref>   

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