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{{Short description|Supernatural weapon in Hinduism}}
{{For|the modern-day weapon|Astra (missile)}}
An '''{{IAST|astra}}''' ({{Langx|sa|[[wiktionary:अस्त्र#Sanskrit|अस्त्र]]|lit=weapon (that is thrown)/missile/bolt/arrow}}) is a [[supernatural]] weapon in [[Mahakavya|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'' ({{Langx|sa|अस्त्रधारी|translit=astradhārī}}).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bane |first=Theresa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QAnoDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA120 |title=Encyclopedia of Mythological Objects |date=2020-05-29 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-1-4766-3920-8 |pages=120 |language=en}}</ref>

==History==
Astras are supernatural weapons invoked using ''[[Mantra|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.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Schrader |first=Friedrich Otto |url=http://archive.org/details/introtothepancar00shcruoft |title=Introduction to the Pañcaratra and the Ahirbudhnya samhita by F. Otto Schrader |date=1916 |publisher=Adyar, Madras Adyar Library |others=Robarts - University of Toronto |pages=125-126}}</ref> The astras are also organized into two broader groups: ''pravartaka'' (offensive) and ''nivartaka'' (defensive).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Schrader |first=Friedrich Otto |url=http://archive.org/details/introtothepancar00shcruoft |title=Introduction to the Pañcaratra and the Ahirbudhnya samhita by F. Otto Schrader |date=1916 |publisher=Adyar, Madras Adyar Library |others=Robarts - University of Toronto |pages=126}}</ref>

==Summoning ==
To summon or use an ''astra'' requires a specific [[mantra|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 student's character had been established. Certain ''astras'' had to be handed down from the deity directly; knowledge of the incantation was insufficient.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

==Hindu epics==

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 [[Krishna]] had more astras than any other warrior. It is believed that Rama possessed all the astras.<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 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|Brahmaśirśāstra]] using a blade of grass as his weapon. <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>{{Cite web|url=https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03164.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CLXIV|website=sacred-texts.com}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
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!Astra!!Deity!!Effect
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|[[Brahmastra]]||[[Brahma]]||Brahma's celestial weapon. It could destroy entire armies at once and counter most other astras. It is an invincible supreme weapon in the ''[[Matsya Purana]]''.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Basu |first=Baman Das |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1fok0UPbkZsC&q=Brahmastra+invincible&pg=PA79 |title=The Matsya Puranam (vols.2 Set) |date=2007 |publisher=Cosmo Publications |isbn=978-81-307-0557-6 |pages=79 |language=en}}</ref> It was the only weapon capable of piercing the Brahma kavacha, Brahma's 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.<ref>{{Cite book |last=DK |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nsI8EAAAQBAJ&pg=PA292 |title=The Illustrated ''Ramayana'': The Timeless Epic of Duty, Love, and Redemption |date=2022-12-15 |publisher=Dorling Kindersley Limited |isbn=978-0-241-56053-2 |pages=292 |language=en}}</ref>
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|[[Trishula]]||[[Shiva]]||[[Shiva|Shiva's]] [[trident]]. According to [[Shaivism|Shiva]] tradition, the trishula is the most powerful weapon in Hindu mythology, being infallible and capable of destroying anything except for Shiva and [[Parvati]].
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|[[Sudarshana Chakra]]||[[Vishnu]]|| Vishnu's celestial discus, created for him by [[Vishvakarma]]. [[Vaishnavism|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.<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 was used by Krishna, Vishnu's eighth [[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>
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|Vibhuti||[[Mahadevi|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 resembles saffron, and when it is released, it spills the ash on the vulnerable positions of the enemy combatants, not affecting allies.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bane |first=Theresa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QAnoDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA167 |title=Encyclopedia of Mythological Objects |date=2020-05-29 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-1-4766-3920-8 |pages=167 |language=en}}</ref> After the ash is spilled, arrows are released to destroy the enemy.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Shastri |first1=J. L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n3hMEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA565 |title=The Skanda Purana Part 2: Ancient Indian Tradition And Mythology [Volume 50] |last2=Bhatt |first2=G. P. |date=1993 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-1022-8 |pages=565 |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mani |first=Vettam |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mvXsDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA107 |title=Puranic Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Work with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature |date=2015-01-01 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0597-2 |pages=107–108 |language=en}}</ref>
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|[[Indrastra]]||[[Indra]]||Indra's celestial weapon. It produces thousands of duplicates of itself and attacks the enemy with devastating effect, as employed by Arjuna in the ''Mahabharata''.<ref>{{Cite book |first=N.V.R. |last=Krishnamacharya |url=http://archive.org/details/the-mahabharata-by-dr-n-v-r-krishnamacharya-in-english |title=The Mahabharata By Dr. N.V.R. Krishnamacharya In English |date=2015 |publisher=TTD |pages=274 |language=English}}</ref> It is possessed by other warriors including Lakshmana, [[Meghanada]], and Rama.
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|Vasavishakti||[[Indra]]||Indra's ''[[shakti]]'' (divine energy). When used, it kills the opponent, but it could only be used once. It was employed by [[Karna]] to kill [[Ghatotkacha]] in the [[Kurukshetra War]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=http://archive.org/details/mahabharata0000unse_z9l5 |title=Mahabharata |date=2007 |publisher= Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan |location=Mumbai |isbn=978-81-7276-405-0 |pages=664 |language=English}}</ref>
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|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]].<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Valmiki |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qj9bDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT4472 |title=Delphi Collected Sanskrit Epics (Illustrated) |last2=Vyasa |date=2018-05-19 |publisher=Delphi Classics |isbn=978-1-78656-128-2 |pages=4472 |language=en}}</ref> In the ''Ramayana'', Rama has this weapon.
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|[[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 (Hinduism)|Sagara]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Williams |first=George M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N7LOZfwCDpEC&pg=PA69 |title=Handbook of Hindu Mythology |date=2008-03-27 |publisher=OUP USA |isbn=978-0-19-533261-2 |pages=69 |language=en}}</ref> During the Kurukshetra war, [[Ashvathama]] used it to reduce a whole [[Akshauhini]] of soldiers, horses, chariots and elephants to ashes.<ref name="Dipavali Debroy">{{cite journal |journal= Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute|last1= Debroy|first1= Dipavali|volume= 67|issue= 1/4|year= 1986| title= Divyāstras of the Kurukṣetra War| url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/41693230|publisher=Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute|page= 4| jstor= 41693230}}</ref>
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|[[Varunastra]]||[[Varuna]]||[[Varuna]]'s celestial weapon. It released torrential volumes of water. This weapon is commonly mentioned as being used to counter the [[Agneyastra]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=D.Sc. (Paris) |first=Dr R. Krishnan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wYy9EAAAQBAJ&pg=PT449 |title=Mahabharata |date=2023-05-08 |publisher=Giri Trading Agency Private Limited |isbn=978-81-7950-842-8 |pages=443 |language=en}}</ref> It is possessed by Rama, [[Indrajit]], [[Ravana]], Lakshmana, [[Arjuna]], [[Bhishma]], and [[Drona]].
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|Manavastra|| [[Manu (Hinduism)|Manu]]|| Manu's celestial weapon. It carries the target hundreds of thousands of ''[[yojana]]s'' away<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sharma |first=Bulbul |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JXZbD3jYeRAC&pg=PA10 |title=The ''Ramayana'' |date=2008-01-09 |publisher=Penguin Books India |isbn=978-0-14-333031-8 |pages=10 |language=en}}</ref> and could inspire humane traits in an evil being. This weapon was used by Rama on the [[rakshasa]] [[Maricha]] in the ''Ramayana''.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bane |first=Theresa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RAnoDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA106 |title=Encyclopedia of Mythological Objects |date=2020-06-22 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-1-4766-7688-3 |pages=106 |language=en}}</ref> Arjuna also possesses this weapon.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Menon |first=Ramesh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5GgCZqN_hAgC&pg=PA275 |title=The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering |date=2006-07-20 |publisher=iUniverse |isbn=978-0-595-84565-1 |pages=275 |language=en}}</ref>
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|[[Pasha (Hinduism)|Varunapasha]]|| [[Varuna]]|| [[Varuna]]'s noose.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dalal |first=Roshen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zrk0AwAAQBAJ&pg=PT1324 |title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide |date=2014-04-18 |publisher=Penguin UK |isbn=978-81-8475-277-9 |pages=1324 |language=en}}</ref> It bears seven loops, capable of torturing sinners and allowing no escape.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Pandey |first=Rajbali |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rXjkBgAAQBAJ&pg=PT35 |title=Atharvaveda |date=2015-03-03 |publisher=Diamond Pocket Books Pvt Ltd |isbn=978-81-288-2276-6 |pages=35 |language=en}}</ref> Warriors including Rama, Indrajit and Arjuna possessed this weapon.
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|Bhaumastra|| [[Bhumi (goddess)|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.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Menon |first=Ramesh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iOsat19ryloC&pg=PA147 |title=The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering |date=July 2006 |publisher=iUniverse |isbn=978-0-595-40187-1 |pages=147 |language=en}}</ref>
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|Bhargavastra|| [[Parashurama]]|| Parashurama's celestial weapon. It is a mysterious weapon in Hindu mythology. No one knows about this weapon except for Parashurama and Karna. Karna uses this astra to counter the Indrastra in the ''Mahabharata''.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Menon |first=Ramesh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5GgCZqN_hAgC&pg=PA382 |title=The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering |date=2006-07-20 |publisher=iUniverse |isbn=978-0-595-84565-1 |pages=382 |language=en}}</ref>
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|Nagastra||[[Nāga|Nagas]]||Celestial weapon associated with the Naga race. It has an unerring aim and takes the form of a snake which is deadly upon impact. Arjuna used this against Susharma, and Karna is also described as possessing it.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Raman |first=Gowri |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VDvqDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA322 |title=Mahabharatha |date=2020-06-09 |publisher=Blue Rose Publishers |pages=322 |language=en}}</ref>
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|[[Pasha (Hinduism)|Nagapasha]]||[[Nāga|Nagas]]||Noose associated with the Naga race. Upon impact, this weapon binds the target in coils of venomous snakes.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HkUQYvw2HGkC&pg=PA596 |title=Vyasa's Mahabharatam |date=2008 |publisher=Academic Publishers |isbn=978-81-89781-68-2 |pages=596 |language=en}}</ref> In the ''Ramayana'', Indrajit used it against Rama and Lakshmana. Arjuna obtained it from his wife [[Ulupi]].
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|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''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Valmiki ''Ramayana'' - Yuddha Kanda |url=http://www.valmikiramayan.net/yuddha/sarga102/yuddha_102_frame.htm |website=www.valmikiramayan.net}}</ref>
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|[[Anjalika Astra|Anjalikastra]]||[[Indra]]||Celestial weapon affiliated with Indra. It was employed by Arjuna to behead Karna.<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>
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|[[Vayuvyastra|Vayavyastra]]||[[Vayu]]||Vayu's celestial weapon, which brings a gale capable of lifting armies off the ground. During the Kurukshetra War, Ashwatthama used it to penetrate the illusions made by Anjanaparvan. Arjuna uses this astra against Drona.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Menon |first=Ramesh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5GgCZqN_hAgC&pg=PA190 |title=The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering |date=2006-07-20 |publisher=iUniverse |isbn=978-0-595-84565-1 |pages=190 |language=en}}</ref> Indrajit and Rama also had this weapon.
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|[[Suryastra]]||[[Surya]]||Surya's celestial weapon which produces a dazzling light that dispels any darkness and dries water bodies while discharging fire.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bane |first=Theresa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QAnoDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA148 |title=Encyclopedia of Mythological Objects |date=2020-05-29 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-1-4766-3920-8 |pages=148 |language=en}}</ref>
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|Maghavana
|[[Indra]]
|Indra's celestial weapon. It is a swift and flaming weapon during crossfire, especially used 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>
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|[[Vajra]]||[[Indra]]||Indra's personal thunderbolt which creates bolts of lightning. 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>
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|Mohiniastra||[[Mohini]]||Celestial weapon named for Mohini, the female avatar of Vishnu. It produces a mesmerising song and dispels [[maya (illusion)|''maya'']] or sorcery in the vicinity. Arjuna used this astra against the [[nivatakavacha]]s and dispelled illusions created by them.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Menon |first=Ramesh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UBXoGiirA6oC&pg=PA515 |title=The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering |date=2006-07-20 |publisher=iUniverse |isbn=978-0-595-84564-4 |pages=515 |language=en}}</ref>
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|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. Only [[Arjuna]] and Rama possessed this weapon. It was created by Tvashtr, the divine builder and artisan.<ref>{{cite book|author=Theresa Bane|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RAnoDwAAQBAJ|title=Encyclopedia of Mythological Objects|publisher=McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers|year=2024|isbn=9781476676883|page=162}}</ref>
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|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 the Kauravas, causing them to become unconscious, but Drona used his Prajnastra to stop its effect.
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|Parvatastra||||Caused a ''parvata'' (mountain) to fall on the target from the skies. Arjuna possessed this astra.
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|[[Brahmashirsha astra|Brahmashirastra]]||[[Brahma]]||Capable of killing [[Deva (Hinduism)|''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 the Brahmastra. The ''[[Mahabharata]]'' reports that the weapon manifests with the four heads of Brahma on its tip. In the [[Mahabharata]], it was wielded by 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.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Childress |first=David Hatcher |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E4pXDwAAQBAJ&dq=brahmastra+remove+from+the+past,+present+and+future+childress&pg=PT12 |title=Vimana: Flying Machines of the Ancients |date=2013-12-18 |publisher=SCB Distributors |isbn=978-1-939149-23-7 |language=en}}</ref>
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|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.
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|[[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.<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 to invoke it a second time rebounds 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.<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 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.
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|Vaishnavastra||[[Vishnu]]||Destroyed its target, irrespective of the target's nature. It must be obtained from [[Lord Vishnu|Vishnu]] directly. The only counter was to invoke another Vaishnavastra to counter the attacking Vaishnavastra or for the presiding deity to stop the Vaishnavastra. In the ''[[Mahabharata]]'', [[Narakasura]], [[Bhagadatta]], and [[Krishna]] 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.<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>
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|[[Kaumodaki]]||[[Vishnu]]||Vishnu's divine mace, which destroyed whole armies and was infallible and without parallel. Krishna slayed the demon Dantavakra with it.
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|[[Sharanga (Hindu mythology)|Sharanga]] ||[[Vishnu]]||Vishnu's bow, also called the ''Vaishnava dhanush'', was used by [[Rama]], then [[Krishna]].
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|[[Nandaka]]||[[Vishnu]]||Visnu's sacred sword, which had an indestructible blade. It was used by Krishna to kill countless demons.
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|[[Vijaya (bow)|Vijaya]]||[[Shiva]]|| Celestial weapon made by [[Vishvakarma]] for [[Lord Shiva|Shiva]]. It was given to [[Parashurama]], who gave it to Karna, impressed by his skills.<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> The only time Karna ever fought using the Vijaya ''dhanush''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08042.htm | title=The Mahabharata, Book 8: Karna Parva: Section 42 }}</ref> was on the 17th day of the Kurukshetra war when he fought against Arjuna and met his fate with Anjalikastra.

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|[[Shiva Dhanush|Pinaka]]||[[Shiva]]||Shiva's bow, also called [[Shiva]] dhanush, which he used to kill countless asuras in battle ([[Tripura]] was destroyed by Shiva using the [[Shiva Dhanush|Pinaka]]). It was given to [[Parashurama]] By Shiva.
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|Maheshvarastra||[[Shiva]]|| The power of [[Shiva]]'s third eye. It 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 [[Dvapara Yuga|Dwapar Yuga]], only [[Arjuna]] possessed it.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Krishnan |first=R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KJIUEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT288 |title=Valmiki ''Ramayana'' |date=2021-01-16 |publisher=Giri Trading Agency Private Limited |isbn=978-81-7950-730-8 |pages=288 |language=en}}</ref>
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|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 the ''Mahabharata'', Arjuna uses it against 30 million Nivatakavachas and Kalakeyas. Only [[Arjuna]] possessed this weapon in the ''Mahabharata''.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03170.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CLXX|website=sacred-texts.com}}</ref>
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|[[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. It can destroy any target, irrespective of its nature. This astra could destroy the 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>
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|[[Parashu|Vidyudabhi]]||[[Shiva]]||The Vidyudabhi was an unconquerable and indestructible Parashu (axe) given to [[Parashurama]] by [[Shiva]], along with other divine weapons. 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.
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|[[Chandrahasa (Hinduism)|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 and [[Ravana]]'s days would be numbered.
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|[[Gandiva]]||[[Brahma]]||This invincible bow was created by [[Brahma]], who created the universe. Brahma held it 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 ''Khandava-daha Parva''. 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).
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|Sabdavedastra|| ||Prevents an opponent from turning invisible. Used by Arjuna against Gandharva king Chitrasena. In the ''Mahabharata'', only Karna, Arjuna and Krishna knew about this weapon.
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|Antardhanastra||[[Kubera]]||The Antardhanastra would make things, people, or entire places disappear. This astra was given to Arjuna by Kubera.
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|Prajnastra||||This weapon was used to restore a person's senses and thoughts. It was a good counter to the Sammohana Astra. Warriors like Arjuna and Drona used this astra in war.
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|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.
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|Visoshana||[[Indra]]||The Visoshana was the drying weapon which could dry anything. It was an amazing counter to the Varunastra. Arjuna obtained this weapon from Indra in heaven.<ref name="auto"/>
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|Jyotikshastra||[[Surya]]||The Jyotikshastra could brighten a dark area. Arjuna had this astra in the ''Mahabharata''.
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|Sauparna||||The Sauparnatra would invoke [[Garuda]]. 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.<ref name="Suparna">{{Cite web|author=|url=https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/451318|title="Fighting Arjuna, Susarma Unleashes the Suparna Weapon which Invokes Garuda", Folio from a Razmnama|publisher=Metropolitan Museum of Art}}</ref>
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|Govardhana||[[Vishnu]]||Powerful bow of Vishnu. During the Mahabharata, Vishnu gave Vidura this bow.
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|Barbarika's Teen Baan
|[[Shiva]]
|This astra is considered to be Amogh i.e infallible as it cannot be countered by anything. This Teen Baan means Three Arrows that are used as the weapons and they come with certain rules. The first arrow is used to mark things, objects, people or opponents that we want to attack. The second arrow is used to mark the things, objects, people or opponents that we don’t want attack. The third arrow actually does the attack and destroys everything that is marked by first leaving everything that is marked by third arrow. It was possessed by [[Barbarika]] ([[Ghatotkacha]]’s Son). This astra was given to Barbarik by [[Shiva|Lord Shiva]] himself.
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|Chandrastra
|[[Chandra|Soma (Moon god)]]
|When is used it can produce freezing cold and also it is the best counter to Suryastra as it can cancel out the heat created by Suryastra.
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|[[Vel]]
|[[Kartikeya]]
|The [[Vel]] is the divine spear or lance associated with [[Kartikeya]] (also known as Murugan), the Hindu god of war, and is a symbol of his power, valor, and victory, often depicted as being given to him by his mother Parvati. According to Shaiva tradition, the goddess [[Parvati]] gifted the vel to her son [[Kartikeya]], as an embodiment of her shakti, to vanquish the asura Surapadman. The [[Skanda Purana]] mentions that when [[Kartikeya]] faced the asura Surapadma, the latter turned into a mango tree, which was then split in half by Kartikeya using his [[vel]].
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== See also ==
{{portal|Hinduism|India}}
* [[Astras of Arjuna]]
* [[Ramayana]]
* [[The Mahabharata]]
* [[Bhagavata Purana]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Astras| ]]
[[Category:Weapons in Hindu mythology]]

Astra weapon - Revision history

Siddharth Darnal at 19:09, 8 March 2026