Mythological Weapons

[divya]

Astra​

In Hindu mythology, an astra was a supernatural weapon, presided over by a specific deity. To summon or use an astra required knowledge of a specific incantation/invocation, when armed. The deity invoked would then endow the weapon, 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 from a teacher to a 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 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 Rama, Arjuna, Bheeshma etc. The astras were generally invoked into arrows, although they could potentially be used with anything—Ashwatthama invoked an astra using a blade of grass as his weapon

 

[divya]

Brahmastra​

In ancient Sanskrit writings, a Brahmastra (IAST: Brahmāstra, sanskrit: ब्रह्*मास्*त्&#2352 is a weapon created by Brahma. It is sometimes known as the Brahma Astra (Astra means 'weapon'). As described in a number of the Puranas, it is considered the deadliest weapon. It is said that when a Brahmastra is discharged, there is neither a counter attack nor a defense that may stop it. It is believed that the Brahmastra never misses its mark and must be used with very specific intent against an individual enemy or army, as the target will face complete annihilation. It is believed to be obtained by meditating on the Creator in Vedic mythology, Lord Brahma, and used only once in a lifetime. The user would have to display immense amounts of mental concentration. According to ancient Sanskrit writings, the Brahmastra is invoked by a key phrase or invocation that is bestowed upon the user when given this weapon. Through this invocation the user can call upon the weapon and use it via a medium against his adversary.
Since Brahma is considered the Creator in Sanatana Dharma, it is believed that Brahmastra was created by him for the purpose of upholding Dharma and Satya, to be used by anyone who wished to destroy an enemy who would also happen to be a part of his (Brahma's) creation. The target, when hit by Brahmastra, would be utterly destroyed.
The weapon also causes severe environmental damage. The land where the weapon is used becomes barren for eons and all life in and around that area ceases to exist. Women and men become infertile. There is severe decrease in rainfall and the land develops cracks like in a drought. There are various descriptions of weapons created by Hindu deities such as Agneyastra, Brahmastra, Chakra, Garudastra, Kaumodaki, Narayanastra, Pashupatastra, Shiva Dhanush, Sudarshana Chakra, Trishul, Vaishnavastra, Varunastra, and Vayavastra; the weapons of god (trishul, chakram, bramahstarm) are the most powerful. These mythological weapons are at times compared to similar Greek mythological weapons such as the arrows of Apollo as well as our modern nuclear weapons.
[edit]Uses

There are numerous instances within Sanskrit scriptures where the Brahmastra is used or use is threatened, including:
The confrontation of Arjuna and Ashwatthama in Mahabharata, where Arjuna retracts his weapon as ordered, but Ashwatthama, unable to do so, instead sends it to attack Arjuna's unborn grandson, Parikshit, who is subsequently saved by Krishna. Ashwatthama did not have his bow and arrow near him when he was confronted by Arjuna. So he took a piece of straw and after silently invoking the phrase he threw the straw at Arjuna, which carried the power of the Brahmastra. In response, Arjuna also invoked his Bramhastra to counter the other. But the collision of two Bramhastras would have destroyed the universe; so, Vyasdev came between the two Bramhastras and prevented the collision. Arjuna called back his Bramhastra, but Aswathama did not know this art. So, he wished to change the target and charged Parikshit, the unborn grandchild of Arjuna.
Similarly, in the Ramayana a Brahmastra is used by Rama as the "final blow" against Rakshasa Ravana during their battle in Lanka. Also, Indrajeet used Brahmastra against Hanuman when he was destroying tha Ashok Vatika after meeting Sita. Lakshman (Shri Ram's younger brother) also tried to use it with Meghnath in the same battle, but Ram stopped him from using that saying "the use of Brahamastra for this cause is not justified and is not beneficial for mankind."

 

[divya]

Pashupatastra​

The Pashupatastra (IAST: Pāśupatāstra, sanskrit: पाशुपतास्त्&#2352, in Hindu mythology, is the irresistible and most destructive personal weapon of Shiva, discharged by the mind, the eyes, words, or a bow. Never to be used against lesser enemies or by lesser warriors, the Pashupatastra is capable of destroying creation and vanquishing all beings. PashupatiNath is the most important of all Shiva temples located in Kathmandu, Nepal. Pashupatastra is the weapon of PashupatiNath.

This Pashupatastra was used in the Mahabharata war by Arjuna to kill Jayadratha. It was used against Lakshmana by Meghanada. It returned without causing any harm since it can be used only to uphold Dharma. Shiva is also known as Shambhu, Pashupatinath, Hara, Pinakadhrik, bearer of the axe and Mrityunjaya, conqueror of death. He is the spouse of Shakti, the goddess. He also is represented by Mahakala and Bhairava, the terrible, as well as many other forms including Rudra.[1]

 

[divya]

Indraastra Would bring about a 'shower' of arrows from the sky.


AgniastraThe weapon discharged would emit flames inextinguishable through normal means.

Varunaastra The weapon discharged would release torrential volumes of water. This weapon is commonly mentioned as used to counter the Agneyastra.

Nagaastra The weapon would have an inerring aim and take on the form of a snake, proving deadly upon impact.

Nagapaasha Upon impact, this weapon would bind the target in coils of living venomous snakes.(in the Ramayana, it was used against Lord Rama and Lakshmana by Indrajit)


VayvayaastraBring about a gale capable of lifting armies off the ground.

Suryastra Surya Create a dazzling light that would dispel any darkness about.
VajraTarget would be struck with bolts of lightning (vajra referring to Indra's thunderbolt).

Mohini Dispel any form of maya or sorcery in the vicinity.

TwashtarWhen used against a group of opponents (such as an army), would cause them to mistake each other for enemies and fight each other.

Sammohana/PramohanaWould cause entire hosts/armies to collapse in a trance.

Parvataastra Would cause a Parvata/mountain to fall on the target from the skies.

Brahmasirsha Capable of killing devas. Was used by Ashwatthama on Parikshit. It is thought that the Brahmasirsha is the evolution of the Brahmastra

NarayanaastraWould 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 Vishnu directly, and could be used only once. If the user were to attempt invoking it a second time, it would rebound on him, and possibly, his troops.

Vaishnavaastra Would destroy target completely, irrespective of target's nature. Infallible. This weapon had to be obtained from Vishnu directly.

 

[Nalwa]

Interesting. We could use some examples from the Greek and Roman mythological world as well.

 

[Kyusuibu Honbu]

Its all a part of literature.

 

[divya]

Gandiva​

The Gandiva (IAST: Gāṇdīva; Sanskrit: गाण्डी&#2357 is the bow of Arjuna, the hero of the Hindu epic Mahabharata.
The bow was created by Brahman of old (not to be confused with Brahma, the Creator), the supreme God in Hindu theology. Jayith held it first for a thousand years. Afterwards, Prajapati held it for five hundred and three years. After that Indra, for five and eighty years. And then Soma held it for five hundred years. And after that Varuna held it for a hundred years before handing it to Arjuna along with a Kapi/ Hanuman bannered chariot, 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 worshipped by Devas, Gandharvas and Danavas. Arjuna used it in Kurukshetra war and he was invincible. It is said that beside Lord Krishna no one except Arjuna could wield the bow in the mortal world. The bow, when twanged made the sound of thunder. Gandiva is parallel in its fame to its famous wielder. The name of Arjuna and Gandiva are spoken in single breath.
After the war, in Svargarohanika Parva, Agni reappears before Arjuna and asks him to return Gandiva along with the quivers to Varuna, the final sign of the end of the hero, the myth that Arjuna was in Earth.

 

[divya]

Vajra​

Vajra (Devanagari: वज्र, Chinese: 金剛 jīngāng; Tibetan: རྡོ་རྗེ; Wylie: rdo-rje; ZWPY: dojê, Japanese: Kongou 金&#21083 is a Sanskrit word meaning both thunderbolt and diamond.[1] As a material device, the vajra is a ritual object, a short metal weapon - originally a kind of fist-iron like Japanese yawara - that has the symbolic nature of a diamond (it can cut any substance but not be cut itself) and that of the thunderbolt (irresistible force).
The vajra is believed to represent firmness of spirit and spiritual power.[2] It is a ritual tool or spiritual implement which is symbolically used by Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, all of which are traditions of Dharma. Because of its symbolic importance, the vajra spread along with Indian religion and culture to other parts of Asia. It was used as both a weapon and a symbol in Nepal, India, Tibet, Bhutan, Siam, Cambodia, Myanmar, China, Korea and Japan.[citation needed]
The equivalent word in Tibetan is dorje[1][3] (Wylie: rdo-rje; ZWPY: dojê), which is also a common male name in Tibet and Bhutan. Dorje can also refer to a small sceptre held in the right hand by Tibetan lamas during religious ceremonies.
In the Burmese language, three words come from Pali vajira, (Burmese: ဝဇိ&#4123 including "diamond" (Burmese: စိန် sein or Burmese: ဝဇီရ wazira), "thunderbolt [of Indra]" (Burmese: ဝရဇိန် wazarein).

 

[divya]

Can they beat JF 17???

Well we just need to figure out the mantra or the passcode frequency of the Bhramastra

 

[divya]

As per hinduism the weapons were used with the use of the mantra which were in turn had a definete set of frequencies for recitation which produced the intended effect. Those mantras were never written for the sake that they never get into wrong hands. The mantras were just passed on orally from a teacher to a student. Over the period of time those mantras got lost with the corruption of men.

 

[divya]

Asi (Mahabharata)​

Frame narrative

Out of curiosity, Nakula, the fourth son of Pandu and the master of swordsmanship, had questioned the Kuru Grandsire Bhishma, on his arrowy death bed, as to which was the best weapon in all kinds of fighting. In his own personal views, Nakula thought the sword to be the most superior, since even on having lost one's bow, horse and the chariot, a skilful swordsman could still defend himself against the mace and spear wielders. Nakula further queried the Grandsire about the origin and purpose of the Khadga as well as about its first acharya("teacher, preceptor").
Gladdened by these intelligent queries by Nakula, Bhishma related to him the complete Itihaasa (Sanskrit term for 'History') of the Khadga or "divine sword" starting from its creation down to the present (i.e., time of Bharata war).
[edit]Creation of asi

The Gods, or rather Devas, approached Brahma, the creator of the universe, and protested against the unjust rule and evil doings of the demons (Danavas, namely Asuras, who belonged to a evil human race with giant build). Hearing the protest from the Gods, Brahma collected sacrificial objects and proceeded to perform a grand sacrifice with the foremost of the Rishis and Devas at the side of Himalaya.
During the course of the sacrifice, a dreadful creature sprang from the midst of the sacrificial fires scattering flames all around. It was as though a moon had arisen in the midst of the stars. He was colored like a deep-blue lotus. His teeth were sharp and terrible, stomach lean and skinny and stature very tall and slim. He was of exceeding energy and power. Simultaneously, the earth started shaking, there were turmoils in the oceans, the forceful winds started howling all around, the trees started falling and being torn apart, and the meteors started blazing through the skies!
Brahma declared:
The 'being' I have conceived is Asi. It shall effect the destruction of the enemies of the gods and restore the Dharma (righteousness).
Upon this, the creature assumed the form of a blazing, sharp-edged sword, glowing like the flames at the end of the Kalpa (aeon).
[edit]Succession of wielders of asi

Brahma gave that sword to Rudra with the bull-banner and asked him to put down the sinners and evil-doers and restore the Dharma.
Rudra, assuming his terrible form, took up the sword and started the war against the Danavas, thus tearing, piercing, lopping off, chopping off and smashing and mutilating these enemies of the Devas and the Praja.
The earth became miry with flesh and blood of Daityas (or giants) and looked like a fair-complexioned maid intoxicated with alcohol and attired in crimson robes in a full abandon.
Having extirpated the entire community of Daityas and after restoring Dharma, Rudra cast off his awful form and assumed the usual benign shape Shiva.
Rudra gave the sword, dyed with the blood of the Daityas, to Vishnu. He gave it to the Indra. Deva Indra, then gave it to other Devas.
The Devas then presented the mighty sword to Manu, advising him to wield it with utmost care, only resorting to it for punishing the transgressors of the Dharma. Mutilations and death punishments shall never be inflicted for small transgressions.
Manu used this Daevi Khadga or Divine Sword wisely and then passed it his to son Kshupa. From Kshupa it passed to Manu's other son Ikshvaku. From him it went to Pururavas, born of Ila. From him it went to Ayu. From him it passed to Nahusha. From him it passed to Yayati. From him it passed to Puru. From him it was wrested by Amurtarayas of the clan of the Amavasus. From him it went to Bhumishaya. From him it went to Bharata Daushyanti. From him it went to Ailavila, the upholder of Dharma. From him it went to Kuvalashva, the Aikshvakava of Kosala.
From king Kuvalashva, the sword was wrested by Kamboja i.e. the king of Kambojas.
From Kamboja, the Khadga passed on to Muchukunda (a Yavana king). From Muchukunda it went to Maruta.
From Maruta it went to Raivata. From him to Yuvanashva. From him it went to Raghu, the great conqueror. From him it went to Harinashva. From him it went to Shunaka. From him it went to Ushinara. From him it went to the Bhojas and Yadavas. From the Yadus it went to Shivi. From him it went to the Partardanas of Kashi. Then it was taken by Vishvamitras of the Ashtaka lineage. Then it was taken by the Panchala Prishadashva. From him it went to the Brahmins of the Bharadvaja lineage. The last of that lineage was Drona. He gave to Kripacharya. He in turn gave it to the Pandavas.
Krittika is the Nakshatra of the sword, Rohini the gotra, Agni the deity, and Rudra the Maharshi. It is truly the upholder of Dharma.
It is the foremost of the striking weapons of the son of Madravati.

 

[para-site]

Wow never knew there are sooo many astra-shastra.......sab to ek jaise hi lagte the hehe

 

[divya]

DIVYA STRA ​

​

Divyastras were astras used accompanied by chanting of the right sacred mantra. It is only when the correct mantra was chanted and used correctly... did the Divyastras penetrate the goal with alarming clarity. The power of divyastras was not available to the common man... only the sages, saints and Acharyas and their favored pupils were able to handle them properly.

No Divyastras could be used without an accompanying mantra that was essential to invoke the mighty power of the cosmic system... as is the case karate, judo and different martial arts. The power exercised by Bruce Lee has no precedence... it could not be matched by any Human being of his era... his actions were even faster than the instruments used to capture his actions. Many a times the camera itself failed to record his fast actions.

He himself was capable of almost handling a full army single-handed. It is not merely the display of physical powers but when the physical powers are combined with the chanting of the mantras... the martial art itself becomes sacred. The prime reason why the martial arts are meant for security of the self and never to be used against a weaker opponent or for any commercial purpose!

The same technique was used when Divyastras were used in the earlier times... as was the mental capability of the user... so was the instrument available to him. Lord Krishna alone was capable of handling the Sudarshan chakra and none else had the power in his times to use the Sudarshan chakra. Similar was the case with Brahmastra which was also limited to a very few individuals.

In times of Lord Krishna the science had not evolved as it is today. In present times, the commander of the forces simply gives an order and the requisite instrument is fired by a very junior army man... who is trained for that purpose. For the use of a nuclear bomb... we do not expect the commander himself to carry the bomb and use it against the opponent. Today we have means to fire the instrument from a distance and experts are available for every type of job.


In the earlier times it was a culmination of the mental powers along with the art of Spiritual warfare that decided who would be the winner in the end. The invocation of mental powers is very limited today... In present times also it is not the instruments alone which play a part but it is the handling of the instrument which plays the vital role.

The same aircraft when driven by an American pilot does not give the same results as when it is driven by an Indian pilot... the Indian pilots are considered far superior than their American counterparts and it is the handling of the aircraft which makes it a more superior weapon when in the hands of an Indian pilot.


Similar was the case in times of Lord Krishna... the same Brahmastra when used by a person with lesser knowledge did not give the desired results. Invocation of the mental powers simply means that our atman the soul within becomes the guiding factor in all operations. When rightly used... these mental powers gives us so much focus that the results are disastrous for the opposing army.


It is like getting guided by a laser beam! Divyastra do not necessarily mean they were more powerful than the guided instruments of today but comparing with almost negligible presence of science in those days... these Divyastras meant doom for the opponents. Mental powers as shown in the Star Trek serial persisted in times of Lord Krishna. It was not the mere use of hypnotic powers but the actual use of mental powers that gave Lord Krishna, Arjuna, Bhishma pitamah and various other combatants the power they exercised in the battle.

It is but difficult for me to describe the mental powers used by the Spiritual masters of the yester era... but mental powers when rightly used can cause havoc! There is nothing more powerful in the universe than the mental powers... even the atomic bombs and the hydrogen bombs carry no meaning compared to the mental divine powers possessed by the likes of Lord Krishna (considered an Avatar).

I have experienced some of these mental powers soon after realizing God but to express them in words is extremely difficult... I can vouch for these powers for I know their capability! Sudarshan chakra was never used by Lord Krishna as and when he liked it... it was not meant to be... Sudarshan chakra could only be used when the pot of sin of any individual was full to the brim... one had to have zero Punya Karma in his balance to be struck down by a Sudarshan chakra! Even Lord Krishna could not have done otherwise!


The battle of Mahabharata was primarily fought with arrows and swords... it was only a few Spiritual masters of the era who were competent enough to use Divyastras.

 

[divya]

Wow never knew there are sooo many astra-shastra.......sab to ek jaise hi lagte the hehe

Nopes there is complete description of each and every weapon their usage and their imapct in hinduism. There is everything documented apart from the methods for invoking the weapon which was the mantra which formed the frequencies to give the desired effect.

 

[divya]

Does anyone know that there are evidences of radioactivity in the area of kurukshetra of India where war of Mahabharata was fought. There are still traces of radioactivity in that region....