Astra (weapon)

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

The bearer of an astra is called an astradhari (अस्त्रधारी).

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

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

Summoning of an Astra
To summon or use an astra required use of a specific incantation or invocation. The deity invoked would then endow the weapon with supernatural powers, making it impossible to counter through regular means. Specific conditions existed involving the usage of astras, the violation of which could be fatal. Because of the power involved, the knowledge involving an astra was passed in the Guru-shishya tradition from a Guru (teacher) to a Shishya (pupil) by word of mouth alone, and only following the establishment of the student's character. Certain astras had to be handed down from the deity involved directly, knowledge of the incantation being insufficient.

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

The divya ("divine") astras were generally invoked into arrows, although they could potentially be used with anything. Ashwatthama invoked Brahmashirshstra using a blade of grass as his weapon. Arjuna was capable of shooting all of his celestial weapons including Pashupatastra by the power of his mind alone.