An**** **** is**** a supernatural**** weapon**** in**** 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.

History

Astras are supernatural weapons invoked using 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.

Summoning

To summon or use an astra requires a specific 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.

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 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.