INTRODUCTION
According to Hinduism, Divine weapons forms part of each and every deity. Almost all the Hindu deities holds some weapons in their hands, in order to remove the evil forces from the universe and to safeguard their devotees, and to maintain peace and prosperity in the universe. By possessing the divine weapons, the gods and the demi gods are considered as more powerful and similar to worshipping the gods and goddesses Hindus would worship their divine weapons also. Let us see the details of divine weapons and their use:
Astra
Deity
Effect
Brahmaastra
Brahma
Would destroy the entire universe and considered as the more powerful astra as mentioned in Mahabharata. Parasurama, Bhishma, Drona, Karna and several other warriors possessed the knowledge to invoke this weapon. And this weapon was also used during the battle of Rama and Ravana.
Trishula
Shiva
The Trident of Lord Shiva is the most powerful weapon, and contains the features of Lord Shiva. And it contains the powers of Mata Parvati also.
Gada (mace)
Lord Hanuman
Weapon of Lord Hanuman. And it is used by Hanuman during the battle with Ravana and also Bheema used it during the Kurukshetra war.
Sudarshana Chakra
Vishnu
The most important weapon of Lord Vishnu, which is created by Lord Viswakarma and given by him to Lord Vishnu. It is used by Lord Vishnu at many times during his battle with the demons.
Indraastra
Indra
Possessed by Lord Indra, the god of heavens, and it contains the powers of Lord Indra, and used during the period of war.
Agneyastra
Agni
This weapon belongs to Lord Agni Dev, the god of fire and destroys all the bad elements in the universe. It is used only for productive purpose by him, and especially when he was ordered by his master Lord Indra towards invoking it against his enemies during the battle. It contains fire element.
Varunastra
Varuna
It contains water element. This weapon is mostly used to prevent the Agneyastra.
Nagaastra
The Nagas
This weapon when invoked in the battle field, releases lot of snakes and attacks the enemy forces with their poisonous flames. This weapon was used by Karna against Arjuna in Mahabharata.
Garudastra
Garuda
By invoking this weapon, one can get relieved from the clutches of the Nagaastra. It contains the features of the divine bird and the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, Sri Garuda Bhagavan.
Vayuvyastra
Vayu
By invoking this weapon, the enemy forces would be destroyed by creating severe storm and wind. Arjuna used this weapon against Karna in the battle field. Contains the powers of the great Vayu Bhagavan, the humble servant of Lord Indra and Lord Vishnu.
Suryastra
Surya
Contains the features of Lord Surya. Arjuna used this astra against Shakuni in the Kurukshtra War.
Vajra
Indra
Used by Indra to destroy the demons. Contains the features of Indra Bhagawan.
Narayanastra
Vishnu
Used by Lord Vishnu during the battles.
Kaumodaki
Vishnu
Divine mace of Lord Vishnu. Would destroy the enemy forces within a few seconds.
Sharanga (bow)
Vishnu
The bow of Lord Vishnu, was used by Sri Rama and Sri Krishna.
Nandaka
Vishnu
The sacred divine sword of Lord Vishnu. It was used by Lord Krishna to kill the demons.
Pinaka (bow)
Shiva
Also called as Shiva Dhanush, was the bow of Lord Shiva, which was given to King Janaka, father of Mata Sita, and was broken by Lord Rama during the swayamvara.
Rudra Astra
Shiva
Contains the powers of Lord Shiva. It is very powerful and used only in times of need.
Pashupatastra
Shiva
One of the most powerful weapons of Lord Shiva, and this astra was capable to destroy the entire universe. Arjuna and Rama handled this weapon.
Parashu (axe)
Shiva
The Parashu (axe) was a divine weapon given to Lord Parashurama by Lord Lord Shiva due to his devotion.
Gandiva (bow)
Shiva
Weapon of Arjuna given by Lord Shiva, and used by him during the Kurukshetra battle.
Spear
Muruga
Vel was possessed by Lord Murugan, a War God also known as Vel Murugan, and it was given by his mother Ma Parvati in order to destroy the demon king Surapadman and his forces.
Ankusa
Vinayaka
The Ankusa, a divine weapon used by Lord Vinayaka, and it was used by him during the times of his battles with the demons.
Let us worship the divine weapons and be blessed.
“OM SRI DIVYA ASTRAYA NAMAHA”
“OM SRI VINAYAKAYA NAMAHA”
“OM NAMO NARAYANAYA NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR
