There isn’t only one powerful Astra mentioned in Hinduism, but there are several! A Huge number of Astra were used in Ramayana and Mahabharata and are described in both epics. However, multiple ancient texts tell us about the powerful Astra mentioned in Hinduism. 

According to the legends, these deadly weapons were capable of the destruction of the universe. A normal human being wasn’t able to use these mythical weapons. Let’s gather details on some of the lethal and powerful Astra mentioned in Hinduism.

1. Brahmastra: 

Creator: Lord Brahma

Legend: This was the most deadly weapon that can destroy almost any Astra and is inevitable. This powerful Astra mentioned in Hinduism was capable of creating havoc destroying all the realms and could barren land for years. Brahmastra was used in battles of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Even Brahmarshi Vishwamitra used Brahmastra.

2. Trishula: 

Creator: Vishwakarma

Legend: Trishula, a trident was the personal weapon of Lord Shiva. Once used only Shiva himself or Goddess Shakti could stop it. This powerful Astra mentioned in Hinduism was able to cut through the physical world on earth. One time Shiva used Trishula to cut off God Ganesha’s head. 

3. Sudarshana Chakra:

Creator: Vishwakarma

Legend: Lord Vishnu held this disc-like weapon in his index finger that has 108 sharp edges. Vishnu used this powerful Astra mentioned in Hinduism to cut off Goddess Sati’s body parts. Also, God Krishna used it to kill his cousin Shishupala. Though, Vishnu had full control of Sudarshan Chakra.

4. Pashupatastra:

Creator: Lord Shiva

Legend: This weapon was capable of catastrophic results and could destroy the earth easily. Epic of Mahabharata mentions that Arjuna did possess this powerful Astra mentioned in Hinduism, but never used. To prevent its misuse, Shiva sealed the mantra that Summons Pashupatastra. Only Shiva can give this powerful Astra mentioned in Hinduism. 

5. Brahmanda:

Creator: Lord Brahma

Legend: Brahanda was able to nullify the power of any weapon used against its user. Brahma used this powerful Astra mentioned in Hinduism as a divine rod for defense. Sage Vashishta used it to defend himself against sage Vishwamitra’s attack.   

6. Brahmashira:

Creator: Lord Brahma

Legend: Brahma made Brahmashira 4 times stronger than Brahmastra. A single use of this powerful Astra mentioned in Hinduism could devastate the place with infertility for decades. Brahmashira was mentioned in the epic of Mahabharata because many warriors possessed it.

7. Narayanastra:

Creator: Lord Vishnu

Legend: Only Vishnu’s incarnation God Narayana had Narayanastra. This powerful Astra mentioned in Hinduism could shower millions of arrows and discs and could destroy the whole army of the enemy. A user can only use it once and if he used it again then the powerful Astra mentioned in Hinduism would kill the whole army of the user. In Mahabharata and Ramayana, only Ashwathama and God Ram repeatedly withheld Narayanastra. 

8. Bhargavastra:

Creator: God Parashurama

Legend: God Parashurama held Bhargavastra and then his student Karna. This weapon was capable of throwing a shower of arrows, discs, maces, spears and many more. Karna used this powerful Astra mentioned in Hinduism to the Akshauni army of the Pandava.

9. Vajrayudha:

Creator: Lord Brahma

Legend: God Indra had Vajrayudha and with the power of lightning he could kill the enemy. Mahabharata mentions Arjuna having this powerful Astra mentioned in Hinduism as Indra gave it to him because Arjuna was his son.

10. Teen Baan:

Creator: Lord Shiva

Legend: Shiva gave Teen Baan to Babarika who was Bhima’s grandson. Epic of Mahabharata tells us that if Babarika would have been part of the battle, he could have finished the battle in 30 seconds. The arrows can be used 3 times. 1st time to choose the target then the arrow would return to the quiver, 2nd time to choose the targets to be saved then return to the quiver and 3rs time to destroy all the targets not chosen. Hence became one of the powerful Astra mentioned in Hinduism.

Conclusion

Thank god these powerful Astra mentioned in Hinduism are supernatural and out of our reach. Can you imagine what problems these can create if they fell into the wrong hands? 

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