The Battle of Kurukshetra would be incomplete without the mention of Arjuna's or Dhanjaya's arsenal & it's illustration for he prepared for the same over a period of 12 years of their exile & this weapons were first unleashed in the Virat Yudh. The Kaurava's were exposed to the full might of Arjuna's arsenal & was completely outclassed.
However we have to remember the basic definition between a Astra & a Shastra. While a Shastra is man made from metals & natural resources available on this earth, but a Astra is invoked through mantra's recited by the holder of the weapon on Nadh Bramha & can be initiated from anything which includes a Astra. Here is a look at Arjuna's arsenal & the backbone of which was the Gandiv his divine bow
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1. Adityastra
Quote:
When that
darkness was dispelled frightful waves of water appeared. For drying
up those waters, Arjuna applied the weapon called Aditya.
And in consequence of that weapon, the waters were almost
dried up.
Analysis: The effect of this weapon was similar to the Vayavyastra as
the Adityastra would counter the waves of water and it
would dry it up. This was a field affect weapon.
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2. Bhaumastra
Quote:
And by the Bhauma weapon, he
created land, and by the Parvatya weapon, he brought
mountains into being.
Analysis: Based on the above text this weapon has the ability to
materialize and create land, perhaps earthbend or create earthquakes.
·
3. Raudrastra
Quote:
Thereupon
collecting (my energies) in fight, I (bowed down) unto that god of gods,
Raudra, and saying, 'May welfare attend on all beings!' I fixed that mighty
weapon which, celebrated under the name of Raudra, is the destroyer of all
foes. Then I beheld a male person having three heads, nine eyes, three
faces, and six arms. And his hair was flaming like fire or the sun. And, O
slayer of foes, for his dress, he had mighty serpents, putting out their
tongues. And saying, O best of the Bharatas, the dreadful and eternal
Raudra, I being free from fear, set it on the Gandiva; and, bowing unto the
three-eyed Sarva of immeasurable energy, let go (the weapon), with the object
of vanquishing those foremost of the Danavas, O Bharata.
Analysis: 3
Heads, 9 Eyes, 3 Faces & 6 Arms.
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4. Pashupatastra
Quote:Verily, that
shaft was the excellent Pashupata that mighty and terrible
weapon, which is without a second, indescribable for its power, and capable of
striking every creature with fear. Of vast proportions, it seemed to constantly
vomit sparks of fire. Possessed of one foot, of large teeth, and a
thousand heads and thousand Stomachs, it has a thousand arms, a thousand
tongues, and a thousand eyes. Indeed, it seemed to continually vomit fire. O
thou of mighty arms, that weapon is superior to the Brahma, the Narayana, the
Aindra, the Agneya, and the Varuna weapons. Verily, it is capable of
neutralising every other weapon in the universe. It was with that weapon
that the illustrious Mahadeva had in days of yore, burnt and
consumed in a moment the triple city of the Asuras. With the greatest
ease, O Govinda, Mahadeva, using that single arrow, achieved that
feat. That weapon, shot by Mahadeva's arms, can, without doubt consume in half
the time taken up by a twinkling of the eyes the entire universe with all its
mobile and immobile creatures. In the universe there is no being
including even Brahma and Vishnu and the deities,
that are incapable of being slain by that weapon.
Analysis: 1000
Heads, 1000 Eyes, 1000 Stomachs, 1000 Tongues & 1000 Arms. Arjuna could
even kill Brahma and Visnu with this weapon. Using it he is the best. Not much
said about shiva here though. Capable of nuetralizing all other weapons
including Narayanastra.
Verily, that
shaft was the excellent Pasupata that mighty and terrible
weapon, which is without a second, indescribable for its power, and
capable of striking every creature with fear. Of vast proportions, it seemed to
constantly vomit sparks of fire. Possessed of one foot, of large
teeth, and a thousand heads and thousand Stomachs,
it has a thousand arms, a thousand tongues, and a thousand eyes.
Indeed, it seemed to continually vomit fire. O thou of mighty arms, that weapon
is superior to the Brahma, the Narayana, the Aindra, the Agneya, and the
Varuna weapons. Verily, it is capable of neutralizing every other
weapon in the universe.
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5. Antardhana
Quote:
By the Antardhana weapon all
these were made to disappear. Now the beloved one of his preceptor
(Arjuna) appeared tall and now short; now he was seen on
the yoke of his car, and now on the car itself; and
the next moment he was on the ground.
Analysis: It
appeared as if this was a magical weapon that could warp reality or cause
confusion in people's eyes and the way they viewed Arjuna. Everything Arjuna
did before was caused to dissapear due to this weapon.
·
6. Vayavyastra
Quote:
Hearing those
words of his, Dhananjaya with great speed dispelled, by means of
the Vayavya weapon, that arrowy downpour shot by his foes.
Then the illustrious Vayu (the presiding deity of that mighty weapon) bore
away crowds of Samsaptakas with steeds and elephants
and cars and weapons, as if these were dry leaves of trees. Borne away
by the wind, O king, they looked highly beautiful, like flights of birds, O
monarch, flying away from trees.
Analysis: It
seems like this was a different level of the weapon and it may have summoned
the god Vayu to fight for Arjuna. It had the power to control the wind and air
and move people by its will. Throwing opponents away and tossing them. It could
make it look like Karna was running. it could also blow away any arrows that
are coming towards you.
·
7. Bramhmastra
Quote:
Thereupon,
Partha shot the Brahma weapon and nearly
exterminated them all. Hundreds upon hundreds of arms with bows and arrows and
bowstrings in grasp, cut off from trunks, and hundreds upon
hundreds of standards and steeds and charioteers and car-warriors, fell down on
the ground. Huge elephants, well-equipped and resembling foremost hills
over-grown with woods or masses of clouds, afflicted with Partha's
shafts and deprived of riders, fell down on the earth.
Many elephants again, with riders on their backs, crushed by means of Arjuna's
shafts, fell down, deprived of life, shorn of the embroidered
cloths on their backs, and with their housings torn.
Analysis: The
brahmastra was a weapon that would create multiple arrows, due to Arjuna's
skill he was able to handle it and aim it correctly at his foes cutting off
their body parts. This Brahmastra almost killed all the sampsaptakas (their
were lakhs of them alive).
·
8. Bramhashirastra
Quote:
"People say
that thou art a master of the high brahmastra, that
mighty means (for achieving the destruction of foes). Do thou then, O
Savyasaci, use another weapon of the same kind." Thus
addressed by his brother, Savyasachi used a second weapon of the kind. With
that, Partha of abundant energy shrouded all the points of the compass,
cardinal and subsidiary, with arrows sped from Gandiva that
resembled fierce snakes and were like the blazing rays of the sun.
Analysis: Bhima
claimed that Arjuna was a master of the Brahmashirastra, and so did many
others, and he did defeat Karna many times so he clearly is. Arjuna used Bramhashirastra
over here and it just basically poured so many arrows, such a large amount that
it clouded the vision of everyone else and covered them. It was similar to a
machine gun. It's a weapon of the "same kind". Arjuna basically
blotted out the sun.
·
9. Brahmanandastra
Quote:
Pritha's son
Dhananjaya, O child, was acquainted with the weapon called Bramhanandastra. Neither
from wrath, nor for thy destruction in battle, did he shoot this weapon.
Arjuna, on the other hand, used it for baffling thy weapon. He has again
withdrawn it. Having obtained even the Bramhmastra through thy
sire's instructions, the mighty-armed Dhananjaya did not fall off from a kshatriya's duties.
Arjuna is possessed of such patience, and such honesty. He is, besides, conversant
with every weapon, Why dost thou seek to compass the destruction of such a
person with all his brothers? That region where the weapon called brahmashira is
baffled by another high weapon suffers a drought for twelve years, for the
clouds do not pour a drop of water there for this period.
Analysis: This
weapon had the ability to consume the whole world (as stated in Kmg Mahabharata
Adi parva Section 142,143). Also the Bramhmashira is a weapon that can be used
to baffle another person's weapon.
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10. Mahendrastra
Quote:
Then drawing
with his two hands and with great force his beautiful bow Gandiva of
immeasurable energy, he invoked with proper mantras the highly
wonderful and terrible Mahendra weapon and caused it
to appear in the welkin. And with that mighty weapon producing
profuse showers of arrows endued with the effulgence of the blazing fire,
that high-souled and mighty bowman, decked with diadem and garland of gold,
checked the entire Kaurava host. And those shafts from Partha's bow, cutting
off the arms, bows, standard-tops, and cars, penetrated into the bodies
of the kings and of the huge elephants and steeds of the foe.
Analysis: This
weapon was like a machine gun that issued out many arrows upon arrows in a very
short amount of time. Since it was a weapon of the "king" of gods it
killed alot of kings. Notice the quote "And in that awful slaughter
of kings, heroic combatants were slain and car-warriors with those that
guided their cars." It was like an upgraded version of the Bhargavastra
(a weapon that would have millions of arrows come out of it).
·
11. Tvashtrastra
Quote:
Causing wrinkles
to form themselves on his brow, sure indications of wrath, the son of Pandu
blew his prodigious conch, called Devadatta, and then he shot the
weapon called Tvashtra that is capable of slaying
large bodies of foes together. Thereupon, thousands of separate
forms started into existence there (of Arjuna himself and of Vasudeva).
Confounded by those diverse images after the form of Arjuna, the troops began
to strike each other, each regarding the other as Arjuna's self.' 'This
is Arjuna!' 'This is Govinda!' 'They are Pandu's son and he is of
Yadu's race!' Uttering such exclamations, and deprived of their senses,
they slew one another in that battle. Deprived of their senses by that mighty
weapon, they slew one another. Indeed, those warriors (while
striking one another) looked beautiful like blossoming Kinsukas.
Consuming those thousands of arrows shot by them, that (mighty)
weapon despatched those heroes to Yama's abode.
Analysis: This
weapon was of high quality. it basically made your opponents fight against each
other (so it could only be used against a group, more than one person at a time
etc).
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12. Paurandarastra
Quote:
By the grace of
my preceptor I have become accomplished in the Brahma and
the Paurandara weapons. I am here to vanquish thee in
battle. Therefore, O hero, wait a little.' "Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus
addressed (by Arjuna), Karna the adopted son of Radha desisted
from the fight, for that mighty chariot-fighter thought that Brahma energy
is ever invincible.
Analysis: Karna
was so scared hearing the name of this weapon, that he chose to run away from
the battlefield.
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13. Sammohanastra
Quote:
And warding off
with weapons, all the weapons of those bulls among the Kurus, the wielder of
the Gandiva who was capable of enduring all foes, evolved
another irresistible weapon obtained from Indra, called Sanmohana.
And entirely covering the cardinal and other directions with sharp and
keen-edged arrows furnished with beautiful feathers, that mighty hero
stupefied their senses with the twang of the Gandiva.
Analysis: The
myth of this weapon being able to swoon people and make them unconscious does
not seem to be true at all. As the text states warriors became unconscious due
to the twang of Arjuna's bowstring. the text does state that the Sanmohan-astra
is a weapon of feathered arrows though.
·
14. Thunderbolt (Vajrastra)
Quote:
Hearing those
words of his, I then discharged the favourite weapon of the king of the
celestials--the dreadful thunderbolt. And inspiring the Gandiva
with mantras, I, aiming at the locality of the crags, shot
sharpened iron shafts of the touch of the thunder-bolt. And sent by
the thunder, those adamantine arrows entered into all those illusions and
into the midst of those Nivata-Kavachas. And slaughtered by the
vehemence of the thunder, those Danavas resembling cliffs,
fell to the earth together in masses.
Analysis: Using
this weapon Arjuna was able to kill the Nivata-kavachas (deadly demons that not
even Karna's father Surya could defeat).
Sri Krishna even
says that "among weapons i am Vajra"
Quote:Among
weapons I am the thunderbolt, among cows I am (she called) Kamadhenu.
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15. Varunastra
Quote:
The fire
of that weapon consumed them not, in consequence of their having laid aside
their weapons, as also in consequence of the force of the Varuna weapon,
and owing also to the energy possessed by themselves.
Analysis: This weapon was shot by Arjuna to protect his brother Bhima
from the Narayanastra (shot by Aswathama).
·
16. Agneyastra
Quote:
This fiery
weapon (that I shall hurl at thee), Vrihaspati
the revered preceptor of Indra, gave unto Bharadwaja, from whom it was obtained
by Agnivesya, and from Agnivesya by my preceptor, that foremost of Brahmanas,
Drona, who gave it away to me.' Saying these words, the Pandava wrathfully
hurled at the Gandharva that blazing weapon made of
fire which burnt the Gandharva's chariot in
a trice. Deprived of consciousness by the force of that weapon, the
mighty Gandharva was falling, head downward, from his chariot.
Analysis: This is the Agneya weapon. it has the ability to create fire
once it is launched. Thanks to this weapon Arjuna swooned the gandharva and
destroyed his chariot.
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17. Parvatyastra
Quote:
And by the Bhauma weapon,
he created land, and by the Parvatya weapon, he
brought mountains into being.
Analysis: Thanks
to the Parvat astra he could raise mountains out of thin air.
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18. Parjanyastra
Quote:
By the Agneya weapon,
he created fire, and by the Varuna weapon he created water, by
the Vayavya weapon, he created air, and by the Parjanya weapon he
created clouds.
Analysis: This weapon
was used to create clouds.
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19. Aindrastra
Quote:
Beholding
the Bramhmastra, Arjuna invoked the Aindra weapon with
proper mantras. Inspiring gandiva, its
string, and his shafts also, with mantras, that scorcher of
foes poured showers like Purandara pouring rain in torrents. Those arrows
endued with great energy and power, issuing out of Partha's car, were seen to
be displayed in the vicinity of Karna's vehicle.
Analysis:
Perhaps the aindra weapon was a weak one as what to speak of Arjuna? Even
warriors like karna have countered this weapon. What happened to karna's
brahmastra is not stated.
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20. Indrastra
Quote:
Beholding that
shower of arrows spread over the welkin through the Aindra weapon,
Partha, endued with great activity, O king, taking up his bow gandiva, and
fixing on his bowstring a mighty weapon created by Indra, destroyed
that aindra-shower of arrows. Having baffled that
arrowy shower caused by the Aindra weapon, Partha soon
covered the car of Drona's son (with his own arrows).
Analysis: thanks
to this weapon Arjuna succeeded in countering and baffling the Aindrastra of
Aswathama.
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23. Jyotishkastra
Quote:
The latter,
however, by means of the weapons called Jyotishka, dispelled
that thick and awful darkness.
Analysis:
From it's
description it was perhaps a counter weapon used to create light or get rid of
darkness. Surprising that Arjuna did not ever use this on the fourteenth night.
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24. Yama's mace
Quote:
O accept this
weapon of mine--the mace I wield incapable of being baffled by
any body. With this weapon thou wilt achieve great deeds.'"
Vaisampayana continued, "O Janamejaya, the son of Pritha then received
from Yama that weapon duly, along with the Mantras and
rite, and the mysteries of hurling and withdrawing it.
Analysis: Yama
(the god of death) was also a teacher of Arjuna. And he taught him well. He
would have destroyed anyone using the mace of death that he just earned. Maybe
it was intended to be thrown though not used to hammer at your enemy.
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25. Vaishnavastra
Quote ( Mahabharata):
The weapons
appertaining to Agni, Varuna, Soma, Vayu,
and Vishnu, as also those appertaining to Indra, Pasupati, and Paramesthi,
and those of Prajapati, Dhatri, Tashtri, Savitri, and Vivaswat, all these are
known to Dhananjaya alone in this world of men!
Quote (Bori
Critical Edition):
‘“Shantanu’s son
glanced at him and said, ‘O king! Transcend your anger and listen to my words.
O Duryodhana! You have seen how the intelligent Partha created a stream of
water that is cool and bears the fragrance of amrita. There is no one else in
this world capable of accomplishing this feat. Agneya, Varuna, Soumya,
Vayavya, Vaishnava, Aindra, Pashupata, Brahma, Parameshtha,
Prajapatya, Dhatu, Tvashtu, Savitu470 and all the other divine
weapons—among all the men on earth, Dhananjaya alone is
the one who knows them. So does Krishna, Devaki’s son. But no one
else knows them. O son! , Savitu 471 It is impossible to vanquish Pandava in battle.
Analysis:
Whether Arjuna learned this weapon from Shri Krishna or went to Devaloka and
met Vishnu and learned it from him (no one really knows currently) but the fact
remains that he had this weapon with him in his arsenal/quivers. He had all the
weapons of Vishnu including the Sudarsana Chakra.
