Ancient Weapons of Mahabharata: List of Powerful Astras and Their Owners

The Mahabharata , an ancient Indian epic, mentions several powerful weapons (astras) wielded by various heroes and warriors. Here are some of the notable weapons and their owners:

1. Brahmastra - A powerful weapon created by Lord Brahma. It could destroy entire armies and had to be used with great caution.
   • Owners: Arjuna, Ashwatthama, Dronacharya
2. Vaishnavastra - A weapon granted by Lord Vishnu, capable of immense destruction.
   • Owner: Bhishma
3. Pashupatastra - A weapon bestowed by Lord Shiva, known for its devastating power.
   • Owners: Arjuna, Karna
4. Brahmasira - A weapon similar to Brahmastra but even more powerful, created by Lord Brahma.
   • Owner: Arjuna
5. Narayanastra - A weapon granted by Lord Vishnu, capable of creating showers of arrows and light.
   • Owner: Ashwatthama
6. Vajra - The thunderbolt weapon of Lord Indra, known for its indestructible nature.
   • Owner: Indra
7. Vasavi Shakti - A divine weapon granted to Karna by Indra, capable of killing any enemy.
   • Owner: Karna
8. Varunastra - A weapon given by Varuna, the God of the oceans, which controlled the forces of water.
   • Owner: Bhishma
9. Agneyastra - A weapon of fire, invoked by Vedic mantras and controlled by the fire god Agni.
   • Owner: Arjuna
10. Brahmashirastra - Another powerful weapon related to Lord Brahma, capable of annihilating the target completely.
    • Owner: Dronacharya
11. Garudastra - A weapon associated with Garuda, the divine eagle and mount of Lord Vishnu.
    • Owner: Bhima
12. Kapalastra - A weapon associated with the goddess Kali, capable of causing death and destruction.
    • Owner: Karna
13. Nagastra - A weapon associated with the Nagas (serpent beings), capable of releasing venomous serpents.
    • Owner: Ashwatthama
14. Vayvayastra - A wind weapon that could summon powerful winds and storms.
    • Owner: Arjuna
15. Mohini Astra - A weapon used to invoke illusions and delusions in enemies.
    • Owner: Dronacharya
16. Brahmanda Astra - A divine weapon capable of creating a powerful energy sphere that could destroy entire universes.
    • Owner: Ashwatthama
17. Samvarta Astra - A weapon capable of causing a great fire that could destroy almost anything.
    • Owner: Karna
18. Maheshwarastra - A weapon granted by Lord Shiva, capable of causing extreme destruction.
    • Owner: Dronacharya
19. Anjalikastra - was a personal astra (celestial weapon) of the king of the devas, Indra

• Owner: Arjun

These weapons were often used strategically in battles during the Mahabharata war, and their deployment played a significant role in the outcome of various conflicts between the characters in the epic. Each weapon had its own unique powers and characteristics, reflecting the diverse mythological and mystical traditions of ancient India.