Celestial weapon of Hindu fire god Agni
Agneyastra () is the signature celestial weapon ("astra") of the Hindu god of fire, Agni, which is featured in Sanskrit epics like the "Ramayana" and "Mahabharata", where it is invoked by many notable warrior-heroes such as Arjuna or Ashwatthama.
Description.
In classical texts, "Agneyastra"—like most "astra"—is said to take the form of a non-edged projectile weapon like a missile/rocket, javelin, or arrow/bolt. When discharged, it is said to emit flames inextinguishable through mundane means, and to unleash firepower equivalent to hundreds or even thousands of flaming arrows, thus being effective against entire legions of men. Due to its fiery nature, it can be countered by an enemy's invocation of the water-based "Varunastra".
Literature.
"Ramayana".
In the "Ramayana", the "Agneyastra" was wielded by Lakshmana and countered by Atikaya's invocation of "Suryastra", leading to them being mutually burned.
"Mahabharata".
One legend of the "Mahabharata", specifically as part of the "Ghoshayatra Parva", tells of Arjuna using the "Agneyastra" against Angaraparna, chief of the "Gandharvas", on the banks of the river Ganges, with Arjuna specifically managing to slay "ten hundreds of thousands" of Gandharvas. Arjuna had been bestowed the fire "astra" by Drona, who had received it from Agnivesha, who in turn had been given the weapon by Bharadvaja, and who himself had received it from Brihaspati.
The sage Aurva also offered the "Agneyastra" to Sagara.
During the "Kurukshetra" war, Ashwatthama summoned the "Agneyastra" to reduce a whole "akshauhini" of soldiers, horses, chariots, and elephants to ashes, before the weapon was neutralized by Arjuna's use of "Varunastra".
References.
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