Astra (weapon)

An astra (Sanskrit: अस्त्र) is a supernatural weapon in Hindu mythology. It is presided over by a specific deity and imbued with spiritual and occult powers that causes its effects.The term came to subsequently denote any weapon which was used by releasing it from one's hand (such as an arrow), compared to keeping it one's hand (such as a sword).

For the modern-day weapon, see Astra (missile).

The bearer of an astra is called an astradhari (Sanskrit: अस्त्रधारी).

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