Serendipity ! Is it ?

I came across this article on Wikipedia while searching for ancient Hindu Literature.

We all know what a brahamastra is. But I never gave it a thought as to how it might work. The article in Wikipedia explained it and it made perfect sense as to how this weapon is such a deadly weapon.

Here goes the explaination.There were certain rules also to use this weapon.

In Hindu scriptures, a Brahmastra (IAST: Brahmāstra, sanskrit: ब्रह्‍मास्‍त्र) is a weaponBrahma. It is sometimes known as the Brahma weapon. As described in a number of the Puranas, it is considered the deadliest weapon. It is said that when a Brahmastra is discharged, there is no withdrawing back of the weapon. It is believed that the Brahmastra never misses its mark and must be used against a single enemy or army. It is believed to be obtained by meditating on the Creator in Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma, and used only once in a lifetime. Since Brahma is considered as the Creator in Hinduism, it is believed that Brahmastra was created by him for anyone who wished to destroy his or her enemy, who also happened to be a part of his creation. The target, when hit by Brahmastra, would be utterly destroyed.

It is said to be based on the concept, that this physical world is nothing but vibrations of gross matter (molecules). This aggregated matter is composed of more subtle matter (atom). A Mantra which consists of powerful vibrations, when said in a particular way (or particular tone), a strong effect is produced on the object of focus (e.g., an arrowhead). It's the energy of vibrations of the uchcharana (chanting) of mantra that imparts energy to the arrowhead and causes the destruction. The syllables and frequency at which they should be pronounced are designed so that they produce the said effect.


Also see this link for descriptions of various other Astras


I also have a question for the readers. As you know there are four Yugas in Hindu Mythology: Satayug, tretayug, dwaparyug and kaliyug.

Are there any characters from the Satyug in Indian Mythology, I know Gods were created by Brahma in Satayug, but any human incarnation of Vishnu who took birth in human form?

Was Raja HarishChandrain Satayug?

Also, if anyone can shed light on events that lead to transition from one yug to another, I only know Kalyug was set after the Mahabharat war whenLord Krishna was killed.

Any clues about TretaYug and Dwaparyug?

Also see this link for a description of time in Hindu Mythology


Feel free to consult your grandmothers and grandfathers :-)