((Short description|Conflicts of the Hindu Mythos))
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((Multiple issues|
((More citations needed|date=November 2015))
((Accuracy|date=June 2021))
((POV|date=June 2021))))
[[File:Barattage de l'ocean de lait.jpg|thumb|The Samudra Manthana, a major conflict between the devas and the asuras]]
((Hinduism small))[[File:Kurukshetra.jpg|thumb|375px|The Battle of Kurukshetra, fought between the [[Kaurava]]s and the [[Pandava]]s, recorded in the ''[[Mahabharata]]''.]]
'''Hindu mythological wars''' are the [[war]]s described in the [[Hindu texts]] of ancient [[India]]. These wars depicted both mortals of great prowess as well as [[Hindu deities|deities]] and [[List of legendary creatures in Hindu mythology|supernatural beings]], often wielding [[Astra (weapon)|supernatural weapons]] of great power. Hindu teachings prescribe war as the final option, to be employed only after all peaceful methods are exhausted.<ref>((cite book |last1=Roy |first1=Kaushik |title=Hinduism and the Ethics of Warfare in South Asia From Antiquity to the Present |date=15 October 2012 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-107-01736-8|pages=28, 29 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l1IgAwAAQBAJ))</ref> Participation in righteous war, or ''[[Dharma-yuddha|dharmayuddha]]'', was said to be honourable and was a principal duty of the ''Kshatriya'' or the warrior [[Varna (Hinduism)|varna]], and victory in such wars was regarded as a matter of honour.<ref>((cite book |last1=Roy |first1=Kaushik |title=Hinduism and the Ethics of Warfare in South Asia From Antiquity to the Present |date=15 October 2012 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-107-01736-8|pages=29, 30 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l1IgAwAAQBAJ))</ref>

==In Vedic literature==

===Indra and Vritra===
The central battle in the ''Vedas'' is between [[Indra]] and [[Vritra]], and the defeat of the demon Vritra leads to the liberation of rivers, cattle and ''[[Ushas]]'' ([[dawn]]/light).

=== The Kshatriya class ===
((Main|Kshatriya))
'''War Sacrifices:'''

*''[[Ashvamedha]]'': The famous horse-sacrifice was conducted by allowing a [[horse]] to roam freely for a slated period of time, with the king performing the sacrifice laying claim to all the lands it touched. The king whose authority is contested must prove himself in battle or accept the imperial supremacy of the challenging king. When the horse returns safely after the period of time, the main sacrifice is performed, and the king, if successful in obtaining dominance over other kings, is crowned ''Emperor of the World''. The ''Ashwamedha'' allows the opportunity to maintain peace if the kings do not choose to contest the sacrificial horse.
*''[[Rajasuya]]'': Considered the ultimate sacrifice, the king performing the sacrifice must openly challenge every king in the world to accept his supremacy or defeat him in battle. If and when the king returns successfully, having beaten all other known rulers, the performance of the sacrifice will send him to the abode of [[Indra]]. 
*''Vishvajit Yagna'':  a sacrifice performed by [[Brahmin]]s after a king had won a war.<ref>((cite journal|journal=The Bombay Quarterly|title=A History of Hinduism|date=1852|volume=2|pages=192–195))</ref>

== In Puranic Literature ==

===The Devasura War===
The perennial battle between the [[Deva (Hinduism)|devas]] and [[asura]]s is undertaken over the dominion of the three worlds: [[Svarga]], [[Bhūmi|Bhumi]], and [[Patala]], ([[Heaven]], [[Earth]], and the [[underworld]]). Both races are technically equal, possessors of great religious and martial powers, but the devas are committed to the worship of the Supreme Being and the practice of [[virtue]]. The asuras have atheistic and devious tendencies that grow over time. The divide is the greatest in the [[Kali Yuga]], the final age.<ref name="Yukteswar">[[The Holy Science]], by Jnanavatar Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, Yogoda Sat-Sanga Society of India, 1949</ref>((Better source needed|date=November 2020|reason=Yukteswar does not follow traditional Hindu texts such as the Puranas. He theorized a new Yuga Cycle in the introduction of his book, which isn't widely accepted and doesn't have Kali Yuga as a final age.))

=== Twelve Battles ===
In the ''Varaha kalpa'', twelve battles between the devas and the asuras are described in the [[Brahmanda Purana]]:<ref>((Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2019-06-21 |title=Praise of the Lord: Conclusion [Chapter 72] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-brahmanda-purana/d/doc362930.html |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en))</ref>

# [[Narasimha]] and [[Hiranyakashipu]]
# [[Vamana]] and [[Mahabali]]
# [[Varaha]] and [[Hiranyaksha]]
# [[Samudra Manthana]]: The churning of the ocean
# [[Tarakamaya War]]: [[Chandra|Soma]] and [[Brihaspati]]
# Adibaka: According to the [[Devi-Bhagavata Purana|Devi Bhagavata Purana]],<ref>((Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2013-05-15 |title=On the description of the battle between Ādi and Baka after the discourse on Śunahśepha [Chapter 13] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/devi-bhagavata-purana/d/doc57238.html |access-date=2022-07-15 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en))</ref> the king [[Harishchandra]] promised before to [[Varuna]] that he would celebrate for his propitiation the great Naramedha sacrifice, when he would offer his own son as a victim to be immolated to cure himself of his disease. When he had second thoughts, the guru [[Vasishtha|Vashishta]] suggested that he sacrifice a Brahmin boy instead, and the king acquired a boy called Sunasepha for the deed. [[Vishvamitra]] urged him to release the innocent child, and when the king refused, taught him a mantram of Varuna, which often invoked, freed him. Vashishta cursed Vishvamitra to be born in his next birth as a ''baka'' (crane), and the latter cursed the former to take birth as an ''adi'' (myna). The crane Visvamitra built its nest on the top of a tree on the [[Lake Manasarovar|Manasarovara]] lake and began to live there. Vashistha, too, assumed the form of an adi bird, and built his nest on the top of another tree and lived there. Thus the two rishis spent their days in full enmity towards each other. These two birds used to shriek so terribly loud that they became a nuisance to all, and they fought daily with each other. [[Brahma]] then freed them from these curses, and the gurus returned to their ashrams.  
# [[Tripura (mythology)|Traipura]]: [[Tripurasura]] and [[Shiva]]
# [[Andhaka]]ra: [[Andhaka]] and Shiva
# Dhvaja: In the battle called Dhvaja, the danava [[Viprachitti|Vipracitti]], described as the "terror of the celestials", adept in the art of [[Maya (religion)|maya]] and a being who threatened the three worlds, was killed by [[Indra]] after penetrating a hundred thousand ''dhvajas'' (banners).<ref>((Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2020-04-01 |title=Section XCV [Mahabharata, English] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-mahabharata-mohan/d/doc375244.html |access-date=2022-07-17 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en))</ref>
# [[Vritra|Varta]]: The asura Vritra and [[Indra]]
# Halahala: According to the [[Devi-Bhagavata Purana|Devi Bhagavata Purana]], the Halahalas were a sect of asuras who were the first creation of the [[Trimurti]]s, when they also possessed the power of creation. The Halahalas, who became very powerful within a short period of time, earned from [[Brahma]] all the boons they wanted, and they then conquered the three worlds. At last, they barricaded [[Mount Kailash|Kailasa]] and [[Vaikuntha]] as well, so [[Vishnu]] and [[Shiva]] defeated them after a fierce fight lasting for a thousand years. The deities returned to their abodes and spoke about their achievements. Their wives laughed at the bravado of their husbands. At this Vishnu got angry with [[Lakshmi]] and Shiva with [[Parvati]], and in protest the Devis left their husbands. From that day onwards, Vishnu and Shiva began losing their power. [[Brahma]], who divined the reason for the growing weakness of Vishnu and Shiva persuaded [[Lakshmi]] and [[Parvati]] to return to their rightful places and support their husbands. Yet, Brahma told them that in future he alone would handle the work of creation. Thus were Vishnu and Shiva divested of their right to creation.<ref>((Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2017-01-29 |title=Halahala, Halāhala, Hālāhala, Halahalā, Hālahala: 22 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/halahala#purana |access-date=2022-07-15 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en))</ref> 
# Kolahala: According to the [[Padma Purana]], Kolahala was a famous asura. In the battle between the devas and the asuras carried on by [[Kartikeya|Subrahmanya]], this asura confronted [[Malyavan]] and was killed.<ref>((Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2014-08-14 |title=Kolahala, Kolāhala: 21 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/kolahala#purana |access-date=2022-07-15 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en))</ref>

===War Sacrifices Conducted===
*''[[Ashvamedha]]'': [[King Sagara]] performed it for 99 times successfully. If a King performs it 100 times, he becomes eligible to obtain throne of King of Heaven. Sagara also performed this 100th time but it failed because of Indra's evil plot.<ref>[http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/vp/vp096.htm#page_378 Sons of Sagara] [[Vishnu Purana]] translated by [[Horace Hayman Wilson]], 1840, Book IV, Chapter IV. '''p. 378''' the gods repaired to the Muni '''Kapil'''a, who was a portion of Vishńu, free from fault, and endowed with all true wisdom. Having approached him with respect, they said, "O lord, what will become of the world, if these sons of Sagara are permitted to go on in the evil ways which they have learned from Asamanja! Do thou, then, assume a visible form, for the protection of the afflicted universe." "Be satisfied," replied the sage, "in a brief time the sons of Sagara shall be all destroyed."</ref>

==Vyuha: Cohorts of Battle==
*''[[Padmavyuha|Padma Vyuha]]'' or the ''[[Chakravyuha]]'': A winding, ever-rotating circular formation; considered impenetrable in the ''Mahabharata'' by all warriors except for [[Krishna]], [[Arjuna]], [[Drona]], [[Parashurama]], [[Pradyumna]], and [[Abhimanyu]]. [[Abhimanyu]] had learnt how to break into the formation (in the womb of [[Subhadra]]) but not how to break out of it and is trapped inside during the ''Mahabharata'' war.
*''Krauncha Vyuha'': The crane-shaped formation of an army; forces are distributed to form spanning wing-sides, with a formidable penetrating centre, depicting the crane's head and beak.
*''Sarpa Vyuha'': Winding Snake Formation
*''Makara Vyuha'': [[Crocodile]] Formation
*''Sakata Vyuha'': Cart Formation
*''Shukar Vyuha'': [[Pig]] Formation
*''Vajra Vyuha'': [[Thunderbolt]] formation, the toughest and most difficult after ''Chakravyuha''.
*''Kurma Vyuha'': [[Turtle]] formation
*''Garuda Vyuha'': [[Eagle]] formation
*''Suchi Vyuha'': [[Sewing needle|Needle]] formation
*''Simha Vyuha'': [[Lion]] formation

==Pralaya: The end of the world==
*The end of the world is prophesied to happen at the end of the ''[[Kali Yuga]] - the final stage of the world, and the last of the four stages''. [[Kalki]], the final Avatar of [[Vishnu]] is also prophesied to appear the end of the ''Kali Yuga'', to wage the final battle between good and evil bringing end of the world and start of new world.<ref>[http://ww-iii.tripod.com/hindu.htm Hindu Prophecies: Translations from the Kalki Purana]</ref> 
*[[Shiva]] [[Nataraja]], the Destroyer, kills the paramount demon of Ego and performs the ''Tandava Nritya'' (''The Dance of Tandava'') on his back, ending with the destruction of the universe performing Rudra Tandava.
* In [[Shaktism]], the mystical dance by Goddess Kali (the terrifying form of [[Parvathi|Parvati]], Shiva's consort), that is, dark energy for destroying all forms of matter, materials, beings, and illusions, which are absorbed within herself i.e. the Supreme [[Brahman]].

==The Ramayana==
((Main|Ramayana))
[[File:Wat phra keaw ramayana fresco.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The epic story of ''Ramayana'' was adopted by several cultures across [[Asia]]. Shown here is a Thai historic artwork depicting the battle which took place between Rama and Ravana.]]

*[[Vishvamitra]] : He was the preceptor of [[Rama]] and [[Lakshmana]], a powerful [[tapasvin|tapasvi]] and [[Brahmarishi]].<ref>The Vinaya Pitaka's section Anguttara Nikaya: Panchaka Nipata, P. 44 The legends and theories of the Buddhists, compared with history and science by Robert Spence Hardy</ref> He bestows the knowledge of all divine weaponry to Rama and Lakshmana, leads them to kill powerful demons, and instructs them in religion and military arts.
*[[Rama]] : He was 7th Avatar of Lord [[Vishnu]]. Rama was an extremely powerful warrior and had knowledge of usage of many celestial astras. Rama single-handedly slayed the 14,000 demon hordes of [[Khara (Ramayana)|Khara]] (in one hour, in the ''Ramayana''), the demons [[Maricha]] and [[Subahu]], Ravana's chief commander [[Prahasta]] and is responsible for the ultimate killing of [[Ravana]] himself.
*[[Lakshmana]] : He was also very powerful like his brother. He was incarnation of Anantha-Seshanag. He controlled his sleep for 12  continuous years and slayed extremely powerful demons including [[Atikaya]] and [[Indrajit]].
*[[Hanuman]] : He was son of Kesari and Anjana. He was one of the [[Rudras]] of Shiva. He was first trained by Sun god [[Surya]] and later Shiva himself mentored him. Later he became [[Vanara]] minister of [[Sugriva]]. He is the greatest devotee of [[Rama]], famous for his unerring service, absolute loyalty and great feats of courage. Hanuman is responsible for killing many demons, as well as burning the city of Lanka. His strength is given by his father [[Vayu]], and by virtue of the boons bestowed on him by various Gods, no astra and weapon could harm him. He can transform into any size and shape as he desired. He was also well expert in using celestial astras. He also possessed Mohini astra, Rudra astra etc.
*[[Ravana]]: blessed by his fearsome 10,000 year [[tapasya]] to be the most powerful being on earth, invulnerable to every God, demon and living being, save man. Although an expert on the [[Vedas]], a great king, and a great devotee of [[Shiva]], he is the emperor of evil due to his patronage of demons, murder of kings and humiliation of the Gods headed by Indra.
*[[Indrajit]]a: He was the first-born son of mighty [[Ravana]]. Originally his name was Meghanada. He was master of illusion war techniques. He became the possessor of several supreme celestial weapons. Through penance, he obtained a boon from Brahma : he could be killed by a common man who could control his sleep for 12 years continuously. He defeated [[Indra]] and arrested him. Then Brahma appeared and asked him to free Indra. Meghanada did as Brahma directed and was then granted boon : he would never be killed in any battle, until his Yagna (fire-worship) of his native goddess Nikumbala was disturbed and destroyed. On the completion of the Yagna, a supreme celestial chariot would appear, boarding which, Indrajit would become unkilled in any battle. But Brahma also cautioned him that whosoever would destroy this yagna, would also kill him. He was killed by [[Lakshmana]].
*[[Kumbhakarna]]: the gigantic brother of Ravana was a fearsome monsuter-demon who sleeps for six months at a stretch, rising for only one day and then returning to his slumber. Kumbhakarna could slay hundreds of warriors by the sweep of his hand or step of his foot. He was killed by Rama in the war.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=KRxHAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA22 Pot-Ear's Awakening]. From the Ramayana, as translated by [[Arthur W. Ryder]]</ref>
*[[Prahasta]]: the chief commander of Lanka's army who was killed on the 1st day of the war of Rama and Ravana.
*[[Atikaya]]: the second son of Ravana, who had an indestructible armor given to him by [[Brahma]] that can only be pierce by the Brahmastra. Once he caught [[Shiva]] trident in Mount Kailash when Shiva was angry with him. Both Atikaya and his cousin [[Trishira]] were the reincarnations of [[Madhu and Kaitabha]], who were defeated by [[Mahavishnu]].
*[[Akshayakumara]]: the youngest son of Ravana who died, fighting Hanuman in Ashok Vatika.
*[[Shatrughna]]: Youngest son of King Dasharatha, youngest brother of Rama. He killed Lavana, son of Madhu and Kumbhini (a sister of Ravana) and became the King of Mathura. 
*[[Bharata (Ramayana)|Bharata]]: Younger brother of Rama, elder to Lakshmana and Shatrugna. He along with his maternal uncle Yudhajit, conquered [[Gandhara]] and created his kingdom of Takshasila and Pushkalavati by defeating Gandharvas and inhabiting that kingdom.
*[[Vali (Ramayana)|Vali]]: Son of Vanara king Vriksharaja, spiritual son of King of Gods- Indra. Vali was invincible in Treta Yuga. Vali defeated some of the greatest warriors like [[Ravana]]. Vali was blessed with the ability to obtain half the strength of his opponent before which he already had strength of 70,000 elephants. Hence, [[Rama]] killed Vali by hiding behind the trees.

Atirathis:
* Akampana
* Kampana
* Devanataka
* Narantaka
* Akshayakumara
* Ahiravana
* Kumbha
* Nikumbha
* All younger sons of Ravana

Maharathis:
* Lakshmana
* Ravana
* Kumbhakarna
* Atikaya
* Jambavan
* Sugriva
* Angada
* Bharata
* Shatrugna

Atimaharathis:
* Rama
* Indrajit
* Hanuman

=== War Sacrifices Conducted ===

* ''[[Ashvamedha]]'': [[Rama]] performed the Asvhamedha successfully.

==The Mahabharata==
((Main|Kurukshetra War))
((More footnotes needed|section|date=June 2020))
*''Kuru Army'': of 11 ''[[Akshauhini]]s'' is formed by the kingdom of [[Hastinapura]] in alliance with races like the Samshaptakas, Trigartas, the Narayana army, the [[Sindhu]] army and Madra.
**''Commanders in Chief'': [[Bhishma]], [[Drona]], [[Karna]] and [[Ashwathama]].
**''Rathis'': [[Duryodhana]] (8 Rathi), Somadatta, [[Sudakshin]]a, [[Shakuni]], Jayadratha, [[Dussasana]], [[Vikarna]], 97 [[Kauravas]], Duryodhana's son Lakshmana and Dussasana's son Durjaya were Rathi warriors.
**''Atirathis'': [[Kritavarma]], [[Kripacharya]], [[Shalya]], [[Bhurisravas]], [[Brihadbala]], [[Susharma]]. 
**''Maharathis'': [[Bhishma]], [[Drona]], [[Ashwathama]], [[Bhagadatta]], [[Karna]]
*Pandava Army: is a coalition of 7 ''[[Akshauhini]]s'', primarily the [[Panchala]] and [[Matsya]] forces, the [[Rakshasa]] forces of Bhima's son, and Vrishni-Yadava heroes.
**''Commander in Chief'': [[Dhristadyumna]]
**''Rathis'': [[Uttamaujas]], [[Shikhandi]], [[Yuyutsu]], Uttar and Upapandavas
**''Atirathis'': [[Yudhishthira]], [[Bhima]], [[Nakula]], [[Sahadeva]], [[Kuntibhoja]], [[Satyaki]], [[Drupada]] [[Dhristadyumna]], [[Ghatotkacha]], [[Arjuna]]
**''Maharathis'': [[Bhima]], [[Abhimanyu]] 
*[[Abhimanyu]]: Abhimanyu is a warrior from the Mahabharata who is known for entering the Chakravyuha on the 14th day of battle but was killed because he didn’t how to come out of the  Chakravyuha.<ref>((Cite web|title=Sacred Texts: Section XLV|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07044.htm))</ref>
*[[Ashwatthama]]: the son of [[Drona]], one of the eight [[chiranjivi|Chiranjeevi]]s . He is a great warrior. [[Aswatthama|Ashwathama]] and [[Kripa]] are considered to be the lone survivors still living who actually fought in the Kurukshetra war. Ashwathama was born with a gem in his forehead which gives him power over all living beings lower than humans. This gem is supposed to protect him from attacks by ghosts, demons, poisonous insects, snakes, animals etc.
*[[Arjuna]]: He was the son of [[Indra]] and [[Kunti]]<ref>((cite web |url=https://en.krishnakosh.org/krishna/Mahabharata_Mausala_Parva_Chapter_8 |title = Mahabharata Mausala Parva Chapter 8 - Krishnakosh))</ref>  He performed incredible feats like defeating Gods in Khandavaprastha, defeating and capturing Gandharva King Chitrasena after killing 1 million Gandharvas and also killing asuras including Nivatakavachas, etc.
*[[Bhima]]: The 2nd most physically strong character in the ''Mahabharata'' after [[Hanuman]]. Bhima had phenomenal personal strength, he is also known for killing many powerful kings and demons like Jarasandha, Kirmira, Bakasura, Hidimba, Jatasura, Kichaka, and wrestler Jimut, he was an unsurpassed master of the [[Gada (mace)|mace]] weapon and a consummate wrestler. He slayed all the one hundred Kuru brothers including the chief antagonist of the epic, [[Duryodhana]].
*[[Duryodhana]]: He was a skilled warrior with mace in the Mahabharata war. The only men who could beat him in a mace fight was Bhima, and Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna.
*[[Dussasana]]: Younger brother of Duryodhana who assaulted Draupadi in the Game of Dice. He was known to be an aggressive warrior but was brutally slain by Bhima on 16th day of Kurukshetra war.
*[[Bhishma]]: the most consummate warrior trained by [[Parashurama]], Bhishma was indestructible by any warrior (except Arjuna and Lord Krishna) when he lifts his weapons. Having countered all the kings of the earth, he is the Commander in Chief of the Kuru Army.
*[[Drona]]: the [[guru]] of the Kauravas and Pandavas, Drona is a great master of Vedic military arts and almost every celestial weapon. He is invulnerable to any attack (except to Karna, Bhisma, Krishna and Balarama) till he holds a weapon of any sort. He also has great religious knowledge and wisdom. He becomes the second Kuru commander. 
*[[Karna]]: the son of [[Surya]] and first born of [[Kunti]] who shunned him due to her being the mother of the [[Pandavas]]. Karna was the disciple of Lord Parashurama and he learnt the knowledge of Brahmastra from him. <ref>((cite web |url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01190.htm |title = The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Swayamvara Parva: Section CLXXXIX))</ref>
*[[Nakula|Nakul]]a: the fourth brother of the Pandavas. It is said that he was the most handsome man in the world.  He was an expert in the art of sword warfare.  He was also greatly associated with horses. During the Kurukshetra war, he was the one who killed most of the offspring of all the Kauravas.
*[[Sahadeva]]: the fifth brother of the Pandavas. He was an expert in the art of axe warfare.  He was also greatly associated with sheep, insects. During the Kurukshetra war, he killed [[Shakuni]].


===Levels of Warrior Excellence as per Bhishma from Mahabharata===

Before war, Bhishma ill-treated Karna by calling him Artha-rathi because he despised Karna's antagonistic nature towards the Pandavas.<ref>((Cite web |title=The Mahabharata, Book 6: Bhishma Parva: Bhagavat-Gita Parva: Section CXXIV |url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06124.htm |access-date=2023-06-01 |website=www.sacred-texts.com))</ref>
 
'''From Kaurava side'''
 
''Rathis''
*Sudhakshina-the ruler of the Kamvojas.
*[[Shakuni]]-King of Gandhara and uncle of Kauravas.
*Duryodhana's son-Lakshmana and the Durjaya-son of Dussasana are single Rathis
*Jayadratha-the king of the Sindhu and brother in law of Kauravas is equal to 2 rathas
*All 99 brothers of Duryodhana including Dushasana are single Rathis
*[[Duryodhana]] is classified as a warrior equal to 8 Rathis
 
''Atirathis''
*Kritverma- the general of "Narayani Sena" of [[Krishna]].
*Susharma-the ruler of Trigartas
*[[Shalya]]- the ruler of Madra
*Bhurisravas-the son of Somadatta
*Brihadbala-a descendant of [[Rama]], equal to 6 atirathis
*[[Kripa]]-also known as Kripacharya, the son of Saradwat, equal to 5 atirathis
 
''Maharathis'' 
*[[Bhagadatta]]- the ruler of Pragjyotisha and son of Narakasura- equal to 1 maharathi.
*[[Ashwatthama]]-the son of Guru [[Drona]], one of the eight [[chiranjivi|chiranjeevi]]s and equal to 2 Maharathis.
*[[Drona]]-the teacher of Pandavas and Kauravas; equal to 3 Maharathi class warriors.
*[[Bhishma]]-even though he never classified himself, later it was revealed that Bhishma is equal to 4 Maharathi warriors
*[[Karna]]- Before war, Bhishma classified Karna as Artha-rathi because Bhishma resented Karna's hostile relations towards the Pandavas.<ref>((cite web |url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07037.htm |title = The Mahabharata, Book 7: Drona Parva: Abhimanyu-badha Parva: Section XXXVII))</ref>

'''From Pandava side'''
 
''Rathis''
*Uttamaujas
*Sikhandin-the son of the prince/ess of the Panchalas
*All sons of Draupadi (Upapandavas) are single rathis
*Dhrishtaketu-the son of Shishupala, the king of the Chedis
*[[Nakula|Nakul]]a and [[Sahadeva]] are single Rathis.
*[[Yudhishthira]]-the son of Pandu and Kunti, is a Rathi.
*Virata King-King of Matsya
 
''Atirathis''
*[[Bhima]]-the second of the Pandava prince, is equal to 8 Atirathis.
*Satyaki-of the Vrishni race-equal to 6 Atirathis
*Dhrishtadyumna-the son of Drupada.
*Kuntibhoja-the maternal grand uncle of Pandavas.
*Ghatotkacha-prince of Rakshasas and master of all illusions, son Bhima and Hidimba. (During night, Ghatothkatcha is equal to Maharathi)
*Drupada-King of Panchalas.
 
''Maharathis''
*Abhimanyu- the son of [[Arjuna]] is equal to 4 Maharathis.
*[[Arjuna]]-the mighty son of Indra, according to Bhishma, was a Maharathi.

'''Atimaharathis in enitre Mahabharata'''

As per [[Bhishma]], there are only two atimaharathis in the enitre [[mahabharata]]:

*[[Parashurama]]
*[[Krishna]]

Both of whom are avatars of Lord Vishnu.

=== Deities Mentioned ===

*[[Shukra]]: the [[Preceptor]] of the [[Asura]]s, their [[high priest]] and guru, worshiper of the Supreme Lord, but remains supportive of the Asuras.<ref>Subramaniam, Kamala (2007). "Adi Parva". The ''Mahabharata''. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan [[India]]. ((ISBN|81-7276-405-7)).</ref>
*[[Vritra]]: the Asura son of Savitr deva. Deva Savitr who performs a sacrifice to obtain a son who is capable to be ruler of the three worlds.<ref>Ganguli, Kisari (1883-96, reprinted 1975). The [[Mahabharata]]. ((ISBN|0-89684-429-3)).</ref>

=== War Sacrifices Conducted ===

* ''[[Ashvamedha]]'': In the [[Mahabharata]], [[Arjuna|Yudhishthir]] performed this yagna and all 4 pandhava completed.<ref>((Cite web|title=Digivijaya of Arjuna|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m14/m14085.htm))</ref> 
* ''[[Rajasuya]]'': It was performed by king [[Duryodhana]] in the ''[[Mahabharata]]'' epic. 5 Pandavas had conquered whole world for the sake of Yudhisthira.<ref>((cite web |url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m04/m04054.htm |title = The Mahabharata, Book 4: Virata Parva: Go-harana Parva: Section LIV))</ref><ref>((Cite web|title=The Mahabharata, Book 2: Sabha Parva: Jarasandhta-badha Parva: Section XXIX|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02029.htm|access-date=2018-01-17|website=www.sacred-texts.com))</ref> It was also performed by King Yudhishthira and the four pandavas and defeated all the kings except bhagdatta, guhyakas, and north harivarsha.
*Vaishnava Yagna: Only [[Karna]] performed this Yagya after lord Rama. Karna conquered the entire world on a single chariot, he annexed all the kingdoms, sub-kingdoms and all major portions of Indian subcontinent. Thus he performed Vaishnava Yagya at Hastinapur under Vyasa and other Brahmins blessings. <ref>((Cite web |title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Ghosha-yatra Parva: Section CCLI |url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03251.htm |access-date=2023-06-01 |website=www.sacred-texts.com))</ref>

== Levels of Warrior Excellence ==
((Unreferenced section|date=June 2020))
*''Mahamaharathi'': A warrior capable of fighting 24 Atimaharathi class warriors or 207,360,000 warriors simultaneously. They are the most supreme warriors and are invincible. This includes [[Shiva]], [[Vishnu]], [[Brahma]], [[Shakti]], [[Ayyappan]], [[Kartikeya]], [[Vinayaka]] .
*''Atimaharathi'': A warrior capable of fighting 12 Maharathi class warriors or 8,640,000 warriors simultaneously; circumspect in his mastery of all forms of weapons and combat skills; expert in designing and destroying all strategies (vyuhas); able to fight against all illusions and win against opponents in such situations. [[Rama]], [[Krishna]], [[Parashurama]], [[Indrajit]], and [[Hanuman]] are considered as Atimaharathis. Different forms of Lord [[Shiva]] are also Atimaharthis. [[Veerabhadra]], [[Bhairava]] etc. fall under this category. Incarnations and avatars of Lord [[Vishnu]] are generally considered as Atimaharathis.
*''Maharathi'': A warrior capable of fighting 12 Atirathi class warriors or 720,000 warriors simultaneously, circumspect in his mastery of all forms of weapons and combat skills, [[Abhimanyu]], [[Vali (Ramayana)|Vali]], [[Babruvahana]], [[Alambusha]], [[Angada]], [[Ashwatthama]], [[Atikaya]], [[Bhishma]], [[Drona]], [[Kripa]],  [[Kumbhakarna]], [[Karna]], [[Arjuna]], [[Sugriva]], [[Ravana]], [[Bhagadatta]], [[Narakasura]], [[Ghatotkacha]], [[Iravan]], [[Lakshmana]], [[Balarama]], [[Trishira]], [[Prahasta]], [[Bharata (Ramayana)|Bharata]], [[Shatrughna]] etc. were Maharathis.
*''Atirathi'': A warrior capable of contending with 12 Rathi class warriors or 60,000 warriors simultaneously, circumspect in his mastery of all forms of weapons and combat skills. [[Lava]], [[Jarasandha]], [[Kusha (Ramayana)|Kusha]], [[Kritavarma]], [[Bhima]], [[Shalya]], [[Bhurisravas]], [[Drupada]], Akampana, Vibheeshana, [[Ghatotkacha]], [[Jambavan]], [[Satyaki]], Kuntibhoja, Devantaka, Narantaka, Mahi Ravana, [[Keechaka]], [[Rukmi]], [[Susharma]], Bahlika, [[Brihadbala]], Pushkal, [[Samba]] and [[Pradyumna]] etc. were Atirathis.
*''Rathi'' : A warrior capable of contending with 5,000 warriors simultaneously. All [[Kauravas]], [[Shakuni]], [[Yudhishtira]], [[Nakula]], [[Sahadeva]], Matsya King Virata, Uttar, Drishtaketu, [[Jayadratha]], [[Shikhandi]] and all [[Upapandavas]] were rathis.

==Major deities==
[[File:Vishnu Kumartuli Park Sarbojanin Arnab Dutta 2010.JPG|thumb|An idol of Vishnu]]

===Vishnu===
((Main|Vishnu))

[[Vishnu]], the preserver deity, is considered to be the [[Brahman|Ultimate Reality]] in the [[Vaishnavism]] tradition of [[Hinduism]]. He is the spouse of [[Lakshmi]], the goddess of prosperity. In the [[Puranas]], he periodically takes birth as an [[avatar]] upon the earth. Vishnu has 10 avatars: [[Matsya]], [[Kurma]], [[Varaha]], [[Narasimha]], [[Vamana]], [[Parshurama|Parashurama]], [[Rama]], [[Balarama]] or [[Gautama Buddha in Hinduism|Buddha]], [[Krishna]], and [[Kalki]]. Vishnu is also said to have total of 36 forms other than these ten incarnations, including [[Mohini]], [[Nara-Narayana]], [[Arjuna]], [[Dattatreya]], [[Dhanvantari]], [[Hayagriva]], and several others. In battle, the avatars of Vishnu are aided by a variety of ''[[Astra (weapon)|astra]],'' or celestial weapons. The mantra employed to invoke him is [[Om Namo Narayanaya]]. His two most popular human avatars, Rama and Krishna, possess many celestial weapons. Krishna also employed a few of these weapons in the Mahabharata. These include:

*''[[Kaumodaki]]'': The divine [[Gada (mace)|mace]]; Krishna slays the demon [[Dantavakra]] with it.
*''[[Sharanga|Kodanda]]'': Also called Sharanga, it is a celestial bow wielded by Parashurama, Rama, and Krishna.
*''[[Nandaka]]'': The sword of Vishnu that is also wielded by his avatar of Krishna. 
*''[[Narayanastra]]'': Narayanastra is one of the most powerful astras in the universe. The personal missile weapon of Vishnu in his [[Narayana]] form, this ''astra'' lets loose a powerful tirade of millions of deadly missiles simultaneously. The intensity of the shower increases with resistance. The only solution is enacting submission before the missile; only then will it cease. The Narayanastra was first used by Rama in the ''Ramayana''. Then, thousands of years later, this astra was again used by [[Ashwatthama]] in the [[Kurukshetra War]] against the [[Pandava]] army. Apart from Rama, only Ashwatthama possessed this weapon.
*''[[Parashu]]'': The axe of [[Parashurama]], the sixth avatar of [[Vishnu]]. This axe was presented to him by Shiva.
*''Sharkha'': The bow of [[Krishna]], 8th avatar of [[Vishnu]].
*''[[Sudarshana Chakra]]'': The divine, spinning disc with sharp outer spears, one of the four attributes of Vishnu. The Sudarshana Chakra flies at the command of Krishna, spinning away to tear off the heads of his opponents, or to perform any function desired by Vishnu. It is most famously used by [[Krishna]] in the ''[[Mahabharata]]''.
*''[[Vaishnavastra]]'': Vaishnavastra is one of the most powerful astras along with the Narayanastra. The personal missile weapon of [[Krishna]], once fired it cannot be thwarted, save by the will of [[Vishnu]] himself.

===Shiva===
((Main|Shiva))
[[File:Shiva as the Lord of Dance LACMA.jpg|thumb|250px|11th-century statue of Shiva as Nataraja, the lord of the dance]]
Shiva, the destroyer deity, is the [[Brahman|Ultimate Reality]] in [[Shaivism|Shaiva]] tradition. He is the spouse of [[Parvati]], the goddess of power. He is represented by his forms, Mahakala and Bhairava. Shiva is often pictured holding the [[damaru]]ka, an hourglass-shaped drum, along with his [[trishula]], a [[trident]]-staff. The [[mantra]] to invoke him is ''[[Om Namah Shivaya]]''.<ref>Elizabeth Gilbert (2007). Eat, Pray, Love, p. 133.</ref>  Shiva is also considered as the ''Mahadeva'', the great god. He is often worshipped in his phallic representation, the [[lingam]].

Assigned with the task of destroying all of the universe at the end of time, Shiva is one of the most fearsome warriors as well as the revered yogis in Hindu tradition. [[Tandava]] is the dance of this destroyer deity, which he performs over the body of a demon. Shiva employs his power to kill the [[Asura]] Tripura, destroying the flying three cities of Tripura. In battle, Shiva and his ''amshas'' (spirits) deploy formidable weapons controlled by him. Some of these are:

*''Arrow of Shiva'': It can destroy creation. Returns to the quiver after being used.
*''[[Chandrahas]]'': Sword of [[Ravana]] granted by [[Shiva]] as a boon.
*''Ekasha Gada'': The mace of [[Shiva]]. A blow from the weapon is the equivalent of being hit by a million elephants.
*''Girish'': A special sword of [[Shiva]] with unique characteristics.
*''Jayantha Vel'': A spear which contains the power of the third eye of [[Shiva]].
*''[[Khaṭvāṅga]]'': In Hinduism, the god [[Shiva]] - [[Rudra]] carried the khatvāṅga as a staff weapon and are thus referred to as ''khatvāṅgīs''.
*''Maheshwara Chakra'': The chakra of [[Shiva]].
*''[[Parashu]]'': The axe of [[Shiva]] given to [[Parashurama]] ''(the sixth avatar of [[Vishnu]])''.
* ''[[Pashupatastra]]'': An irresistible and the most destructive personal weapon of [[Shiva]], discharged by the mind, the eyes, words, or a bow. This is the most devastating weapon in the universe. Sage-King [[Vishwamitra]], and [[Arjuna]] are only other persons who possessed this weapon. 
* ''[[Shiva Dhanush|Pinaka]]'': The celestial bow of Shiva.''(Shiva's bow)'': A bow given by [[Shiva]] to [[Janaka]] and was broken by [[Rama]] during [[Sita]]'s [[swayamvara]]
* ''Vijaya Dhanush'':''[[Vijaya (bow)]]'': A bow given by [[Shiva]] to [[Parasurama]] to kill Kshatriyas
*''Shiva Kaakam'': An unconquerable weapon of [[Shiva]].
*''Shiva Parham'': A long noose ''(of Shiva)'' from which even the gods can't escape from.
*''Shiva Vajra'': A vajra that is as powerful as [[Vajra|Indra's Vajra]].
*''Teen Baan'': [[Shiva]] gave [[Barbarika]] three infallible arrows ''(Teen Baan)''. A single arrow was enough to destroy all opponents in any war, and it would then return to [[Barbarika]]'s quiver.
*''[[Trishul (weapon)|Trishula]]'' (Trident): The trident of [[Shiva]].
[[File:Ravi Varma-Lakshmi.jpg|thumb|Lakshmi, among the most popular manifestations of Shakti]]

===Shakti===
((Main|Devi))
Shakti is the supreme goddess in [[Shaktism]], the goddess-centric sect of Hinduism. Both a supreme being and an energy that is considered to be the source of all works of creation, preservation and destruction, [[Adi Parashakti]] is held by [[Shaktism|Shaktas]] to be the source of the [[Trimurti]], the [[universe]] and all of [[:wikt:creaton|creation]]. She is regarded to have assumed many incarnations to fight with demons, including [[Parvati]], wife of Shiva, [[Lakshmi]], wife of Vishnu,<ref>Wilkins pp.240-1</ref> the complete avatar of Shakti herself, according to the [[Devi-Bhagavata Purana|Devi Gita]] and Durga Saptashati, the main scriptures for Shakti worshipers. As the goddess Parvati, she is considered to be the most powerful of all deities.<ref name="shaktisadhana.org">((cite web |title=Worship of Devi, the Goddess, the Divine Feminine! |url=http://www.shaktisadhana.org  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021122134607/http://www.shaktisadhana.org/  |url-status=dead  |archive-date=November 22, 2002  |access-date=March 23, 2015 ))</ref>

Sometimes, the gods worship [[Parvati]], who came before them in different ''avatars'':
* [[Durga]], who killed the demon [[Mahishasura]]
* [[Kali]], the most ferocious form of the Goddess, who can not be pacified by anyone after war. 
* [[Chandi]], the gentle manifestation of Durga or Kali, who killed Mahishasura in the battle of Alkapuri.
* Kanyakumari, who killed Banasura
* [[Chamunda]], who killed Chanda and Munda
* [[Kaushiki]], who killed Shumbha and Nishumbha
* [[Minakshi]], who defeated all the demigods and destroyed the arrogance of all demigods.

Shakti is usually depicted as having the weapons of all the gods, including those of the [[Trimurti]]. She holds the [[trishula]] of Shiva, the c''hakra'' of Vishnu, the ''Vajra'' of Indra, and the ''gada'' of Yama.

==Celestial Weapons==
An ''[[Astra (weapon)|astra]]'' is a powerful celestial weapon or missile that is to be hurled at an enemy. Generally astra is in form of an arrow. Astras can be invoked using incantations (mantras). Different astras have different power. A ''[[Shastra]]'' is a personal weapon like swords, bows, spades, axes, spears and maces which must be constantly operated by a warrior.

*''[[Brahmastra]]'': Embedded with the mystical force of [[Brahma]], this weapon releases millions of missiles, great fires and a destructive potential capable of extinguishing all creation, if not used by and aimed only at a celestial fighter. It was used multiple times in the ''Ramayana'', Indrajit used it against Hanuman, Lakshmana asked permission to use it against Indrajit, which Rama declined, Lakshmana used it to kill Atikaya,  Rama used it as final arrow to kill Ravana. In the epic the ''Mahabharata'', it is said that the weapon manifest with the single head of Brahma as its tip. In the ''Mahabharata'' era Parashurama, Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Kripa, Ashwatthama, Arjuna, Yudhishtira, Satyaki  and many Maharathis possessed the knowledge to invoke this missile.
*''[[Brahmashirsha astra]]'': A weapon capable of greater destruction than the ''Brahmastra''. It can burn all creation to ashes once discharged, Arjuna and Ashwathama both used it against each other after the Mahabharata war. Capable of killing even heavens. Was used by Ashwatthama on Parikshit. It is thought that the Brahmashirsha is the evolution of the Brahmastra, 4 times stronger than Brahmastra. "It blazes up with terrible flames within a huge sphere of fire. Numerous peals of thunder were heard, thousands of meteors fell and all living creatures became terrified with great dread. The entire sky seemed to be filled with noise and assumed a terrible aspect with flames of fire. The whole earth with her mountains and waters and trees trembled." When it strikes an area it will cause complete destruction and nothing will ever grow, not even a blade of grass for the next 12 years. It will not rain for 12 years in that area and everything including metal and earth becomes poisoned.<ref>[http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m10/m10012.htm www.sacred-texts.com]</ref> In the epic ''Mahabharata'', it is said that the weapon manifest with the four heads of Brahma as its tip. In the ''Mahabharata'', Agnivesha, Karna, Drona, Ashwatthama and Arjuna possessed the knowledge to invoke this weapon.
*''[[Brahmanda astra]]'': This is the most powerful weapon of Brahma. It was first used by sage Vashishtha against Vishwamitra's (who was King Vishwarath at that time) Brahmashirsha, as only Brahmanda astra can stop Brahmashirsha astra, it was also used by sage Piplad against [[Shani]] to avenge his father's death.In the epic ''Mahabharata'', it is said that the weapon manifest with the all five heads of Brahma as its tip.Brahma earlier lost his fifth head when he fought with Siva.This weapon is said to possess the power to destroy entire solar system or brahmand, the 14 realms according to Hindu cosmology. In some texts it is called Brahma-dhanda astra, the weapon created by [[Saptarishi]]'s to counter any weapon ever created, even that of [[Trimurti]]'s. The rishi of this weapon is [[Para Brahman]]. It is stated to be the most difficult astra to obtain. Capable of destroying entire universe in a blink of an eye. [[Vishvamitra]] used all kinds of divine weapons against sage [[Vashistha]], even [[Pashupatastra]], but the Brahma-dhanda astra of [[Vashistha]] neutralized and swallowed all [[astra (weapon)]] of Vishwamitra proving that Brahma-dhanda astra is the most powerful of all astras.<ref name="Bala Khanda Sarga 56">((cite web | url=http://www.indiadivine.org/content/topic/1093926-bala-kanda-sarga-56/ | title=Brahmadhanda astra | access-date=May 19, 2016))</ref> Karna, Bhisma and Drona were the only warriors in the Mahabharata who possessed the knowledge of this weapon.
*''[[Pashupatastra]]'': In Hinduism, it is considered that Pashupatastra is the most devastating weapon, as it is the weapon of the consort of the God head Mahadeva, i.e. Mahakali. Mahadeva literally means "Highest of all gods" and Mahakali means "Goddess who is beyond time". This weapon was granted to [[Arjuna]] by Shiva. It is the most destructive and foreboding weapon. It was first used by Shiva for the destruction of tripura.  It is capable of destroying entire multiverse. In the ''Ramayana'', [[Vishvamitra]] possessed this mighty weapon. In the ''Mahabharata'', only Arjuna possessed this weapon.
*''[[Narayanastra]]'': Invincible and painful, this ''astra'' is unconquerable except by total submission, this astra was used by Krishna against Shiva, when Shiva was fighting on behalf of the evil Banasura, when Shiva charged his personal Pashupatastra on Krishna, Krishna used this to make Shiva fall asleep, allowing him to move past him and cut off Banasura's arms but at the request of Shiva does not kill Banasura.
*''[[Vaishnavastra]] '' : One of the most powerful astras, this cannot be stopped by anyone except its creator, [[Vishnu]]. Vaishnavastra is the most powerful astra in the universe along with the Narayanastra. The personal missile weapon of [[Krishna]], once fired it cannot be thwarted by any means, save by the will of [[Vishnu]] Himself. Rama and Krishna, possessed this weapon.
*''Nagastra'': The snake weapon used by Indrajit against Rama and Lakshmana, used by [[Karna]] against Arjuna.
*''Nagapasham'': is the celestial weapon equal to ''Nagastra".
*''Garudastra'':The eagle weapon to counter against the ''Nagastra''.
*''[[Anjalikastra]]'': The personal weapon of [[Indra]]. This is the astra used by [[Arjuna]] to killed [[Karna]] in the Mahabharata war. 
*''Ramabanam (Ramastra)'': Created by Ram, and was used to kill the Ravana in Ramayana. It cannot be countered by any weapon and could not be stopped by anyone except Rama.
*''Bhargavastra'': Created by Parahsurama, he gave it to his disciple [[Karna]].It was used by  Karna in the kurukshetra war.This weapon killed 1 akshoni of the Pandava army and was considered unstoppable by any means. In mahabharata only [[parashurama]] and [[Karna]] possessed knowledge of this weapon.
*''Parvatastra'': one of the most dangerous weapon, once it used mountains from sky fall in to the earth.
*''Vasavi Shakti'': The magical dart weapon of [[Indra]], unfailing at executing its target. Indra granted it to [[Karna]] during the [[Mahabharata#The battle at Kurukshetra|Kurukshetra war]], in Mahabharata it was used by karna to kill Ghatotkacha.
*''[[Vajra]]'': The thunderbolt weapon of [[Indra]], who is the God of thunder and lightning, akin to [[Zeus]] and [[Jupiter (mythology)|Jupiter]].,<ref>Sarat Chandra Das (1902), A Tibetan-English dictionary with Sanskrit synonyms, Bengal Secretariat Book Depôt</ref> In, the Rigveda, it is stated that it was fashioned by Tvashtar.<ref>Rigveda 1.32, translated by [[Ralph T. H. Griffith]]</ref> In the Puranas, the vajra stated to be made from the bones of sage [[Dadhichi]]. In all versions, it was used by Indra to slay serpent called Vritra. In the ''Mahabharata'', Indra gave the Vajra to his son Arjuna. Apart from Indra, only [[Arjuna]] possessed it.
*''Agneyastra'': The fire weapon, created by [[Agni]], god of fire
*''[[Varunastra]]'': The water weapon, created by [[Varuna]], god of the oceans
*''Vayavastra'': The wind weapon, created by [[Vayu]]
*''Samvarta'': Weapon belonging to [[Yama]] used by [[Bharata (Ramayana)|Bharata]] to annihilate thirty million Gandharvas in a moment, tearing them to pieces.
*''Sammohanastra'': Would cause entire hosts/armies to collapse in a trance. It was used in the ''Mahabharata'' by Arjuna the entire army of Hastinapur. 
*''Twashtastra'': When used against a group of opponents (such as an army), would cause them to mistake each other for enemies and fight each other.
*''[[Suryastra]]'': Create a dazzling light that would dispel any darkness about and dry up water bodies. Arjuna had this weapon and used against Shakuni on 12th day of war. 
*''Sabda-vedi astra'': This weapon prevents an opponent from turning invisible. Used by Arjuna against the Gandharva king Chitrasena.
*''Gandharvastra'': Created by Gandharva King Chitrasena. He gave it to Arjuna.
*''Mayastra'': Dispel any form of maya or sorcery in the vicinity. It was possessed by [[Arjuna]].
*''Manavastra'': Created by [[Manu (Hinduism)|Manu]], it could overcome supernatural protections and carry the target hundreds of miles away. Can inspire humane traits in an evil being. This weapon was used by Rama on Maricha.
*''Bhaumastra'': Created by Goddess Bhumi Devi, the weapon could create tunnels deep into the earth and summon jewels.
*''Indrastra'': Created by the God Indra, it would bring about a 'shower' of arrows from the sky.

==References==

((reflist))

((HinduMythology))

[[Category:War in mythology]]
[[Category:Hindu mythology|Wars]]