THE LIVING ARCHIVE
About Pashupatastra
The name connects the astra with Pashupati, a title of Shiva. It is not simply another name for Gandiva or for every arrow Arjuna shoots. The bow is a martial instrument, while the astra is a divinely taught power whose invocation and withdrawal require knowledge.
Arjuna seeks celestial assistance in preparation for the conflict ahead. Before the gift is made, Shiva tests him in the guise of a Kirata hunter. The recipient’s endurance and eventual recognition precede the transmission of the weapon.
AT A GLANCE
Identity & Context
- Identity
- Astra
- Form
- Invoked divine weapon
- Tradition
- Epic / Puranic traditions
- Also Known As
- Pashupata
THE STORY
Origins & Stories
ROLE & ESSENCE
Attributes & Significance
The weapon is important because its gift includes explicit responsibilities. Shiva recognizes Arjuna’s readiness, but does not permit him to use the power indiscriminately. Its acquisition follows a test, and mastery includes knowing when to keep it in reserve and how to withdraw a released force.
Astra Class
Invoked celestial weapon
Associated Deity
Invocation & Withdrawal
Epic accounts describe instruction, invocation and withdrawal. This entry does not supply a reconstructed mantra.
Effects & Destructive Capability
Shiva grants Arjuna the Pashupata weapon after their encounter in the guise of a hunter.
Restrictions
The grant includes a warning against use upon lesser opponents.
Recorded Uses & Battles
Arjuna’s penance and encounter with Shiva.
Tradition Notes
Names and accounts can vary by recension, region and commentary. This entry distinguishes attested details from identifications still requiring a passage-level source.
Archive Classification Notes
Original archive annotations are retained here. The current playable classification is shown in the side panel.
- Tradition Dependence
- High; distinguish individual epic accounts.
- Special Properties
- Not established in the passage; no additional claim is made here.
- Counters & Defenses
- Not established in the passage; no additional claim is made here.
- Affected Characters
- Not established in the passage; no additional claim is made here.
- Editorial Power Tier
- Supreme Astra — editorial grouping, not a quantified scriptural score
- Editorial Rarity
- Archive classification
TRADITION & MEANING
Traditions & Interpretations
The weapon belongs to the extraordinary powers of epic narrative. Its descriptions establish a religious and martial meaning, rather than a verified comparison with modern technology or a numerical scale applying to every celestial weapon.
The warning explains why receiving Pashupata does not mean using it in every later battle. Arjuna has to consider the scale of the danger as well as the immediate opponent. Its destructive potential is one reason for the restrictions attached to it.
Names and accounts can vary by recension, region and commentary. This entry distinguishes attested details from identifications still requiring a passage-level source.
From the Sacred Texts
Explore the sacred texts behind these stories in the Suvarnaveda library.
FOLLOW THE THREADS
Connected Cards
7 connected profiles. Every path leads to an original record.
Characters & Cosmic Entities2
Shiva gives and teaches the Pashupata.
Arjuna receives it after the hunter encounter.
The Sacred Library2
Stories & Events1
The Pashupatastra is conferred with strict conditions.
Earthly Sacred Locations1
The Pashupata weapon is granted during Supriya’s rescue in this account.
Astras1
Pashupata is separately named alongside Raudra in the same volley.