were BRAHMASTRA, AGNEYASTRA etc. in the Ramayana or Mahabharata kind of missiles?

Question

If yes then why the world was again thrown back to swords and spears? Mahabharata is dated as around 4 to 5 thousand BC.

Answer 1

These Astras (weapons) are heavenly weapons owned by different Gods and Devas. In Hindu Puranas and mythology is it said these weapons are given as boon by the Gods to his devotee or the persons who did Thava (meditation) praying him on certain conditions etc., and after that it will go back to the owners. It is given again to someone else. In the present age belief of God is reducing and so Gods are not giving dharshan or granting boons like in the mythological age.

Now the meaning of BRAHMASTRA, AGNEYASTRA -

Brahmastra is an arrow created by Brahma. One of the deadliest of weapons that a person can possess (as in Hindu Puranas), it is often speculated in the likeness of a nuclear weapon. It is said that when a Brahmastra is used there will be famine on earth and for 12 years there would be no flora and fauna where it was used, unless the weapon is withdrawn properly following the procedure laid down in the scriptures.
The Agneyastra is the fire weapon, incepted by God Agni, master of the flames-.

Answer 2

Missiles, yes.

In fact, all objects which are thrown to hit something are referred to as 'missilies'

Brahmastra- or the ultimate weapon- as the texts suggest- was but a tactical war head apparently nuke tipped.

Agneyastra- or the fire weapon- something like a napalm bomb- missile mounted.

now coming to the oft raised question- 'how could these be launched by hand- bow and arrow?'- there exist a multitude of sholuder fired missiles capable of bringing down aircrafts- the stinger, et al. Apparently the technology had been so well refined in those days that even nukes could be fired by a single person- though this person needed to be extra strong and knowledgeable.

Not all could be imparted the knowledge to use these weapons. The person was needed to be extra judicious and these weapons be used only as a last alterrnative to save humanity.

Answer 3

They are missiles obtainable by penance. So only few could have them. The normal army fought with swords, spheres, bow and arrow. The super heroes called maharathis had the knowledge of astras. It was always given by the Guru to selected disciples. Each Astra had a counter astra except Brahmastra. It could be used only under exceptional circumstances( or else the user would be destroyed).
with the advent of kali all sages disappeared. Along with them the knowledge also. By grace of Kali no one can do penance any more.the so called Media is visible form of Kali !

Answer 4

I think they were more of conventional weapons given to the warriors by the Gods of the respective weapon, like Brahma, Indra, etc. they were as good as missiles but technologically they were fired from a bow and not used any fuel or anything which propels them towards the target.
I believe they were special weapons having super powers for the victory of good over evil. I personally dont believe we were thrown back to swords because that was in SAtyug and we are now in Kalyug where things like those are not given to people by the God else they may destoy the whole world. instead now we hv nuclear weapons and other conventional weapons and are now well on our way to complete destruction and start of a new Yug.

Answer 5

they are mentioned in Mahabharata. the necessity might not have been there because of friendly and cordial co existence and hence the development of such kind of weaponry may not have become necessary. compare with the moderndevelopments such as un manned rackets , surface to air missiles etc.etc. due to the change of time and the relationship with on another.

Answer 6

My dear friend, in the annals of history, civilizations have started from the scrap, progressed, reached their peak & then perished after which mankind had to once again start from the scrap once a civilization perished after reaching its peak. Even excavations conducted by scientists world wide have yielded evidences of usage of atomic energy dating back to 50,000 B.C.(possibly during ancient warfare). Now , coming back to ancient warfare missiles like BRAHMASTRA, AGNEYASTRA, etc, they were actually divine secrets taught only to the royal clan i.e.kings & princes by which powers of nature were used to kill the enemies. The will power of the archer had to be yorked into the arrows while usage in warfare.The persons imparting knowledge of these ancient divine missiles were themselves divine sages and doctors of spirituality. Now, the above facts that I have stated have been told & revealed to me by the spiritual giants of today's age. Also, I have reffered to publications by qualified scientists, researchers & archaeologists before stating the above facts.

Answer 7

it's not kind of missiles.
as it's used with super power.
warriors chant shlokas and then use
that bow for that particular power.
so it's too advance.

that period was Satyug & so people
could use their power . but even
Duryodhan, Karna, Ravana they all
know that Vidya . but God wants to
prove only good can win over evils.
so it happens. just like Karmic Story.
nothing else.
i too, feel we're thrown back ....
but not to swords 0r stones.
let's wish for better.
Good thought, Good que.
& Good Luck.

Answer 8

as per the myths the person who can use these astra(s) should be pure honest and divine or the cause of using it should be geinue so after those two great wars its not been used (practially it will be very funny only)

Answer 9

Mahabharata ................... good imagination for those days ..............

Answer 10

I THINK IT IS LIKE THIS