There are numerous weapons described in the Mahabharata.
I have posted on various weapons used in the Mahabharata Battle and the Weapons of Mass Destruction(WMD).
Vishnu’s Discus.gif
These are deadly weapons and so far I have been able get information on them through the epics and other texts in Sanskrit/Tamil literature.
And of course one sees many of these weapons in Hindu Temples either as a weapon in God’s hands or as a sculpture/painting in the Prahara of a temple.
Some of these weapons were called Astras, while the others were known as Sastras.
The Sastras are conventional weapons which can be used by anyone with proper training as one uses a Gun.
But Astras are different in that they can be used only after initiation from a Guru.
And one is expected to chant a specific Mantra.
Brahmastra, the equivalent of Hydrogen Bomb is an Astra.
There is another category of weapon which can be used both as conventional weapon and as an Astra.
This is the Chakra, (Discus)
Famous Chakra is Vishnus’ Sudharshan Chakra.
Lord Krishna also wields this.
Now a working Model of this has been found in Melarasur,near Lalgudi
The news item explains.(image below)
News on Chakram in the Indian Express. Click on the Image To Enlarge.
‘The chakram (Devanāgarī: चक्रं; Panjabi: chakkar; Malay: cakeram) is a throwing weapon from India. It is circular in shape with a sharpened outer edge and ranges in size from approximately 12–30 centimetres (4.7–11.8 in) in diameter. It is also known as chalikar[1] meaning “circle”, and was sometimes referred to in English writings as a “war-quoit”. The chakram is primarily a throwing weapon but can also be used hand-to-hand. A smaller variant called chakri was worn on the wrist. A related weapon is the chakri dang, a bamboo staff with a chakri attached at one end…
Earliest references to the chakram come from the Indian epics Mahabharata and Ramayana where the Sudarshana Chakra is the weapon of the god Vishnu. Chakradhaari (“chakram-wielder,” or simply “circle-man”) is a name for Krishna. The chakram was later used extensively by the Sikhs as recently as the days of Ranjit Singh. It came to be associated with Sikhs because of the Nihang practice of wearing chakram on their arms, around the neck and even tied in tiers on high turbans. The Portuguese chronicler Duarte Barbosa writes (c. 1516) of the chakram being used in the Delhi Sultanate.[2]
The people of the kingdom … are very good fighting men and good knights, armed with many kinds of weapons; they are great bowmen, and very strong men; they have very good lances, swords, daggers, steel maces, and battle-axes, with which they fight; and they have some steel wheels,which they call chakarani, two fingers broad, sharp outside like knives, and without edge inside; and the surface of these is of the size of a small plate. And they carry seven or eight of these each, put on the left arm; and they take one and put it on the finger of the right hand, and make it spin round many times, and so they hurl it at their enemies, and if they hit anyone on the arm or leg or neck, it cuts through all. And with these they carry on much fighting, and are very dexterous with them.
From its native India, variations of the chakram spread to other Asian countries. In Tibet, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the chakram was not flat but torus-like. The Mongol cavalry used a similar throwing weapon with spiked edges.[citation needed]
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Chakram are traditionally made from steel or brass which is beaten into a circular shape against an anvil with an indentation for the curvature. Two ends are connected with a piece of brass and then heated, forming a complete circle before the brass is removed. Some chakram, even those used in combat, were ornately engraved, or inlaid with brass, silver or gold.
The chakram is half an inch to one inch wide and is typically between 5-12 inches in diameter. The smaller variations are known as chakriwhile the larger ones are called vada chakra which were as large as a shield.
Throwing Technic.
The chakram’s combat application is largely dependent on its size. Regular-sized (15+ cm dia.) steel chakram could be thrown 40–60 meters, while brass chakram, due to their better airfoil design, could be thrown in excess of 100 meters.[4] If properly constructed, it should be a perfect circle. Warriors trained by throwing chakram at lengths of green bamboo. In single combat, the chakram could be thrown underarm like a modern Aerobie. In battle, it was usually thrown vertically so as to avoid accidentally hitting an ally on the left or right side. A stack of chakram could be quickly thrown one at a time like shuriken. On elephant or horseback, chakram could be more easily thrown than spears or arrows. Because of its aerodynamic circular shape it is not easily deflected by wind.
The most iconic method of throwing a chakram is tajani, wherein the weapon is twirled on the index finger of an upraised hand and thrown with a timed flick of the wrist. The spin is meant to add power and range to the throw, while also avoiding the risk of cutting oneself on the sharp outer edge. An adept user can twirl the chakram while using another weapon with the other hand. The use of tajani in battle was perfected by the Nihang who employed a particular formation to protect the chakram-wielder from harm. Although variants of the chakram would make their way to neighbouring parts of the region, the tajani technique appears to have remained unique to Indian martial arts.
The smaller chakri could also be worn on the arms or wrists and used like knuckledusters. When worn on the arms the chakri could be used to break or cut the opponent’s arms while grappling. The larger vada chakra were worn around the neck and thrown or dropped down on the opponent vertically. In the turban, it could be raked across an enemy’s face or eyes while fighting.
The 3 lines of the 1st Avarana & the position of the various deities
The outermost 3 lines known as Bhupura form the first Avarana of the Sri Yantra. This is known as the Trilokya Mohana Chakra and the worshiper knowing its inner secrets can mesmerise the 3 worlds. It is ruled by a Yogini Devi called Prakata Yogini. The Deity of this is Tripura. The beeja of this Avarana is Am Aam Sauh. The gem is topaz. The time is 24 minutes (360 breaths).The mudra to be shown is Kshobha Mudra.
The 1st line: The Outer line (of the 3 lines) has 10 Devis known as Siddhi Devis. Their luster is like that of molten gold, they hold the goad in their right hands and the noose in their left hands. They are very auspicious and bestow heaps of gems and jewels to the worshiper. They are placed as shown in the above picture. They are:
The 2nd line: The 2nd or Middle line has eight Matruka Devis. They are bedecked in all ornaments. They hold in their hands Vidya (book), Trident, Shakti, Chakra (Discus), Club, Thunderbolt, Baton & Lotus. They bestow to the worshiper everything desired.
The 3rd line: The innermost third line has 10 Mudra Shaktis. They are of red hue and rule the various mudras and bestow spiritual boons to the worshiper.
The Nava Avaranas (Nine Corridors) of the Sri Yantra
The 2nd Avarana: is the 16 petals circle known as Sarvaash Paripooraka Chakra meaning the fulfiller of all desires.
The presiding form of Lalita in this Avarana is Tripureshi. She is ornamented with all gems, carries a book and a rosary. The Yogini residing here is called Gupta Yogini. The 16 Devis of this Avarana are called the Nitya Kalas, also Nitya Devis, also Akarshana Devis and also Gupta Yoginis. They are of red hue and each holds a noose, a goad, pot of nectar and make the sign of giving boons. They rule the 16 Sanskrit vowels from a to ah. By worshiping them one gets power over mind, ego, sound, touch, sight, taste, smell, intellect, steadiness, memory, name, growth, etheric body, rejuvenation, and physical body.
The 16 Yoginis represent the 16 vowels of Sanskrit language, and are worshipped with the 16 vowels as their beeja mantras.
The gem of this Avarana is sapphire. The dhatu is chyle (the first product of the disintegration of food by the biological fires). The time is three hours (2700 breaths). The beeja mantra is Aim Klim Sauh.
The 3rd Avarana: is the 8 petal circle known as Sarva Sankshobhana Chakra. The preciding form of Lalita in this Avarana is Tripura Sundari. The Yogini is Guptatara Yogini. She is swaying in a love intoxicated state, with her eyes full of bliss. She smiles with passion and shows the mudras dispelling fears and granting boons.
The eight Devis in each of the eight petals have the colour of Bandhuka flowers. They are holding noose, goad, blue lotus and are dispelling fear. They represent Speech, Holding, Walking, Excreting, Pleasure, Abandoning, Concentration and Detachment. They have the eight Ka class letters as their beejas.
The beeja mantra of this Avarana is Hrim Klim Sauh. The gem is cat’s eye. The dhatu is Flesh. The time is day and night (21600 breaths).
The 4th Avarana: This Avarana of 14 triangles (Outer blue triangles in picture) represents the 14 worlds and the 14 main Nadis in the human body. It is called Sarva Soubhagya Dayak Chakra. The presiding form of the devi is Tripura Vasini. She is red and very beautiful. Fourteen Devis of the triangles are described as being proud, wanton, young, colour of cochineal, ornamented with gems, holding noose, goad, mirror, wine cup full of nectar. They are called Sampradaya Yoginis.
The beeja mantra of this Avarana is Haim Hklim Hsauh. The gem is coral. The dhatu is blood. The time is weekday.
The mudra of this Avarana is Vasya Mudra.
The 14 Devis are
# Devi’s Name
1.Sarvasmkshobhini devi
2.Sarvavidravini devi
3.Sarvakarshini devi
4.Sarvaahladini devi
5.Sarvasammohini devi
6.Sarvasthambhini devi
7.Sarvajrumbhini devi
8.Sarvavashankari devi
9.Sarvaranjani devi
10.Sarvonmadini devi
11.Sarvarthasadhika devi
12.Sarvasampattipurani devi
13.Sarvamantramayi devi
14.Sarvadwandwakshayankari devi
The 5th Avarana: This Avarana of 10 triangles ( red triangles in the picture) is called Sarvarth Sadhaka Chakra. It is own as Bahirdasaram. The presiding aspect of Lalita is Tripurasri. She holds noose goad, a skull and dispels fear. She is of vermilion brightness. The Yoginis are called Kulotteerna Yoginis and also Kula Yoginis. They have the lusture of Japakusuma flowers and are adorned with shining gems and jwels. They are holding noose and goads and showing the gestures of knowledge, and giving boons. They represent the dasavataras and the 10 Vital Fires.
The beeja of this Avarana is Hsshoum, Hleesskhloum, Hssouh. The gem is pearl. The dhatu is Ova/Semen. The time is Lunar Day (tithi).
The Mudra of this Avarana is Unmada Mudra.
The 6th Avarana: This inner 10 triangle chakra (shown in red in the picture) is called Sarva Rakshakara Chakra and also as Antardasardam. The presiding aspect of Lalita is Tripura Malini. She holds noose and goad, dispels fear, and holds a skull. She is of vermilion brightness. The Yoginis are called Nigarbha Yoginis. They are the colour of 1000 rising suns, adorned with pearls and gems, holding noose, chisel, and showing the gestures of knowledge, and giving boons. They are the saktis of the 10 Vital Fires.
The beeja of this Avarana is Hrim Klim Blem. The gem is emerald. The dhatu is Marrow. The time is Lunar Fortnight.
The Mudra of the Avarana is Mahankusha Mudra.
The 10 Devis are:
# Devi’s Name
1.Sarvagya devi
2.Sarvashakti devi
3.Sarvaswaryapradayini devi
4.Sarvagyanamayi devi
5.Sarvavyadhinivarini devi
6.Sarvadharaswarupa devi
7.Sarvapapahara devi
8.Sarvanandamayi devi
9.Sarvarakshaswarupini devi
10.Sarvepsitaphalaprada devi
The 7th Avarana: This inner 8 triangle chakra (shown in Green in the picture) is called Sarva Rogahara Chakra. The preciding Devi is Tripura Siddhamba. She is described as the Destroyer of Poison. The Yogini is called Ati Rahasya Yogini. The Yoginis are the colour of pomegranate flowers, wearing red clothes, smeared with red scent, each carrying five arrows and a bow. These Devis are the rulers of Cold, Heat, Happiness, Sorrow, Desire, and the three gunas Sattvas, Rajas, Tamas. They are also called the eight Vasinis and rule the eight Sanskrit letter groups. They also represent the Astha Vasus.
The beeja is Hreem, Shreem, Souh. The gem is diamond. The time is month.
The 8th Avarana: This inner 8 triangle chakra (shown in green in the picture) is called Sarva Siddhiprada Chakra. The presiding Devi is Tripuramba. The Yogini here is Ati-Rahasya Yogini. Her Beejamantra is Hsraim Hsrklim Hsrsauh.
She is also known as Sampatprada Bhairavi. She has coppery effulgent, like a 1000 suns, with three eyes, a face like the moon, adorned with white gems, with a beautiful figure, rising swelling breasts, intoxicated, wanton, young, proud, holding book, dispelling fear, holding a rosary and granting boons.
The 3 Devis here are:
1.Kameshvari
2.Vajreshi
3.Bhagamalini.
Kameshvari is the Rudra Shakti – Parvati. She is white in colour, besmeared with camphor, adorned with pearls and crystal, and various other gems, holding book, rosary, bestowing boons and dispelling fear.
Vajreshi is the Vishnu Shakti – Lakshmi. She is bright as red kumkuma, adorned with flowers and gems, like the dawn sun. Her eyelids are smeared with sapphire dust, she holds sugarcane how, flowery arrows, bestows boons, dispels fear.
Bhagamalini is the Brahma Shakti – Saraswati. She is effulgent as molten gold, adorned with priceless gems, holds noose, goad, and shows the gestures of knowledge and bestowing boons.
The beeja is Hsraim Hsrklim Hsrsauh. The gem of the mandala is Gomaya. The dhatu is Fat. The time is season (two months). The Mudra is the Bija Mudra.
The 9th Avarana: This Avarana is the Bindu – the Cosmic Union of Shiva & Shakti as Kameswari & Kameswara. It is called Sarvanandamaya Chakra. The Yogini is the Queen of Queens, Rajarajeshvari, Her Transcendent Majesty Lalita Maheshvari Mahatripurasundari.
The beeja is ka e i la hrim. The gem is ruby. The dhatu is hair. The time is year. The mudra of this Avarana is Yoni Mudra.
Shreechakra Navavarana Pooja as per the Khadgamala vidhi
The basic Rules: Devi worship must be done only after taking bath and wearing clean clothes. As per the rituals to be observed – various pooja books and websites prescribe long preparations and rituals for poojas. It is not possible for every one to perform a pooja like an ordained Vedic priest. Hence our scriptures allow one to do a pooja “Yatha shakti” or as per ones capability and convenience. Doing it with faith is what really matters. The minimum is: light a lamp and an incense stick and offer some prasad – if you don’t have anything at home then simple milk or sugar will do.
People worship the Shreechakra made of various materials and in shades. The simplest and the best one is a clear diagrammatic picture. In the olden days people used to draw the Chakra on various materials. Now you do not have to go through all the trouble. You can use a simple printed one, which is equally effective. We have enclosed one for your benefit at the top. Take a print out of it to worship. Preferably laminate it so that it is not soiled or damaged.
While doing the pooja of the various deities in the Nine Avaranas, you can worship the Chakra with Akshintas (Turmeric rice) or flowers or with Panchamrut. A still better way is to worship the particular Devi in the places indicated in the pictures given in the previous pages.
The Devi is worshipped in many forms and names – Lalita, Katyayani, Kameswari, Kamakshi, Durga, Chandi, Kali, and Amba etc. The closest matching form of the Shodashakshari Devi as described in the scriptures is that off Goddess Kamakshi of Kanchi. You will find it here>Click to see picture.
The Anganyasas and Karanyasa beejas are the purification ritual before the pooja. The basic Anganyasa & Karanyasa are given for the benefit of those who are conversant with this ritual. If you do not know you can omit it.
If you are conversant with the other pooja rituals like Aachamanam, Bhuta Suddhi, Dehasuddhi, Shankha pooja, Kalasha pooja etc., you can perform them before the actual pooja. If you do not know simply offer a prayer to Lord Ganesha and do the pooja. At the end of the pooja offer the following prayer.
“Avahanam najanami, najanami visarjanam,
poojamchaiva najanamani kshamaswa Maheswari.
Yatkrutam yatkarishyami tathsarvam twamarpanam,
poojam poorna phalam kuru”.
Roughly translated it means – “I am not conversant with the Aavahana, visarjana etc.. pooja rituals and hence forgive me. Whatever I have done and I am doing, I am offering to you. Give me full results”.
This pooja, along with the four other poojas that must be performed before that, will take about 45 minutes time but it is more effective than any other pooja both materially and spiritually.
When you sit facing the east and with the tip of the top triangle pointing at you, at the bottom right hand side corner of the Shreechakra resides Lord Ganesha. The bottom left hand side corner resides Lord Surya. The top left side corner resides Lord Vishnu and the top right corner of the Shreechakra resides Lord Shiva. They must be worshipped before starting the Pooja of the Nava-Avaranas.
After that the eight primordial directions are guarded by the eight Lokapalas. Indra guards the East, Agni guards the South East, Yama guards the South, Nirriti guards the South West, Varuna guards the West, Vayu guards the North East, Soma guards the North and Ishana guards the North East.
Om aim hreem shreem aim kleem souh – these bijas must be added before each of the names from now onwards. After the name add the beejas Shripadukam poojayami namah
If you cannot do this detailed worship, simply worship the Sri Yantra 108 times with the Panchadasakshari Mantra, which is one of the greatest mantras of Devi and next only to the Shodasi Mantra:
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