Raudrastra, Raudrāstra, Raudra-astra: 1 definition
Introduction:
Raudrastra means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Hinduism
Kavya (poetry)
Source: Wisdom Library: KathāsaritsāgaraRaudrāstra (रौद्रास्त्र) or Rudrāstra is the name of a weapon (astra), capable of repelling the Brahmāstra, according to the Kathāsaritsāgara, chapter 115. Accordingly, as Brahmā said to Vidyuddhvaja: “... this weapon of Brahmā [named Brahmāstra] cannot be repelled by any weapon except the weapon of Paśupati Rudra [named Raudrāstra], which is unattainable by me. So, if you desire victory, you must not employ it unseasonably”.
Also, “... then Indra called to mind the weapon of Paśupati [named Raudrāstra], presided over by Śiva himself, which immediately presented itself in front of him; he worshipped it, and discharged it among his foes. That weapon, which was of the nature of a destroying fire, consumed the army of the Asuras; but Vidyuddhvaja, being a child, only fell senseless when smitten by it, for that weapon does not harm children, old men or fugitives. Then all the gods returned home victorious.”.
The Kathāsaritsāgara (‘ocean of streams of story’), mentioning Raudrāstra, is a famous Sanskrit epic story revolving around prince Naravāhanadatta and his quest to become the emperor of the vidyādharas (celestial beings). The work is said to have been an adaptation of Guṇāḍhya’s Bṛhatkathā consisting of 100,000 verses, which in turn is part of a larger work containing 700,000 verses.
Kavya (काव्य, kavya) refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.
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Search found 1 books and stories containing Raudrastra, Raudrāstra, Raudra-astra; (plurals include: Raudrastras, Raudrāstras, astras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Bhishma Charitra (by Kartik Pandya)