Divya astras (divine weapons) and tejas (fiery energy) in the Mahābhārata and Rāmāya

Abstract

Hinduism's two major epics, the Mahilbhiirata and the Riimiiya,:ia, are full of divine weapon (divya astra) combat, quests, and histories. The divine weapons are governed by an identifiable set of principles, which pertain to the energy-substance tejas or "fiery energy." Furthermore, the heroes of both epics possess great amounts of tejas to control and employ the divine weapons. By exploring the divine weapon episodes a model can be constructed of these principles, and in light of the completed model the episodes themselves are clearly depicted. The divine weapons of ancient Indian mythology have been previously passed over as excessive fantasy and magic. The aim of this thesis is to shown that they are rational creations based on a coherent internal logic.