katastra

Katastra is a term from Sanskrit literature referring to a class of celestial weapons, within the broader category of astras, or weapons launched by divine power. The word is often transliterated as katāstra or kaṭāstra, and its precise etymology varies by source. In Hindu epic and Puranic literature, the katastra is described as a highly potent weapon that a trained practitioner can invoke, typically through mantras, rites, or the authorization of a deity or master.

In myth, a katastra is commanded by a skilled archer or devotee who has attained a high level of discipline. Upon release, the weapon is depicted as immensely destructive, capable of overwhelming enemies or large targets. It is generally presented as a single-use instrument that requires careful preparation and moral restraint, with potential cosmic or karmic consequences tied to its deployment.

References to katastras appear alongside other legendary astras, such as the Brahmastra and the Pashupatastra, in various Sanskrit texts. However, the term is less standardized and individualized than some other well-known weapons, and its exact characteristics can vary between manuscripts. In modern scholarship, katastra is often treated as a representative category of awe-inspiring mythic weapons rather than a uniformly defined instrument. The concept illustrates broader themes in Hindu mythology about extraordinary power, discipline, and the ethical considerations surrounding the use of divine weapons.