Nagapasha or Nagastra is a powerful arrow capable of huge
destruction. The story of the origin of Nagastra is mentioned in the Yuddha
Kanda of Kamba Ramayana. Legend has it that Nagapasha was in the beginning a
very powerful Snake. Brahma had created Nagapasha to annihilate a demon named
Nagasura.
Nagapasha’s main weapon was a sharp piercing cry. On
reaching the kingdom
of Nagasura
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva gave blessings to Nagapasha for
killing the demon. Shiva also made Nagapasha one his ornaments.
Nagapasha once decided to go on a tour of the worlds. Shiva
advised him not to visit Salmali
Island
Nagapasha was attacked by Garuda and the snake could nothing
to Garuda. Nagapasha took refuge in Shiva.
Shiva pacified Garuda and said that from then onwards
Nagapasha will not interfere with Garuda.
From that day Nagapasha became the arrow. Demons, Devas and
Humans pleased Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu through austerities and as boon gained
the arrow in their armory.
Nagastra was used in the Ramayana and Mahabharata. When Nagastra
was used, thousands of snakes came down from the skies. In some cases it emitted
poison.
Nagastra in Ramayana
Nagastra was used by Ravana against Sri Ram. From a single
arrow thousands of snakes darted towards Sri Ram. The arrows had their mouths
like serpents and vomited fire all round. Sri Ram to stop the Nagastra discharged
Garuda Astra. The arrows became Garudas and cut off the serpent arrows on all
sides. Garuda is the enemy of serpents. Garuda nullifies the effect of
Nagastra.
Indrajit, son of Ravana, had used it against Lakshman. This
made him senseless.
Nagastra in Mahabharata
Karna had used it against Arjuna. Kunti had got
a word from Karna that he will not use the Nagastra twice against Arjuna. When
Karna used it the first time, Krishna cleverly
rides the chariot into a pit and lowers the chariot, the nagastra hits the
crown of Arjuna.