Agneyastra, the weapons throwing fiery flames, is mentioned in the
Ramayana and the
Mahabharata.
It is similar to an iron arrow or a ball filled with inflammable substances and on igniting produces smoke. When the weapon comes in contact with air or sun’s rays it produces fire.
Legend has it that Saint Agnivesha received Agneyastra from Saint Bharadvaja, who gave it to Drona. Drona gave it to his most favorite disciple Arjuna. Arjuna used it against Karna in the Mahabharata war. It was also used by Lord Ram to remove the darkness caused by the two demons, Akampa and Athikaya.
