The Puranas in Sanskrit consist of narratives on the history of the universe from creation to destruction, genealogies of kings, heroes, sages, and demigods. In some of these texts, a weapon named Brahmastra is mentioned that has sparked interest and controversy.
The Puranas say, , a Brahmastra is a weapon created by Brahma, who is the Hindu God of creation. Brahmastra is considered the deadliest weapon of all and when it is discharged there is neither a counter attack nor a defense that may stop it.
The Brahmastra never misses and must be used with very specific intent, as the target will face complete annihilation. According to Sanskrit writings, the Brahmastra is invoked by a key phrase that is bestowed upon the user when given the weapon.
It causes severe environmental damage. The land where the Brahmastra is used becomes barren for eons and all life in and around that area ceases to exist.
Upon release of the weapon, women and men become infertile. The area experiences a severe decrease in rainfall and the land develops cracks like in a drought. The survivors lose their nails and hair, and their food becomes unfit for eating. For several subsequent years, the Sun, the stars and the sky remain shrouded with clouds and produce bad weather.
It doesn't take an expert to notice that the weapon holds similar characteristics to modern day nuclear weapons. The Brahmastra is mentioned in multiple Sanskrit scriptures, often times acting as a deterrent simply with the threat of use.
In the Ramayana, a Brahmastra is used by Rama as the “final blow” against Rakshasa Ravana during their battle in Lanka. It is said that the collision between two Brahmastras will destroy the universe.
