Brahmaśiras (Astra)
Brahmaśiras · brahma-śiras, “the head of Brahmā”
The Brahmaśiras is a divine astra, a weapon set in motion by mantra and carrying the power of a devatā. The Brahma Purāṇa names it in the Tārakāmaya war, where it was hurled at the devas.
In the Tārakāmaya war
Lomaharshaṇa tells the munis the account of Soma. Brahmā gave Soma sovereignty over the seeds and oshadhis (healing plants), the brāhmaṇas and the waters, and Soma performed a Rājasūya. Then, deluded by his boundless aiśvarya (lordship), he carried off by force Tārā, the wife of Bṛhaspati, and would not give her back though the devas and devarshis begged him again and again. Uśanas (Śukra) came, and Rudra took up his bow Ajagava and stood as the guard of the rear. Then the astra named Brahmaśiras was taken up and hurled at the devas, and by it the fame of the devas was stained.
The war, famed as the Tārakāmaya, brought destruction to devas, dānavas and the worlds. The devas who survived, the Tushitas, took refuge with Brahmā; Brahmā restrained Śukra and Rudra and himself gave Tārā back to Bṛhaspati.
Source: Brahma Purāṇa, Chapter 9
Sources
- Brahma Purāṇa, Chapter 9