Bow also called as Dhanush is one of the life saver and integral part of hindu mythological wars. According to ancient scripts, there are several powerful bows which was used by mythological heroes or devas.
Here are 5 powerful bows of hindu mythology:
1. Vijaya
Vijaya Dhanush (bow) was created by Vishvakarma for lord Indra, which was later passed on to Parashurama for killing evil people and later on was passed on to Karna who was a student of Parashurama.
As the word Vijaya itself says Victory, the bow was very powerful and made it’s wielder a invincible being. No other weapon could harm the person who had this bow.
This celestial bow is also known as Karna’s Vijaya Dhanush.
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2. Gandiva
Gandiva is divine bow created by Brahma which was given to Lord Shiva to bless with sacred mantras to make it attainable only to the bravest warrior.
Arjuna, one of the five Pandavas received this Gandiva Dhanush by worshipping Lord Agni. Arjuna, in return to helping Agni Deva to regain control over a forest, requested this bow as a boon which was granted by Lord Varuna upon the request of Agni deva.
3. Sharanga
Lord Brahma wanted to know the strength of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, so he decied to have a war. So he got 2 divine bows crafted and one of them was Sharanga.
Vishnu, one of the trinity gods had Sharanga Danush which was also created by Vishvakarma. Lord Parashuram challenged Lord Shree Rama to lift the mighty bow and fight against him. Lord Rama lifted the bow with ease, thats when Parashuram realised that Lord Rama was in deed incarnation of Lord Vishnu, so he gifted the celestial bow to Lord Rama.
Sharanag was known to be a mighty unliftable bow which has to be wielded by a strong person.
4. Pinaka
Lord Brahma wanted to know the strength of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, so he decided to have a war. So he got 2 divine bows crafted and one of them was Pinaka, but the war was cancelled as it could have destroyed the world. So Lord Shiva threw the bow to Earth which was known as Shiva Dhanush.
King of Janaka family found this bow and was later on kept in Swayamvara of goddess Sita, which was later broken by Lord Ram.
5. Govardhan
Govardhan Dhanush belongs to Lord Vishnu. Lord Krishna gave this bow to Vidura at the time of Kurukshetra war to protect women and children from evil happenings.
Govardhan bow was undestroyable and was very powerful.
