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The Pashupatastra (IAST: Pāśupatāstra, Sanskrit: पाशुपतास्त्र; the Pashupati, an epithet of Lord Shiva) an astra, a celestial missile, affiliated to the Hinduism deity Shiva, as well as Kali and Mahadevi, which can be discharged by the mind, the eyes, words, or a bow.
On learning about Arjuna's penance, Duryodhana sent the asura Mukasura to kill Arjuna. Mukasura took the form of a wild boar to interrupt Arjuna's worship. Upon knowing this, Shiva appeared there, in the form of a hunter. Arjuna shot an arrow at the boar, and slew it. At the same time, Shiva (in the disguise of a kirata) had also released an arrow from his bow. A scuffle arose between the two as to whose arrow had slain the boar. The scuffle led to an exchange of arrow-fire, until Arjuna's quiver was depleted. The Pandava struck the hunter's head with his sword, which shattered to pieces. The two exchanged blows, until Arjuna was beaten senseless against the earth.
Shiva, and his wife, Parvati, offered their darshana to Arjuna, and blessed him with the Pashupatastra.
Pashupatastra is considered indestructible and can destroy any creation, but its use is prohibited against mortals. It is one of the six Mantramukta weapons that cannot be resisted.
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