Dhanurveda Samhita

Chapter 1 introduces Dhanurveda as a sacred martial science. It covers initiation, qualifications of teacher and student, weapon types, bow and arrow construction, archery stances, target practice, ritual observances, and divine astras.

The chapter states that the purpose of Dhanurveda is the protection of virtuous people, the restraint of thieves and evildoers, and the safeguarding of subjects. Martial knowledge is presented as a dharmic duty, not as aggression for its own sake.

The chapter describes bow length, bow defects, string materials, arrow shafts, feathering, arrowhead forms, hand grips, body stances, methods of drawing and releasing, breath control, quick shooting, and target categories such as fixed, moving, rotating, distant, and sound-based targets.

Ritual is central. Instruction begins on auspicious dates after fasting, offerings, mantras, and worship. The disciple honors the guru, deities, bow, and arrows. Annual autumn practice and Navami worship of Candi/Durga, weapons, scriptures, and horses are also prescribed.

The chapter names several astras, including Brahmastra, Brahmadanda, Brahmashiras, Pashupata, Vayavya, Agneya, and Narasimha. These represent the sacred and mythic dimension of Dhanurveda, linking martial practice with divine power and mantra tradition.

Chapter 2 focuses on the Vayavyaka astra, the martial use of wind-direction, breath and bodily alignment, battle-sound, solar-lunar orientation, auspicious lunar dates, and the ritual conditions for victory.

The Vayavyaka astra is presented as a wind-associated weapon or missile-power. In this chapter it is linked with samhara, or destructive withdrawal, and is treated as a force capable of restraining even divine opposition.

The instruction to fight in the direction of the wind has practical and symbolic value. Wind can influence arrows, dust, visibility, sound, and troop advantage, while vāyu also represents life-force, movement, and cosmic support.

The chapter associates external wind with internal life-breath. By aligning prāṇa, bodily channels, and the act of drawing the bowstring to the ear, the warrior harmonizes physical technique with subtle energy.

The listed tithis and directional powers indicate that warfare was not viewed as merely physical. Auspicious timing, solar and lunar orientation, and yoginī or directional associations were considered part of strategic preparation.