Asi

RUDRA

HINDU MYTHS AND LEGENDS

Rudra, Asi’s fearsome wielder

Nakula was Pandu’s fourth son, and an accomplished swordsman. One day, he approached Bhishma Pitamah, the Grandsire of the Kuru Dynasty. Nakula was pondering which weapon should be called the best. Although the bow occupied the position, Nakula was convinced the sword is more effective in a battle. Thus, he sought Bhishma’s advice. He also hope to learn more about the sword at the same time. Nakula’s critical thinking impressed Bhishma. As such, he went on to describe Asi’s birth…

In times past, the Asuras (‘demons’) engulfed the world in chaos. The Devas (‘gods’) tried to oppose the Asuras and restore Dharma (‘righteousness’), but the demons were powerful. Desperate, the Devas turned to Brahma — the Hindu God of Creation — for help.

Asi

Brahma performed a sacrificial ceremony in the Himalayas, releasing so much power that the earth trembled and the sky rained fire. Then, from the depths of chaos, a creature was born — Asi. It dazzled with a brilliant blue light, and looked terrifying with its razor-sharp teeth. At Brahma's command, Asi transformed into a sword blazing with ethereal flames.

Brahma entrusted Asi to Rudra, Storm God and Destroyer of Evil. To perform the deed, Rudra altered his appearance. Indeed, he was a sight to behold — with four arms and a stature that touched the heavens. The Asuras — seeing that Rudra came alone — underestimated his powers. They attacked with glee, but were instead slaughtered without mercy until their corpses littered the earth.

Manu survives the Great Flood

With Dharma restored, Rudra left Asi in the Devas' care, before reverting to his more benign form. The sword was passed on to Manu. He was the one who repopulated the world after the Great Flood cleansed the earth. Thereafter, Asi was used to punish those who have strayed from Dharma, so that the balance between good and evil is maintained.

This legend is adapted and inspired by the Shantiparva section of the major Sanskrit epic Mahabharata.