In Hindu mythology, the god
Rama (Ramachandra) faced the demon king of Sri-Lanka,
Ravana. Rama shot arrows and knocked off each of Ravana's ten heads, but new ones grew immediately. The new heads doubled Ravana's strength. Finally, Rama fired the arrow of Brahma that had been imparted to him by
Agastya, a sage and heavenly historian, while Rama,
Sita, and
Lakshmana were exiled in Dandaka Forest. The arrow of Brahma burst Ravana's navel which contained the elixer, and returned to Rama's quiver. Ravana was destroyed and Rama was able to return home in victory.
Appearance The arrow of Brahma that Rama shot had feathers of winds. The points were sun and flames. The shaft was
Mount Meru, the hub of the universe and where Brahma lived.
Role in the Yaktovil Ritual The
yaktovil is a lengthy, complex ritual that prevents malevolent, supernatural beings from overpowering patients. The ritual is performed by
Theravada Buddhists in Sinhala communities in
Sri Lanka. During the ritual, a straight branch with one end in the shape of an arrowhead referred to as the 'arrow of Brahma' is used as a ritual implement. ==See also==