In Hinduism, an astra (Sanskrit: अस्त्र; also romanised as asthra) is a supernatural weapon invoked by mantras to summon the energy of a specific deity. This energy can be channeled into any object, which can then be used as a weapon. These weapons are imbued with spiritual and occult powers. The word astra later became used to describe any ranged weapon that is handheld, such as a bow and arrow.