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Sudarshana Chakra: FAQ & Sources
सुदर्शन चक्रThe Sudarshana Chakra is the spinning discus of Vishnu, held in his upper right hand. It cuts down those who threaten dharma and returns to his finger when its work is done. It severs Rahu's head, frees Gajendra and ends Shishupala, and in South India it is worshipped as the deity Chakrattalvar.
Borne byविVishnu
Frequently asked questions
Which hand holds the Sudarshana Chakra?
Usually the upper right hand, with the conch Panchajanya in the upper left.
Who gave Vishnu the Sudarshana Chakra?
The Vishnu Purana says Vishwakarma forged it from the trimmed radiance of the Sun; the Shiva Purana says Shiva gave it to Vishnu after he offered his own eye in worship. The Mahabharata says Agni gave it to Krishna at the burning of the Khandava forest.
Did Krishna use the Sudarshana Chakra?
Yes. In the Mahabharata's Sabha Parva, Krishna releases it to end Shishupala at the Rajasuya sacrifice.
What does the Sudarshana Chakra symbolise?
The Vishnu Purana reads the discus as the mind, always in motion; it is also seen as the wheel of time and the power that protects dharma.
Is the chakra worshipped on its own?
Yes, as Chakrattalvar in many South Indian Vaishnava temples, often with Yoga Narasimha on the back of the image.
Sources
- Vishnu Purana, Book 1, ch. 22; Book 3, ch. 2
- Shiva Purana
- Bhagavata Purana 8.2-4, 8.9, 9.4-5
- Mahabharata, Adi Parva and Sabha Parva
- Vedanta Desika, Sudarshana Ashtakam
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