Who gave Sudarshana Chakra to Krishna?

It is believed that Lord Parashurama gave the Sudarshana Chakra to Lord Krishna. He obtained it from Varun Dev, and Varun Dev received it from Agnidev, who in turn, got it from Lord Vishnu.

The word ‘Sudarshan’ is derived from two words, ‘su’ meaning ‘auspicious’ and ‘darshan’ meaning ‘vision’. It is the only divine weapon that is always in motion. There are many stories about the creation of this divine discus. Some scriptures say that the combined energy of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh created it and that Brahaspati, the Guru of the Devas or gods, gave the weapon to Lord Vishnu. Other scriptures claim that Sri Krishna got it from the demi gods (devata mandal). The Mahabharata says that Krishna and Arjun helped Lord Agni, the fire god, to burn the Khandava forest. In return, he gave Krishna a discus and a Koumodaki mace.

Special features of Sudarshana Chakra

Krishna usually placed the discus on His little finger while Lord Vishnu kept it on His index finger. Once the chakra destroys the enemy, it returns to the attacker. So, even after the launch, it is within the control of the warrior. It can reach anywhere within a moment.

Invoke Vishnu’s Supreme Weapon to Boost Positivity

Legends behind the origin of Sudarshana Chakra

Lord Sudarshana is usually worshipped during sacred Yagyas to remove negative energies or vibrations. There are many mythological stories about the chakra’s origin. One legend says that Sudarshana Chakra was made by Viswakarma, the architect of the gods. Viswakarma's daughter Sanjana was Surya’s (Sun God) wife. But the Sun's fiery light and heat made it difficult for her to go near him.

When she complained about this to her father, Viswakarma made Surya shine less so that his daughter could enjoy a normal married life. From the left-over Sun "dust", Viswakarma made three divine. The first was the aerial vehicle Pushpaka Vimana, the second was the Trishul (Trident) of Lord Shiva, and the third one was the Sudarshana Chakra of Lord Vishnu.

There is another story of how the Sudarshana Chakra came into being. Once, the Asuras or demons used to torture the Gods constantly. The Gods went to seek Lord Vishnu’s help to defeat the demons. However, Vishnu said that he lacked enough power to destroy the demons, and he needed to ask Lord Shiva for help. When Vishnu went to see Shiva and found him in a trance.

Not wanting to disturb Shiva’s meditation, he began praying to Shiva. Many years passed, and Vishnu continued to pray and chant Shiva’s name with devotion. Daily, he offered one thousand lotus blossoms to Shiva. Finally, Shiva emerged from his trance.

An act to please Shiva

Vishnu went to collect one thousand lotus blossoms for worshipping Shiva. Shiva wanted to test Vishnu and stole one of the lotus flowers. When Vishnu realized that one flower was missing, he plucked out one of his eyes and offered it to Shiva.

When Shiva saw Vishnu’s devotion, he said, “I will give you whatever you ask for.” Vishnu replied, “Please give me something to conquer the asuras.” Shiva said, “Take this round disc. It will help you to vanquish all your enemies. You will be able to defeat them all with it.” This was how Vishnu got the Sudarshana chakra.

How Sudarshana Chakra was used

Sudarshana Chakra is used as an ultimate weapon of law, order, and preservation in order to eliminate the enemy. Such enemies include rakshasas, asuras, and vikrutatma. In one example, described in the Mahabharata, Krishna beheads the rapacious Shishupala with it. It was used to cut the celestial mountain Mandrachal Parvat, too, for churning the Milky ocean (Samudra Manthan).

Legend says that when Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain, he held the discus below for support. It was also used to create an artificial sunset to kill Jayadratha. But it was never used by Krishna in the battle of Mahabharata or any other war to slay anyone. A holy text of the Nath sect claims that Gorakh Nath had stopped the discus on one occasion.
Sudarshana Chakra and Shakti Peeths

The discus was also used to cut the parts of Sati, consort of Lord Shiva into 51 pieces after she killed herself by jumping into the Yagna fire held at her father's place. The 51 parts of her body fell in different parts of India and were known as "Shakti Peeths". During Tretayug, when Rama got married, Parashurama wanted to punish himbreaking Shiva's bow. But when he realized who Rama was, he bowed before him. Rama then gave his Sudarshana Chakra to Parashuram, saying that he would need it when he incarnated in Dwapara Yuga. When Krishna incarnated in Dwapara, Parashurama gave the Sudarshana Chakra to Krishna.

Sudarshana Jayanthi marks the advent of the Sudarshana Chakra of Vishnu. The divine wheel appeared on this day, and worshipping it is equal to revering the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. The Vaishnava sect observes this day as Shukla Paksha Ashada Dasami. Performing Sudarshana Homa on this day is said to bestow positive vibrations and protect one from dangers and fears. It can keep one’s enemies at bay and eliminate worries and suffering. Its healing power can bring relief from all types of diseases. It can also remove problems caused by the evil eye. Sudarshana Jayanthi 202l is on July 19.