Sudarshana Chakra is the mighty weapon of Lord Vishnu and has many auspicious attributes associated with it. It was given by lord Shiva to Shri Vishnu after he preformed worship of Shivalingam to appease Shiva. The Sudarshana Chakra is portrayed on the right rear hand of the four hands of Vishnu, who also holds a Shankha in his left fore hand, mace in his left rear hand, and a lotus bud in his right fore hand. According to the Puranas, Sudarshana Chakra is used for the ultimate destruction of an enemy. The depiction of Vishnu with Sudarshana Chakra also means that Vishnu is the keeper-owner of the celestial bodies and heaven. It has the attribute of "Pida Pradanam" which gives relief from pain and sufferering to the seeker/performer. The Sudarshana Chakra also has the attribute of "Papa Nashanam", the destruction of sins. This is the first step to be adopted in the realisation of Lord Vishnu. Sudarshana Chakra has healing characteristics. Therefore performance of the Sudarshana Homam or Chanting Sudarshana Gayatri Mantra gives relief from afflictions of fever and even possession by the mighty Brahma Rakshasa. A legend has it that Swami Desikan composed the Sudarshana Astakam to help the people of a village stricken by the plague epidemic. As soon as Swami Desikan finished his composition, the epidemic was over. The performance of Sudarshana Homam or chanting mantra grants the performer health, wealth and prosperity. If the performer seeks spiritual benefits, he gets it. If the person seeks material benefit, he is blessed with all riches upon conclusion of the Homam.
Om Sudarshnaya Vidhmahe Maha Jwalaya Dhimahi Tanno Chakra Prachodyat!!
Nice article. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe Sudharshana Chakra can be considered as an important symbol in Hinduism. There are several tales that explains the origin of this symbol and how Maha Vishnu became the possessor of this mighty weapon. One such tale is, Maha Vishnu offered penance to God Shiva for years to obtain a powerful weapon to tackle the disharmony caused by Asuras in the world. Once God Shiva opened his eyes, he was impressed by Vishnu's commitment and dedication, he created the Sudarshana Chakra.
Another tales revovles around Vishwakarma, whose daughter was married to the sun god. Vishwakarma could not endure the heat and the brightness of the sun, hence he was not able to go near. In order to get closer, he reduced the intensity of the sun and with the dust and heat, he created the Sudarshana chakra.
In Hinduism, the Sudarshana Chakra signifies something bigger. It is a symbol of protection as the chakra has the power to destroy anything in its path with its razor sharp blades. Its a sign of hope, righteousness and knowledge.
There are several temples dedicated to the Sudharshana Chakra.
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