In Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna, one of the supreme Hindu gods, is often represented as holding a disc-like, sharp-edged weapon called the Sudarshan Chakra in his hands.
Even today, Krishna murtis are seen carrying the Sudarshan Chakra, which belongs to Lord Vishnu according to many Hindu scriptures. This has left people wondering how this divine, powerful weapon ended up in Krishna’s hand or who gave it to him.
If you are also curious about who gave the Sudarshan Chakra to Krishna, keep reading to find out!
What is the Sudarshan Chakra?
The name Sudarshan Chakra is derived from two words: su, which means auspicious, and darshan, which means vision. In Hindu mythology, it is one of the great weapons that always remains in motion.
Sudarshan Chakra is said to be made from the combined energy of Lord Vishnu, Brahma, and Mahesh. This powerful weapon consists of two spinning discs with sharp spikes on their edges, rotating in opposite directions.
According to Hindu legends, the Sudarshan Chakra was used by Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu on various occasions to protect the good against evil. It was used as an ultimate weapon of law, order, and preservation to vanquish the enemy. Such enemies included Asuras, Vikrutatma, and Rakshasasas.
Who Gave Sudarshan Chakra to Krishna?
It is said that no one gave the Sudarshan Chakra to Lord Krishna. It was a magic weapon that inherently belonged to Krishna.
Since his childhood, Krishna had manifested many divine qualities that others could see and control over Sudarshan Chakra was one of those qualities. In his lifetime, he used the Sudarshan Chakra to defend his worshippers and defeat evil empires on multiple occasions.
Other legends specify that Lord Krishna acquired Sudarshan Chakra from the deities. There are several different tales regarding how Lord Krishna received the Sudarshan Chakra, with the most popular ones being:
Handed Over by Parsurama During Mahabharata
According to the Mahabharata legend, Parsurama visited Lord Krishna in the Saandeepani ashram to hand him the Sudarshan Chakra. He gave the formidable weapon to Krishna after initiating him with a fitting mantra. This unique gift was conferred upon Krishna because it could be wielded only by him. Apart from him, no one else in the world could control it.
A Present from Lord Agni
Krishna and Arjun helped the fire deity (Agni) burn the Khandav forest. In return, he presented Lord Krishna with the Sudarshan Chakra and a koumodaki mace.
Origin of Sudarshan Chakra
There are various stories about the origin of the Sudarshan Chakra:
Creation of Viswakarma
A famous legend says that Sudarshan Chakra was created by the celestial architect of Gods, Viswakarma. The tale revolves around his daughter Sanjana, who is married to the sun god Surya. Because of the immense heat of the sun god, Sajana could not get near him.
Viswakarma intervened and created three significant creations, the most powerful of which was the Sudarshan Chakra. It was later bestowed upon Lord Vishnu to protect dharma and eliminate the evil powers.
Lord Shiva’s Boon
Another legend says that the gods found themselves under relentless torment from demons and turned to Lord Vishnu for aid. Acknowledging his inability to defeat the demons alone, Lord Vishnu sought out Lord Shiva, who was deeply engrossed in meditation.
Respecting Shiva's trance, Lord Vishnu initiated a prayer and chant, offering a thousand lotus blossoms daily. Years passed as he patiently waited for Shiva to emerge. Impressed by Vishnu's unwavering devotion, Shiva decided to test him by secretly taking one lotus from the offering.
Undeterred, Vishnu, upon realising the missing flower, plucked out one of his own eyes, offering it in the sacred fire. Touched by this sacrifice, Shiva appeared before Lord Vishnu and granted him the Sudarshan Chakra. This powerful discus could cut through ignorance, illusion, and evil, becoming an invaluable tool for Vishnu in fulfilling his cosmic duties.
Working of the Sudarshan Chakra
In Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna holds the Sudarshan Chakra on his little finger and uses his index finger while releasing it. After attacking the enemy, the disc returns to its owner.
This implies that even after launch, the weapon remains within the control of the owner. It is used to prevail right over wrong.
Conclusion
Sudarshan Chakra holds a significant place in Hindu Puranas and Vedas. Both Lords Krishna and Vishnu used it on several occasions. But the answer to who gave the Sudarshan Chakra to Krishna is simple: No one! Krishna inherited it.
Lord Krishna used it against Shishupal to end his wrongdoings and, during the Mahabharata battle, to aid his friend, Arjuna. It illustrates Krishna's function in Hindu mythology as a defender and upholder of righteousness by symbolising the cosmic order and divine justice.
