Whenever unrighteousness crossed the limits, this Chakra appeared in the form of Kaal, sometimes to protect the devotee and sometimes to destroy the demons. From returning the humility of sage Durvasa to piercing the thousand arms of Banasur, all gods, demons and humans trembled under its attack. These are the great stories, when Lord Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra appeared as the final judge of religion.
In Hindu religion, Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra is not only a weapon of war, but also a symbol of protection of religion and destruction of unrighteousness. In Vishnu Purana and Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran, this weapon with a thousand blades, as bright as the sun and fire, has been said to be feared even by the gods.
Whenever unrighteousness raised its head, this cycle appeared like time and in the blink of an eye destroyed the wicked. From Rishi Durvasa to Banasur, the universe trembled due to its blow. Let us know those great stories, when Sudarshan Chakra created history.
Sudarshan chasing sage Durvasa (Bhagwat)
King Ambarish was observing Ekadashi fast when sage Durvasa came and in anger created a terrible demon. Due to Ambarish’s devotion, Lord Sudarshan Chakra immediately appeared, destroyed the demon and went after the sage. Durvasa ran to Brahmalok, Kailash and Vishnulok, but no one could save him. Ultimately Sudarshan Chakra calmed down only after he apologized to Ambarish.
Religious meaning: This incident shows that Lord Sudarshan himself becomes active to protect the devotee, even if there are sages in front of him.
Shishupala killing (Bhagwat, Vishnu Purana)
In Yudhishthir’s Rajsuya Yagya, Shishupala repeatedly insulted Lord Krishna. Krishna counted 100 crimes and tolerated them, but as soon as he crossed the limit, he killed him by using Sudarshan Chakra. Within a moment his head was separated from his body and Tej merged into God.
Religious meaning: There is a limit to tolerance, when it is broken, then punishment is necessary to protect the religion.
Piercing of the thousand arms of Banasur (Bhagavata, Vishnu Purana)
Banasura with thousand arms was invincible by the boon of Shiva but when he committed unrighteousness and spread evil, Krishna cut his arms like branches of trees with Sudarshan Chakra in the battle. On the intervention of Shiva, he was given life, but only four arms remained.
Religious meaning: Even if a Shiva devotee has ego, God limits it.
Shalva and destruction of Saubhapuri (Bhagwat)
The elusive demon Shalva created a flying fort named Saubhapuri and attacked Dwarka. Krishna destroyed his invisible plane with Sudarshan and ultimately killed him.
Religious meaning: No matter how powerful the net of falsehood and illusion may be, the glory of truth cuts them.—
Paundrak slaughter and Kashi burning (Vishnu Purana)
Paundraka declared himself the true Vasudeva and challenged Krishna to a fight. Sudarshan Chakra decapitated him on the battlefield. Paundrak’s friend Sudarshan, in anger, attacked the king of Kashi, which burnt the entire Kashi.
Religious meaning: False ego and false ostentation ultimately lead to destruction.
Other wars and demon-slayings
It is mentioned at many places in the Puranas that Krishna killed demons with Sudarshan Chakra in small and big wars. Sometimes in the battlefield, sometimes to protect the devotees. This shows that this weapon can come under the protection of not only the king but also the common devotee.
Religious meaning: The divine power is always alert and ready for the protection of religion.
Sudarshan Stuti of Ambarisha (Bhagwat)
Apart from war, in the praise of Sudarshan sung by Ambarish, it has been described as the one who sustains religion, truth, yagya and the world. Here Sudarshan appears not just as a weapon but as a divine man.
Religious meaning: Divine weapons also become pleased with devotion and praise. It is not only a symbol of power but also a source of blessings.