Sudarshan Chakra: Its Story And Influence on Astrology

Are you aware of the powerful chakra that Lord Vishnu used as his primary weapon of choice? That is Sudarshan Chakra, a sharp discus-like weapon, one of the most effective weapons in Hindu mythology. You’ve probably seen images of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna striking a powerful pose with the Sudarshan Chakra in hand, ready to defeat evil.

Some firm believers of its divine vibrations also get a Sudarshan chakra tattoo. But there’s more to the Sudarshan Chakra than just being a weapon. Its symbolism and connections to spirituality and astrology run deep. Let us learn more about this mighty weapon.

What is Sudarshan Chakra?

The Sudarshan Chakra is one of the most powerful weapons mentioned in Hindu mythology. In the mythology, it was given to Lord Vishnu by the fire god Agni. Lord Vishnu then passed it on to his avatar, Lord Krishna. That is why it’s called a Krishna Sudarshan chakra. 

The Sudarshan Chakra is one of the most well-known symbols in Hinduism, representing the power of time as well as the eternal cycle of creation and destruction. For Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, the Sudarshan Chakra acts as a weapon to restore balance by destroying evil. That’s why Sudarshan chakra yantra is also worshipped with his idol.

The Sudarshan Chakra is described as a spinning disk with serrated edges. It is believed to have 108 serrations, representing the 108 Upanishads. The disk spins at high velocity, emitting blinding light and a loud hum as it moves.

When thrown, the Sudarshan Chakra is said to have the power to destroy anything in its path before returning to the thrower. It is a symbol of divine protection and righteousness, used by Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna to defeat evil and restore balance in the universe.

The Sudarshan Chakra remains an important symbol of divinity, protection and moral order in Hinduism even today. Its image can be found in temples, art, and tattoos.

Also Read: Heart Chakra (Anahata): How to Heal and Unlock It!

Origin and Mythology Behind Sudarshan Chakra

There are several tales about the Sudarshan Chakra’s origin and its powers.

• The most famous mythology mentions the Sudarshan Chakra was gifted to Lord Vishnu by the fire god Agni after Vishnu had helped Agni regain his power and defeat the asura Vritra. Made of bright gold and a thousand suns, the Sudarshan Chakra is said to be as radiant as the sun.
• According to one belief, Vishnu obtained it from the Devatas, the deities. Another says that during the Dwapara Yuga, Krishna acquired the Sudarshan Chakra from the fire god Agni, who taught him how to master it.
• The Vedas and Puranas describe the Sudarshan Chakra as a tool for upholding dharma and destroying evil. Vishnu and Krishna used it on many occasions. 
• Vishnu used it to cut the mountain Mandrachal Parvat during the churning of the ocean. He also used it to disjoin Sati’s body after she sacrificed herself at her father’s yagna. The places where her body parts fell became the Shakti Peethas, sacred to the goddess.
• There is an incident in the story of Mahabharata when Shishupala, the king of the Chedi Kingdom, disrespected Draupadi and Krishna’s pure friendship. Shishupala was beheaded by angry Lord Krishna with Sudarshan chakra for his 101th sin.

Sudarshan Chakra Composition and Features

The Sudarshan chakra symbol or drawing has significant meanings. They hint at the divine energies found in the Sudarshan Chakra yantra pendant or poster installed at a worshipping place, similar to the energy of a real Sudarshan Chakra.

• The Sudarshan Chakra has twelve spokes and six navels. At its centre lies the “vajra”, symbolising firmness and strength. 
• Each of its spokes bears the inscription of the Sudarshan chakra mantra  “Om Sahasrara hum phat,” representing the Sudarshan Chakra’s power to overcome all obstacles.
• The twelve spokes correspond to the twelve months of the Hindu calendar and twelve deities – Som Indra, Varun, Vayu, Agni, Vij, Mitra, Indragni, Prajapati, Vishvadev, Dhanvantari, etc.
•  The six navels represent the six seasons of India. 
• Together, they signify the Sudarshan Chakra’s mastery over time and the universe.
• The Sudarshan Chakra’s parts each have their own significance. The stable middle section signifies equality, radiance, and nutrition. 
• The spokes embody twenty-seven feminine principles and the five elements. They enable the Sudarshan Chakra to go beyond all limits.

Importance of Sudarshan Chakra In Astrology

In Vedic astrology, a Sudarshan Chakra chart is inspired by Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan chakra. The divine Sudarshan Chakra benefits astrology greatly as its divine vibrations and structure gave birth to Sudarshan chakra astrology. 

A Sudarshan Chakra chart combines three separate charts – the lagna (birth) chart, Chandra (moon) chart, and Surya (sun) chart – into one diagram. Astrologers analyse the positions and relationships of planets across these three charts to gain insight into personality, destiny, and future events.

Some of the main uses of the Sudarshan Chakra in astrology include:

• Identifying planetary positions and zodiac signs: The positions of the planets in the zodiac signs at your birth provide information about your character and life path.
• Analysing planetary aspects and influences: The relationships between the planets in your chart indicate how their energies interact and impact you.
• Determining dasha periods: The Sudarshan Chakra is used to calculate the timing and duration of the planetary dasha periods in your life. The planet that rules a particular dasha period strongly influences life events during that time.
• Detecting special combinations of yogas: Certain planetary combinations in your chart form yogas that highlight specific talents, strengths or challenges. The Sudarshan Chakra helps astrologers interpret these yogas.
• Providing guidance and remedies: Astrologers use the Sudarshan Chakra to understand your chart and offer recommendations to handle challenges or enhance auspicious periods. Remedies may include chanting Sudarshan chakra stotram or mantras, pujas, gemstones, or lifestyle changes.

Also Read: Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): How to Activate It?

Sudarshan Chakra Strotam

Yet another powerful reference to Sudarshan Chakra is seen in chanting Sudarshan Chakra strotam to ask Lord Vishnu’s blessings before Sudarshan Chakra Yantra. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s discus.

The Sudarshan Chakra Strotam is a long mantra chanted under the guidance of a pandit. Some of its famous lines are –

ॐ सुदर्शन महाज्वाल कोटीसूर्य समप्रभ ।

अज्ञानं तस्यमे देव विष्णोर्मार्गम् प्रदर्शय॥

Sudarśana mahājvāla koṭi sūrya Samaprabha |

Ajñānāndhasye me deva viṣṇor mārgaṃ pradarśaya ||

The Sudarshan Chakra stotram praises the Sudarshan Chakra as an embodiment of Lord Vishnu. It is personified as a fierce warrior who protects devotees and destroys enemies. 

The above part of the stotram describes the Sudarshan Chakra as:

• Shining brightly like millions of suns,
• Use of  a sharp edge to defeat demons, 
• Spinning rapidly like the wheel of time,
• Illustrated with “Om” and “Hum”

Conclusion

So there you have it, the powerful story of Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra and how it came to be an influential symbol in Hinduism and astrology. Now, when you see images of the chakra, you’ll understand its significance and meaning. Whether you get a Sudarshan Chakra tattoo, yantra or simply meditate on its form, know that you’re tapping into an ancient yet timeless source of spiritual energy and wisdom. Our astrologers help you use its symbol the right way.

Greetings! I’m Ritu Mahali, a content writer at InstaAstro. Your positive feedback motivates me to continue creating valuable content. If you found this blog beneficial, feel free to connect with our in-house astrology experts by clicking here and gain insights to stay ahead of life’s challenges.

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