SUDARSANA CHAKRA AND SUDARSANA YAJNA AND HOMAS

Sudarsana Chakra and Sudarsana Yajna and Homas

(Compilation for a discourse by N.R. Srinivasan)

Lord Vishnu is said to use both the "Panchajanya" (Conch) and the Sudarsana
(chakra) to protect his devotees from danger, evil and death. According to
mythology Lord Vishnu has used the Sudarsana Chakra often to protect his
devotees from evil, dispel earthly fears and destroy wicked people with his
chakra thereby they too have attained moksha.
In Gajendra Moksha (The liberation of the elephant from the Crocodile's
mouth) the elephant was released from its curse, while Vishnu hurled his
chakra at the crocodile and killed it, thereby the crocodile attained moksha;
Krishna backed up Arjuna by creating a temporary illusion of sunset during
Jayadratha's killing; The killing of Sisupala and his release from his curse,
these are some of the stories that glorifies Sudarsana.
Sudarsana's disk has also broken the arrogance of Surya (sun god), who
became dull and lacked luster. Surya pleaded with the Almighty who later
restored his brilliance. Sudarsana has also played a prominent role in the
avatars of Vishnu, being the horn of the Varaha, sharp nails of the lion faced
Narasimha, the powerful axe of Parasurama, the formidable arrow of Lord
Rama, and in his original form, a disc in the Krishna avatar, glorified in
Shodasaayudha Stotra of Vedanta Desika. In Parthasarathy temple in
Tiruvallikkeni in Chennai in India he is shown as the sword Nandaka in the
hands of Lord Parthsarathy. In Puri Jagannath he is shown as a rod
representing Sudarsana Narasimha while Narasimha in Puranas reveals he
stepped out of a pillar as burning flame of rage and as Man-Lion. Bharatha
was an incarnation of Sudharsana chakra in Tretaa Yuga. He was prince
regent (Yuvaraja) during Ramas rule of Ayodhya. The Tamil Vaishnava Saint
Thirumazhisai Azhwar is also believed to be the incarnation of Sudarsana
Chakra.
There are many legends as to the origin of Sudarsana Chakra. Vishnu once
promised Siva 1008 lotuses. To test his devotion, Siva stole one of the
lotuses. When Vishnu discovered this loss, he offered Siva one of his lotusshaped eyes instead. For this act, Siva gave Vishnu a discus with jagged
edge called the Sudarsana-chakra which rotates round the Lords finger.
When flung it beheads his enemies before returning to his hand.
A popular legend in Puranas says that Sudarsana Chakra was made by the
architect of gods, Vishvakarma. Vishvakarma's daughter Sanjana was

married to Surya, the Sun God. Due to the Sun's blazing light and heat, she
was unable to go near the Sun. Vishvakarma took the Sun and made him
shine less so that his daughter would be able to hug the Sun. The left over
Sun "dust" was collected by Vishvakarma and made into three divine objects.
The first one was the aerial vehicle Pushpaka Vimana, the second being the
Trisoola (Trident) of the god Siva, and the third was the Sudarsana Chakra of
Vishnu. The Chakra is described to have 10 million spikes in two rows moving
in opposite directions to give it a serrated edge.
A Chakra, which was studded with diamonds in the center, was presented to
Lord Krishna after the wild fire destruction of the Kaandava forest by the fire
God "Agni" to assist him in his task of destroying the evil and protecting the
innocent. Describing the qualities of the Chakra, Agni said, "Krishna, you
can destroy the evil and demons as well, with this, moreover it will strike the
enemy you desire and will return back to you". Because of its beauty,
brilliance and radiance it came to be known as the Sudarsana Chakra (good
to behold).
It is common to show the weapons of Lord Vishnu also in human form. They
are then worshiped as Weapon-beings or Aayudha Purushas. Aayudha
Purushas can be male or female or neuter gender depending on the gender
of the word in Sanskrit indicating it. For example Gadaa is female and Chakra
is male. Sudarsana is shown as standing or moving about within a circle of
flame in a
hexagon (shatkon) superimposed on the circle. The hexagon
illustrates Vyuha ideology of six divine qualities of Bhagawandominion,
glory, splendor, wisdom and dispassion. Utpattim pralayam chaiva bhootaanaamaagatim gatim | vetti vidyaam-avidyaam cha sa vaachyo bhgawann-iti || [ He who understands
the creation and dissolution, the appearance and disappearance of beings,
the wisdom and ignorance, is called Bhagavaan]. Sudarsana with a hexagon
and circle as his background is as brilliant as fire and having four or eight or
sixteen arms holding bow, arrow, trident, noose, goad and other implements
as also weapons. He is shown as Vaishnavite symbol along with the conch
(Shankha). The six cornered figure which is enclosed within the flaming circle
and which in turn encloses the male figure of Sudarsana represents also six
chakra--Achakra; Vichakra; Su-chakra; Jwaalaa Chakra, Trailokya-rakshaa
Chakra and Asuraantaka Chakra.
There are fine metallic images of Sudarsana-Narasimha in the temple of
Kanchipuram and Srirangam popularly called in Tamil Azhagiya-singar.
Sudarsana Narasimha is a composite icon of Sudarsana having on one side of
the hexagon (shat-kona) within the flaming discus (Chakra) and that of Man
-lion on the other side. Here Narasimha is seen in seated posture and
Sudarsana in the standing or moving posture. Vihagendra Samhita declares
these two forms are really one.
Padma Samhita says Narasimha who is to
be located in the heart of Sudarsana is like mountain of crystal covered with

countless manes and roaring like the thunder of dissolution (pralaya).

Narasimha is seated with crossed legs in yoga-posture in this assembly.
The use of the Sudarsana Chakra is occasionally mentioned in the Hindu
texts of Rigveda, Yajurveda and Puranas, as an ultimate weapon of law, order
and preservation to eliminate the enemy of the Devas. Vedas mention of
Brahma Chakra as described in my earlier discourse on the subject and
Soorya (Sun) moving on a single wheel chariot with twelve spokes
representing months as well as zodiac. They are also called as Bhagya
Chakra or Rasi Chakra. Wheel is thus symbolic of life ever-renewing itself in
cycle of time as producer and consumer of everything of the invariable law
governing matter and energy in the nerve channels as Kaala Chakra and
Nadee Chakra. We see the iconic wheels are represented sculpturally in
different ways. We are all familiar with the Wheel of Dharma that Buddha
set into motion used as a symbol in Indian National Flag which has replaced
the wheel of Charaka (spinning wheel) of the Indian National Congress; The
wheel of Sun transformed into a temple in Konark; The wheel of the radiance
that
surrounds
Vishnu
deity
Prabhaachakra,
Prabhaavali
and
Prabhaamandala usually taken in procession behind the deity during
Brahmotsava or Annual worship of the Temple; The small ornamental wheel
that turns round behind the deity called Siras Chakra and Chakra Purusha,
wheel personified as human being.
Wheel is also weapon used in warfare described in Puranas. Vishnu Chakra
has a special name Su-darsana, which means Beautiful to Behold. It has
twelve spokes, three concentric rings, and a design with six corners with an
inclination to the right. In Vishnus hands it is seen either as flat facing the
viewer called Samasthiti (stationary) Chakra or in the ready to be hurled
form as seen in the index finger of Lord Krishna called Prayoga Chakra.
Vishnu is invariably seen with a crown surmounted by a prominent discus. He
is also distinguished by two weapons in his hands, discus as Chakra Purusha
and Gadaa (mace) as Gadaa Devi. Twenty four armed Padmavati carries
Chakra in one of her hands. Dhyaani Buddha called Vairochana is
distinguished by the Chakra emblem in white color. Jain deities Vajraankusi
and Chakresvaree carry Chakra in their hands.
Chakra represents the cosmic mind, the will of the Lord to multiply as well as
His infinite power to create and destroy the Universe. The Sudarsana mantra
Om Sahsraara Phat- is said to possess the power to neutralize poisons and
exorcise malignant spirits. Slokas or hymns on Sudarshana are very powerful
and should be chanted with sincerity, purity of mind, and body. The place
where the chanting is done s hould be clean. Slokas should be recited only after
learning the correct pronunciation and intonation.

Lord Vishnu is invoked in the Saalagrama which is a special stone obtained

only from the river Ghantaki. This stone is said to contain marks of the
chakra (discus) which is symbolic of the Sudarsana Chakra held by Lord

Vishnu in his right hand. There are nineteen different types of saalagramas
worshipped by Vaishnavites at home and temples in place of idols. Worship
through this medium is considered to be powerful. Sudrasana is considered
a representative of Lord Vishnu and therefore worshipped with equal
reference.
Before the Brahmotsava, in 108 Divydesa Vaishnava Temples, Kovil Azhwar
Sudarsana is given a holy bath called Thirumanjanam. The day before the
commencement is the ritual of Mrit-sangrahanam or collecting the earth
when the temple officials pray to Sudarsana for the successful conduct of the
festival. The tenth day of Brahmotsavam is the Chakra-snaanam when the
main Vishnu deity, his consorts and Sudarsana, the personification of his
weapon Chakra are bathed in the temple tank. On the last day Sudarsana
Chakra is bathed in the temple tank and the honored guests Brhama, the
Gods and rishis are given a warm send-off. Sudarsana Purusha, the Discus
Person is always an independent icon in South Indian Vishnu Temples unlike
in the Northern Temples.
As a part of the Panchasamskara rite, orthodox Vaishnavites bear the chakra
(disc) and Sanka (conch) emblems of Vishnu on their shoulders branded by a
holy ceremony called Samasaranam. Sri Vedaanta Desikar points out in
Dehalisastuti that those who bear these marks will have their desires
fulfilled.
Chakra and Music: Here is an analogy of Chakra to classical music. Singing
a song in words is called a kirtan. Whereas if we only delineate the raaga and
do not utter words it is known as raaga aalaapana and we can go much
deeper into the body of the music this way. The worship of Gods in their
Chakra is similar to the Raaga Aalaapana in music.
Sri Mahaa Vishnu carries in his right hand the Sudarsana Chakra (disc) and in
his left hand the Paanchajanyam (Conch). He uses them to protect his
devotees from danger, evil and death. Vishnu Sahasranamam, praises Lord
Vishnu as "Bhayakrit bhaya naasanaha": it says he is the creator of fear as well as
the destroyer of fear.
Sudarsana Shanti Homa

Sudarsana Shanti Homa is popular in all Vishnu temples like Ganesha Homa
in Siva temples and Chandee homa in Sakta temples. Sudarsana Homa, if
performed with sincerity, is said to help societies overcome personal and
public obstacles, calamities, dispel harboring evil forces and vibes. In
contrast, it promotes a sense of well-being, builds strong friendships, a
positive attitude among mankind, promotes the lush growth of flora and
fauna, and helps the animal kingdom to flourish, ensures safety when facing

danger; wins over enemies when going through critical and bad planetary
periods, wards off physical and mental illnesses, averts accidents through
machinery or weapons, last but not the least, helps to overcome the fear of
death, thus promoting a healthy, prosperous society.
Vedas prescribe about 400 forms of fire rituals. Homa is a form of Haviryajna
in which the oblations offered include butter, boiled preparations of rice,
barley, wheat, and fagots of selected trees, which have medicinal value. The
smoke from the Homa is said to be very auspicious and therapeutic for
inhalation, also the smoke that permeates the air is said to cleanse and
purify the atmosphere of disease causing germs and other impurities. Srauta
Homas are generally performed for the benefit of the world at large, while
the Smarta Homas are performed for the well -being of self and their family.
Sudarsana Yajna

"Yagna" is derived from the root "Yaj" in Sanskrit meaning worship

"Haviryajna" is a specific form of worship, which is popularly known as
"Homa". Yajna refers to a Vedic ritual in which one offers specific materials
such as ghee (melted butter) and fagots to various deities through the
medium of fire. Worship through "Yajna" is a unique form of prayer in the
Vedic tradition, even though, any "Karma" or action performed for the sake of
the Lord is "Yajna". Homas are generally performed for the benefit of the
world at large, for the well-being of self and their family, for the fulfillment of
human pursuits like giving away ones possession and becoming an ascetic, a
ritual pertaining to ancestors, desire to enter Heaven, gain of unrivalled
sovereignty, to wish for a progeny to carry on the family tree etc.
Vedas perceive "Fire" as the medium of worship and enjoin varieties of
Homas for the fulfillment of human pursuits. Since fire carries brilliance and
heat energy, it is the life sustaining principle in the creation and lands itself
for the worship through Vedic homas. Fire is a blessing but if looked as a
mere form of energy, it is an inert blessing, not a deity or a devata, a part of
God. However if one perceives the fire as a Devata, one recognizes it as a
non-separate entity of the Lord. One then discovers the harmony in the Lord
and his creation. The various elements are therefore considered as
"Devatas"; Varuna, the devata for water; Agni, the devata for fire; Pruthvi,
the devata for the earth; Vayu, the devata for air; Aakasa, the devata for
space; Kaala, the devata for time. Sudarshana is considered as a Devata,
part of God whose energy and brilliance are manifold compared to the
"Surya" (sun) and "Agni" (fire), as he is always associated with Lord Vishnu,
the preservation form of the Trinity.
Mahaa Yajnas are performed periodically at temples for the "Yoga -Kshema
"(welfare of all living beings), not only in a particular community or society
but the entire world, for the abundance of rain/ crops, kindness among

human beings- amongst themselves and towards the animal and plant
kingdom. Additionally, Yajnas are performed as a form of penance, asking
forgiveness of the almighty for the "apacharas" (unintentional mistakes)
committed by the "ajnanis" (illiterate folks); to restore and preserve the
sanctity, faith, peace and prosperity, and to seek the almighty's blessings.
Sudarsana Yajna is performed for the "Yajna Purusha" (the protector of
mankind), Sri Mahaa Vishnu, to whom oblations are offered in this sacred
event. It is believed that what is offered to the raging fire reaches directly to
our Creator through the Purifier Agni (Fire). Yajnas are to be performed with
a lot of dedication and concentration combined with purity of self and soul.
Cleanliness is of utmost importance at these events. The priests intake
"pancha-kavyam (cleansing agents), before they perform the Homa. The
place where the Yajna is to be performed is thoroughly cleaned before the
yajna is performed.
The Sudarsana Chakra (wheel) is the most important weapon of the Great
Protector, Lord Vishnu. His other weapons include the Sankha (conch) and
the Gada (mace). The Chakra is the instrument of the preservation of this
world and the Sankha signals moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth
and death. Sudarsana Chakra is the mighty weapon of Lord Narayana. The
beauty of Sudarsana Chakra arises from the fact that Chakra leads the
seeker to the path of Lord Narayana. The Chakra itself has many auspicious
attributes. 1: Peedaa pariharam (relief from all kinds of pain and suffering) 2:
Paapa Naasanam (destroying ones sins). As you are all aware papa-naasanam is
the first step towards realizing Lord Narayana.
The magnificence of the Sudarsana Chakra is very eloquently described in
and the Sudarshana Ashtakam. Related references, which offer
attributes to the Chakra include the Mahabharata, Vishnu Sahasranamam,
Padma Samhita and Abhirbudhniya samhita (both samhitas are Paancharatra
Agama texts). The Mahabharatha refers to the Wheel of Time (Kaala chakra),
denoting the temporal aspect of the Sudarsana Chakra. The Vishnu
Sahasranama salutation Ritu Sudarsana kaala iti dighandaha also refers to the
spatial-temporal mighty jwaala, which forms the center of the kaala-anala
(fire at the end of time.) This jwaala has the radiance of thousand suns,
which is evident from the opening salutation of the Sudarsana Kavacham.
Therefore, the Chakra dispels all ignorance and darkness.
Shodashayudha stotram

Sudarsana is shown as rod-icon on Ratnavedi among Jagannatha Parivara

moving away from the concept of disc. The cross section of a rod is a circle.
Rod shows limitless number of such discs all compressed together and held
together as the most powerful Sudarsana chakra rod. Often Narasimha and
Sudarsan are shown together as Sudarsana- Narsimha. Probably rod
represents both as Narasimha came out of a pillar. A rod is a symbol of a
guard as a staff. Sudarsana in the form of Chakratt-azhwar serves as the

guard in Vishnu temples. That is why it is a probably shown as a rod. Anyhow

as the story goes Viswakarma left his work half done as we see all icons as
half done. Probably he had a pillar like material in stock out of which wanted
to bring out Narasimha-Sudarsana icon. Therefore Sudarsana as rod may be
the raw-material from which icon had to be sculpted.
In the early days, people worshipped Sun as God, and as the dispeller of
ignorance and darkness. They thought that the Earth was the center of the
universe, and the Sun was moving around the Earth. This was called as
GEOCENTRIC THEORY by Ptolemy. GEO means Earth. Then Galileo proposed
HELIOCENTRIC THEORY. The Sun was the center of the universe while all the
planets were moving around the Sun. He also discovered many things, like
the actual value of the gravity of the Earth, telescopes, and conducted many
experiments. He was charged by Catholic Churches that he was corrupting
the minds of the people, and put him in prison until his death. Then
Copernicus discovered the ELLIPTICAL THEORY which is true even today. All
the planets are moving on elliptical orbit while the Sun is at one of the focal
points of the ellipse. But Hindu astrologers based on Puranas say the Earth
is still the in the center
while planet Sun, planet Moon, planet Kuja,
planet Budha, planet Guru, Planet Sukra, planet Sani, Planet Rahu and
Planet Ketu are moving around the Earth influencing people on Earth., for
they call everything as Graha which religious authors translate as planets.
Hindu astrologers have a great influence on human mind and therefore
Navagraha worship and homa are considered even more important than
focus on the main deity. No doubt Sun and Moon have significant effect on
humans as witnessed during eclipses. So this worship could have been
confined to Vedic deities Sun and Moon to avoid all controversies, doubts and
criticisms. Rahu and Ketu are purely mythological minor deities. I often
wonder why Navagraha worship is confined to followers of Siva and Sakta
worshipers and not found in Vaishnava tradition, which they divert to
Sudarsana. There is neither Navagraha sanctum, nor Navagraha worship in
Vishnu temples. Somehow Navagraha worship concept did not catch the
imagination of Vaishnavites who always worship Aaditya. Moon as a graha is
also not worshiped in Vaishnava concept. But, astrologers have a strong
influence on private lives of Vaishnavas because of their beliefs in horoscope
and influence of Grahas. In Vaishnava belief Sudarsana is 1000 times more
powerful than Sun. Bhagavadgeetaa says supreme Being is 1000 times
powerful than Sun. It describes Viswaroopa as divisooryasahasrah, the brightness of
thousand blazing Suns. Vaishnavites feel Sudarsana is an amsa (part) of
Vishnu as mentioned in Ramayana where Bharata is an incarnation of
Sudarsana and Amsa of Vishnu who was born on account of the part of
pudding from the same pot of Amrita which Kaikeyi consumed. Sri Sudharshana
Azhwar

is

Sriman

Narayanans

Sankalap

Shakti

to

wipe

out

all

evils.

Sudarsana Gaayatree
Sudarsanaaya vidmahe mahaa jwaalaaya ddheemahi tanno chakrah prachodayaat |

"Oh Sudarsana! The one with the blazing flames; the one who is equivalent
to millions of suns; I am unintelligent and blind to the way of the almighty.
May Sudarshana lead me to the almighty!
SUDARSANA-CHAKRA
DHYAANA SLOKA
Taaro Bhrigur-viyadbhooyas-tadaadyam vahnidheergayuk |
Paavakah kavachastraanto manu sptaaksharah smritam ||
Ahirbubhudyo munih prokta-chchando-anushtu-budahritam |
Devataa munibhih proktaa chakraroopee harih swayam ||
Kalpaantaarkaprakaasamtribhuvanam-akhilam
tejasaa
poorayantam
Raktaakshm
pingakesam ripulabhyadam bheemadamshtra-attahaasam | chakram sankham gadaabje
prthu-tara-musalam chaapa-paasaankusaan bibhraanam dorbir-aadyammanasi muraripum
bhavayed-chakra-sanjyam ||

Sudarsana Mantra
Om sahsraara Phat |

Ahirbudhyaana is the Rishi of this Mantra; Meter (Chhandas) is Anushtup;

and the deity is Vishnu in the form Chakra as Devata (deity).
SUDARSANA-MAHAAVISHNU
DHYAANA SLOKA
Avyaad-bhaaskara-sannibhaabhir-akhilaabhirdiso |
Bheemaakshah ksharad-attahaasa-vikasad-damshtraapradeeptaananah|
Dorbhis-chakradarau gadaabja-musalaams-traasaamscha Paasaankusau
Bibhrat-pinga-siroruho-atha bhavatah chakraabhidhaano harih ||
Sudarsana Mantra
Om Shasraara phat

Ahirbudhyaana is the Rishi of this Mantra; Meter (Chhandas) is Anushtup;

and the deity is Vishnu in the form Chakra as Devata (Deity).
"Om Kleem Krishnaaya Govindaaya Gopijana Vallabhaaya Paraaya Parama Purushaaya Paramaatmane
Para Karma Mantra Yantra Tantra Oushada Astra Shastraani Samhara Samhara mrutyor mochaya
mochaya. Om Namo Bhagavate Mahaa Sudarshanaya deepthrae Jwaalaa Parivrithaaya Sarva
Dikshobhana Karaaya Hum phat Brahmane Paranjyotishe Swahaa
Om Sudarsanaaya vidmahey Mahaa Jwalaya dheemahi tanno Chakrah Prachodayaat

Sudarsanaashtakam
Pratibhata-sreni-bheeshana varaguna-sthoma-bhushana
Jani bhaya-sthaana-taarana jagadavasthaana-kaarana |
Nikhila-dhushkarma-karsana nigama-saddharma-darsana
Jaya Jaya Sri Sudarsana Jaya Jaya Jaya Sri Sudarsana || 1 ||

You who causes fear in the enemy circles, who have numerous good
attributes as ornaments, who help people to come over the fear of rebirth,
who are the cause of the existence of the world, who destroys the effects of
all bad actions and who shows the different paths laid down in the Vedas for
Jeevanmukti (liberation)Hail! Hail! Sri Sudarsana!
Subha jagadrupa mandana

sura gana traasa khandana |

Sata-makha brahma vandita

sata-pata brahma nandita |

Prathita vidvat-sapakshita
Jaya jaya Sri Sudarsana

bhajata ahirbudhnya lakshita

Jaya Jaya Sri Sudarsana || 2 ||

You adorn the sacred form of the Lord whose body is the whole world! You
are the dispeller of the fears of hosts of Gods! Indra and Brahma pay their
obeisance to You. You are glorified in Satapata BHrahmana of Vedas. You
treat as your kith and kin those learned people and you are visualized by
Ahirbudhnaya (Siva addressed by that name in the Samhita). Hail! Hail! OH
Sudarsana!
Sphuta tatijjaala pinjara prithu-tara jwaala panjara |
Parigata pratnavigraha

patutara prajna durgraha

Praharana graama mandita parijana traana pandita |

Jaya Jaya Sri Sudarsana

Jaya Jaya Sri Sudarsana || 3||

You are gilded like the clear clusters of lightning. You are enclosed in a very
large cage of flames. You are surrounded by weapons. You are not attainable
even by those with sharp intellect. You are adorned by a multitude of
weapons. You are master in protecting your servants. Hail! Hail! Sri
Sudarsana!

Nija pada preetha sadgana

nirupadhi spheeta shad guna

Nigama nirvyudha vaibhava

Hari haya dweshi daarana

nijapara vyooha vaibhava |

hara pura plosha kaarana

Jaya Jaya Sri Sudarsana

Jaya Jaya Sri Sudarsana || 4 ||

You have with you good crowd devoted to your sacred feet. You have the six good
natural qualities in perfection and plentitude. Your greatness is celebrated in Vedas.
You have the qualities of para (spiritual) and Vyooha (emanations of Vishnu) glory.
You have destroyed the enemies of Indra. You have caused the city of Hara(Kaasi)
ablaze. Hail! Hailo! Sri Sudarsana!
Danuja vistaara kartana
Danuja vidyaa nikartana

jani tamisraa vikartana |

bhajat avidyaa nivartana |

Amara drishta sva vikrama

Jaya Jaya Sri Sudarsana

samara jushta bhrami krama

Jaya Jaya Sri Sudarsana ||

You cut off the gangs of the demons. You remove the inherited ignorance of
birth like Sun. You put an end the illusion created by demons. You remove
the ignorance of the devotees. Your valor is noticed by the divines and you
are seen whirling around in the battlefield (helping the deserving). Hail! Hail!
Sri Sudarsana
Pratimukhaaleedha prithu mahaa heti dantura
Vikata maaya bahishkritha
vividha maalaa parishkritha
Prithu mahaayantra tantritha
dhridha dayaa tantra yantrita
Jaya Jaya Sri Sudarsana

Jaya Jaya Sri Sudarsana ||

You are fantastic in your leap forward. You are surmounted by many a mighty
weapons. You are beyond the reach of all deceitful powers. You are adorned
by a vaeiety of Garlands. You are well seated in a great yantra motif on solid
foundation. You yield easily to bonds of compassion! Hail! Hail! Sri Sudarsana
Mahita-sampat-sadakshara

Vihita-sampat-shadakshara

Shadar-chakra-pratishthita

sakala tattva-pratishthita |

Vividha sankalpa-kalpaka

vibudha-sankalpa -kalpaka

Jaya Jaya Sri Sudarsana

Jaya Jaya Sri Sudarsana ||

You bestow the power to destroy Moha (illusion) to attain liberation (Moksha).
Your six-lettered name grants honor and prosperity. You are embedded in a
circle with a hexagon of six sides and are established in all entities as
antaryamin or inner-self. You like Kalpavriksh, all boon granting tree, fulfil all
wishes including the desires of even the divines. Hail! Hail! Sri Sudarsana
Bhuvana netastrayeemaya
Niravadhi svaadu chinmaya
Amita viswa-kriyaamaya
Jaya Jaya Sri Sudarsana

savanna tejastrayeemaya
nikhila sakte jaganmaya |
samite vishvagbhayaamaya

Jaya Jaya Sri Sudarsana

You are the acknowledged leader of all the worlds and the embodiment of
the wisdom of all three Vedas. You are the kinds of sacred fires Gaarhapatya,
Aahavaneeya and Dakshina. Your blissful knowledge is limitless. With
all your
powers you pervade the entire Universe. You are the cause and effect of all
activities in the world, cure for all diseases and remover of all kinds of fears.
Hail! Hail! Sri Sudarsana!
wichatushkam-idam prabhootasaaram pathataam Venkatanaayaka-praneetam
Vishame-api manorathah pradhaavan na vihanyeta rathaangadhuryaguptah ||

Those who read this composition of eight hymns full of quintessential meaning
composed by Vedanta Desika will have all his wishes fulfilled, however difficult
they may be to realize for the Good Lord Sudarsana will take care of them!
Sudarsana in Shodasaayudha -stotram
Swa-sankalpakalaa-kalpair-aayudhair-aayudhesvarah |
Jushtah shodasabhir-divyair-jushataam vah parah pumaan ||

May that Supreme Lord of all weapons, equipped with sixteen divine
weapons which are comparable to his thoughts, bless you!
Yadaayattam jagacchakram kaalachakram cha saasvatam |
Paatu vas-tatparam chakram chakra-roopasya chakrinaah ||

May the magnificent discus of Lord Vishnu (Sudarsana), who manifests himself as
Chakra, on which depend the wheel of the world and eternal Wheel of Time
(kaalachakra), protect you!
Astragraamasya kritsnasya prasootim yam prachakshate |
So-avyaat sudarsano viswam aayudhaih shoedsaayudhah ||

May Sudarsana, equipped with sixteen weapons, who is the origin of birth for
all weapons, protect the world!
SUDARSANA -NARASIMHA
Mantra -Om Sahasraarajwaalaavartine Kshreem hana hum phat swaahaa
Taaram sahasraarajwaalaavartine Kshroum hanadvayam |
Hrum phat swaahaa chonavimsavarno mantra udaahritah ||
Munirjayanta aakhyaatacchaando gaayatramuchyate |
Sudarsana nrisimho asya devataa parikeertitah ||

[The rishi of this mantra is Jayanta, Chandas is Gaayatree and the Devata is
Sudarsana Narasimha]
DHYAANA

Chakraanaam tu sabhaamadhye kaalaagnisadrisaprabham |

chaturbhujam vivrittaasyam chatuschakradharam harim | |
taptakaanchanasankaasam trinetram chaadyavigraham |
dhyaayet-samasta-dukhagnam taadrig lakshmyaa samanvitam ||

SUDARSANA CHAKRA
Taaro bhrigur-viyad-bhooyas-tadaadyam vahnee-dheergayuk |
Paavakah kavachaas-traanto manu sptaaksharah smritam || 1 ||
Ahir budhyo minih proktas-chchando anushtu-budaahritam |
Devataa munubhih proktaa chakraroopee harih svayam || 2||

MANTRA
OM Sahasraara Phat ||

[This mantra has Ahirbudhnya as its Rishi, Anushtub as its meter and Vishnu
in the form of Chakra as the Devata]
DHYAANA
Kalpaantaarka-prakaasam tribhuvanam-akhilam tejasaa poorayantam
Raktaaksham Pingakesam ripuphulabhayadam bheema-damshtra-attahaasam |
chakram sankham gadaabje prithutara-musalam chaapa-paasaankusaan vai
bibhraanam dorbhir-aadyam manasi mura-ripum baavayec-chakra-sanjyam ||

MANTRA
Om sahasraara phat |

SUDARSANA MAHAAVISHNU
Avyaad-bhaaskara-sannibhaabhir-akhila-abhirdiso Bhaasayan
bheemaakshah ksharad-attahaasa-vikasad-damshtraa-pradeeptaananah |
dorbhis-chakradarau gadaabja-musalaams-traasaamscha paasaankusau
bibhrat-pinga-siroruho atha bhavatah chakraabhidhaano harih ||

REFERENCES:
1. Ramachndra Rao, S.K., Vishnu Kosha, Kalpatharu Research Academy,
Sringeri Sharada Peetham, Bengaluru, India.
2. Dr. Narasimhachary, Sri Vedanta Desika Stotras, Sripad Trust, Chennai,
India.

3. Devdutt Pattanaik, Vishnu, Vakils, Feffer and Simons Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai,
India.
4. Nanditha Krishnan, BalajiVenkateshwara, Feffer and Simons Pvt. Ltd.,
Mumbai, India
5.

Swami Harshananda, Hindu Gods and Goddesses, Ramakrishna Math,

Chennai, India.

6. Kamala Raghunathan, Raghu & N.R. Srinivasan Pamphlet on

Sudarasana Mahaa Yajnam, Sri Ganesha Temple, Nashville, TN, USA.
7.

Swami Vimalananda, Mahanarayana Upanishad, Ramakrishna Math,

Chennai, India.

APPPENDIX I
Tvam Rudrastvam Vishnustvam Brahmatsvam
(Courtesy Krishna Muralidharan Iyengar, Singapore)

As Sri Sudarshana Jayanthi falls on 26-Jun-2015 (Friday) (and on 26-July2015 according to some other traditions), I am happy to share a short and
sweet hymn on Lord Sudarshana by a Gandharva called Durdama, taken
from Skanda Purana, Brahma Khanda, Setu Mahatmya, Chapter 4.
As the last 4 stanzas of the hymn has reference to Chakra Tirtha, the hymn
was presumably sung in Thirupullani, an important pilgrimage place
near Rameswaram - a place where King Dasharatha was bestowed with
divine nectar (Payasam/kheer) to get progeny and where Lord
Rama prayed to Samudra Raja atop kusha grass to reach Sri Lanka.
The Adi Jagannatha Perumal Temple in this place is one of the 108 Divya
Desams and a very important site related to Ramayana.
Lord Sudarshana worship is not for the ordinary and one has to maintain
certain minimum spiritual hygiene to qualify for this. Lord Sudarshana's
grace destroys all misfortunes and there are innumerable anecdotes in this
regard. Though every Vishnu Temple is likely to have a Sannidhi for Lord
Sudarshana, a few temples are especially famous for Lord Sudarshana - e.g.
Saarngapaani Temple in Kumbhakonam, Thirumohoor in Madurai,
Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kancheepuram, Srirangam Temple,
etc.
As we have seen many times before, Sudarshana Chakra was actually
given to Lord Vishnu by Lord Shiva at his request. The reference to this

can be seen in many purans - be it Shaivite or Vaishnavite in texture. Linga

Purana as well as Shiva Purana contains the Shiva Sahasranama created
by Lord Vishnu for this purpose. But Saura Purana gives a different hymn.
There is also an opinion that Sudarshana Chakra is another form
of Lord Bhairava - Chakra Bhairava. The Shaivite/Vaishnavite rivalry we
see in greater Tamil Nadu of the medieval times is never to be seen in any
purans and therefore must be a later day corruption - a politically motivated
irrational exuberance.
The following is a rare hymn on Lord Sudarshana by Durdama taken from
Skanda Puranam, Brahma Khanda, Setu Mahatmya and Chapter 4. Durdama
is said to have attained redemption from all his sins after worshipping Lord
Sudarshana with this hymn and bathing in the holy water titled Chakra Tirtha
in Setu (presumably Chakra Tirtha in Thirupullani near Rameswaram).
Durdama uvca
Sudarana namaste'stu viu-hastaika-bhaa | namaste 'sura-sahartre sahasrdityatejase || 1 ||
Kpleenabhavatas tyaktv 'ha rkas tanum | svarpamabhaja vio cakryudha
namo'stu te || 2 ||
Anujnhi m gantu tridiva viu-vallabha | bhrymepariocanti virahtura cetasa || 3
||
Tvan manasko bhaviymi yvaj jva yathhyaham | tath kp kuruva tva mayi cakra
namo'stu te || 3 ||
Cakryudha nammi tv mah'sura-vimardana | dev pattana paryanta dharma-trthe
hyanuttame || 4 ||
Sannidhna kuruva tva sarva-ppa-vinanam | tvat-sannidhnt sarve sntn
ppin iha || 5 ||
Ppa-na kuruva tva moka ca kuru vatam | cakratrta iti khyti loke'sya
parikalpaya || 6 ||
Tvat sannidhndatratya munn bhaya-nanam | ita para bhavatvrya cakryudha
namo'stu te || 7 ||
bhta-preta-picebhyo bhaya m bhavatu prabho || 8 || ||
|| Iti rsknde mahpure brahma-khae setu-mhtmye durdama-kta rsudarana
stotra sampram ||

APPENDIX II
Rudraaaya Vishnave NamahObeisance to Vishnu who is Rudra
(N.R.Srinivasan)

Whatever has been left over to be mentioned in respect of Upaasana

(worship and meditation) Karma and Jnaana after the recital of Samhitaa
and Braahmana is brought together in Mahaanaaraayan Upanishad (MNU)
says Sayana. MNU is otherwise called Mantropanishad. In the context of
above text by Muralidhara Iyengar may I recall my remarks that irrespective
their following (Vishnu, Siva or Sakta) in Sandhyavandna all chant the name
Achyuta, Ananta and Govinda in Aaachamana though traditions interpret
them to their convenience (see my 16-steps Pooja).
The most popular Mantra of MNU describes supreme Being as:
Om antascharati bhooteshu guhaayam viswa moortishu
Rudrastavam Vishnustavam Brhmatvam prajaapatih |

tvam

yajnastavam

indrastvam

Later in several mantras both Vishnu and Rudra are mentioned together for
worship and prayers. I would like to mention here two specific mantras
from MNU:
Namo Rudraaya Vishnave mrityurme paahi |

Obeisance to Rudra who is Vishnu ! Guard me from death!

Nidhanaaya namah | Nidhana-pataantikaaya namah | Oordhvaaya namah | Oordhva-lingaaya namah
| Hiranyaaya namah | Hiranya-lingaaya namah | Suvarnaaya namah | Suvarna-lingaaya namah |
Divyaaya namah | Divya-lingaaya namah | Bhavaaya namah | Bhava-lingaaya namah |Sarvaaya
namah | Sarva-lingaaya namah | Sivaaya namah | Siva-lingaaya namah | Jwaalaaya namah | Jwaalalingaaya namah | Aatmaaya namah | Aatma-lingaaya namah | Paramaaya namah | Parama-lingaaya
namah | Etath-soemasya sooryasya sarva-lingam sthaapayati paanimantram pavitram ||

By these twenty-two names ending with salutations, the mantras focus on

Vishnu and Siva. The word without the suffix Linga refers to Vishnu while one
with Linga to Rudra Vaishnava texts of MNU explains only eleven of these
Divine Names in the light of their philosophy and Yoga. The Linga which is
worshipped by the devotee of Siva and Salagraama worshiped by the
devotee of Vishnu is but a handy replica or a convenient diminutive form of
the universal semi-spherical emblem of the Unlimited (Supreme Being).
Chandogya Upanishad III.19.1 describes that the whole universe was hatched
out of a golden egg (Hiranyagarbha) which lay a complete year before it
brought forth offspring. The spherical dome of heaven above, appearing to
us capping the earth on which we live, may be likened to an enormous semisection of an egg containing the world. Perhaps this golden egg lend itself to
be fancied as the visible symbol of the limitless all-inclusive Divine Reality
into which the manifold universe was believed to be reabsorbed at the end.
This wisdom contained in Vedas made Puranas later to think of praising
Rudra and Vishnu together in hymns invariably in all the Puranas at some

place even though their focus was Siva or Vishnu or Devi, dedicated to a
particular form of the Supreme. They never thought of Brahma for Moorti
Upaasana (visible, vyakta form of worship) as the World has all been created
and the task of Srishthi was complete about which humans need not have to
worry. The Linga and Salagrama are of Vyaktaavyakta (visible-invisible) form.
Their focus was on Existence (Sthithi) and Extinction (Laya). This perhaps is
the philosophy for not having temples for Brahma which they have nicely
woven into a Purana Episode.
Posted by Nadipuram Srinivasan at 6:50 AM
"Panchajanya"
(Conch) and the Sudarsana (chakra) to protect his devotees from danger, evil
and death. According to mytholo...

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. Read More at
http://www.ishtadevata.com/blog/sudarshana-chakra.html

http://nrsrini.blogspot.in/2015/06/sudarsana-chakra-and-sudarsana-yajna.html