With escalating tensions, the conflict between India and Pakistan has reached the brink of war. In retaliation for the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Indian military launched precise missile strikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistani-Occupied Kashmir (POK) under 'Operation Sindoor.' Following this, on the night of May 7-8, Pakistan attempted to attack 15 Indian cities including Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, and Bhuj with missiles and drones. However, India's S-400 air defense system intercepted and thwarted these attacks.
The S-400 air defense system of India is recognized as 'Sudarshan Chakra,' a name inspired by a revered weapon from Hindu mythology. The system is one of the most advanced long-range air defense systems worldwide. According to legends, Sudarshan Chakra is considered the weapon of Lord Krishna. Let us explore the power and legacy of Lord Krishna's Sudarshan Chakra.
How Powerful Was the Sudarshan Chakra?
According to ancient texts, Sudarshan Chakra is regarded as the most powerful among divine weapons. In Tamil, it is known as Chakrattalvar, and in Thailand, it bears the name of the Chakri dynasty. Legend states that the Chakra was gifted to Lord Vishnu by his preceptor Brihaspati. It is believed that Lord Krishna acquired it from the gods. As per the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna and Arjuna aided Agnidev in burning the Khandava Forest, receiving in return a Kaumodaki mace and the Chakra.
Mythology suggests that Lord Krishna wielded the Sudarshan Chakra on his little finger, whereas Lord Vishnu bore it on his forefinger. This divine weapon possessed the ability to return to its bearer after fulfilling its purpose, maintaining complete control. It distinguished and annihilated its target with immense speed, rendering it nearly unstoppable.
Source: aajtak
When Lord Krishna Had to Wield the Sudarshan Chakra
According to the Rigveda, Yajurveda, and other scriptures, Sudarshan Chakra was utilized to vanquish enemies. In one Mahabharata tale, Lord Krishna decapitated Shishupala with it due to his misdeeds. It was also employed to cleave the divine Mandarachal Mountain during the Samudra Manthan. Additionally, during the lifting of Govardhan Mountain, Lord Krishna placed the Chakra beneath.
Stories Linked to Sudarshan Chakra’s Origin
One legend suggests Sudarshan Chakra was crafted by Vishwakarma, the architect deity of the gods. His daughter Sangya was married to the Sun God, Surya. However, she struggled with Surya's intense light and heat. Complaining to her father, Vishwakarma devised a solution by diminishing Surya's brilliance, enabling a harmonious marital life for Sangya. The divine 'dust' from this process was used to create marvelous divine items, including the famed Pushpak Vimana, Lord Shiva's Trident, and the invincible Sudarshan Chakra.
Source: aajtak
Another tale of Sudarshan Chakra’s origin narrates that when demons terrorized Earth, the terrified gods sought Lord Vishnu's aid. However, Vishnu admitted that vanquishing them single-handedly was impossible and sought Lord Shiva's help. Upon reaching Shiva, he found him meditating. To break his meditation, Vishnu initiated a prayer of thousand lotus flowers daily in Shiva’s honor, persevering for years until the hermit deity emerged. Pleased by Vishnu’s devotion, Shiva promised him assistance in defeating the demons, thus granting the invincible Sudarshan Chakra.
The Remarkable Construction of Sudarshan Chakra
Scriptures describe the Sudarshan Chakra as a remarkable construct. It was circular with razor-sharp arrow-like edges. The Chakra boasted dual rotating rows of pointed spikes in opposite directions. Not thrown like ordinary weapons, it was directed towards foes with sheer willpower.
