It's the first #FolkloreThursday of the new year! So, what better Shaligram to start off 2020 than the classic Sudarshan?
(A Thread about the most popular Shaligram there is.)
(A Thread about the most popular Shaligram there is.)
The Sudarshana Chakra is the spinning, disk-like weapon, indicative of Vishnu. Literally meaning "vision of which is auspicious," and having 108 serrated edges, the Sudarshana Chakra is generally portrayed on the right rear hand of the four hands of Vishnu in his cosmic form.
Along with the shankha (conch shell), a gada (mace) and a padma (lotus). -- All of which are also represented in Shaligram form; but that's an entirely different thread.
The Sudarshana Chakra is also occasionally depicted as an ayudhapurusha, a divine weapon artistically shown in human form. While the Sudarshana Chakra is usually shown to be subordinate to Vishnu himself, in many South Indian Vishnu temples, the Chakra...
...as an ayudhapurusha is worshipped in its own shrine attached to the central temple.
In the Puranas, the Sudarshana Chakra is primarily used for the ultimate destruction of an enemy, especially a particularly powerful or evil enemy.
Lastly, the depiction of Vishnu with the Sudarshana Chakra in art is typically meant to represent Vishnu as the keeper and preserver of all celestial bodies and the heavens.
The Sudarshan Shaligram is probably one of the most common and most “iconic” of all Shaligrams. It is easily identified by its single, clear, fully revealed chakra-spiral and no other markings present on the body of the śila.
Each section of the spiral, from beginning to end, should be markedly defined with no fractures, breaks, or interruptions to the completion of the spiral.
In most cases, Sudarshan Shaligrams will spiral in a right-hand, clockwise direction (denoting the direction of the rotation of the universe). Left-hand, counter-clockwise Sudarshan Shaligrams are especially prized in Bonpo practices.
Veneration of Sudarshan Shaligrams is said to remove worldly worries and concerns and to aid the devotee in protecting the rights and lives of others.
For this reason, it is often given to political leaders, businessmen, and physicians where it is said to act as a protector of society, as a shield against those who seek to do harm against the devotee and his family, and as a defense against physical misfortunes and illnesses.
Also note below, from top left: Sudarshan (Chakra), Lotus (Padma), Shankha (Conch), and Gada (Mace) Shaligrams.
References: Praanatoshani Tantra pg. 347, Praanatoshani Tantra pg. 361, Brahmavaivartta (Prakritikhanda, Ch. 21)
