SUDARSANA CAKRA

Order of Ayudhas
In the early literature, the Ayudhas of Vishnu have been described as the destroyer of Asuras or enemies. It is said that the god always carries the weapons so as not to lose any time for collecting them when they are required. Though Ayudhas are used in the battle, devotees would like to see gods with weapons. It is in the 13^th century a Sri vaishnava Acarya rightly said "Ayudhas appear as ornament for devotees and armament for enemies".

In the sahasranamadhyaya of Mahabharata the following stanza appears at the end. In this, five Ayudhas of Vishnu find mention starting with Sankha.

"The bearer of Sankha, he who has Nandaka the sword, He who has the cakra, He who has the bow, named Sarnga, He who bears the mace, He who is armed with the wheel in his hand. He is unshakable, He who has all weapons that act, (against evil)."

The above reference alludes to the order in which the weapons are wielded by Vishnu, giving the first preference to Sankha or the Conch and then to the cakra or the disc.

In the same order Ayudhas are mentioned again while, Droupadi, at the time of Vastrapaharana, in taking refuge under the feet of Lord Krishna implored thus. "Oh, the one who carries on his hands Sankha, Cakra and Gada! Oh, the resident of Dvaraka! Oh, Pundrikaksa! Protect me who has come under your refuge."