Sudarshana Chakra

For people named Sudarshana, see Sudarshana (name).

Iconography of the Sudarshana Chakra upon a temple wall

In Hindu mythology, the Sudarshana Chakra (Sanskrit: सुदर्शनचक्र) is a divine spinning disc, attributed to Vishnu. The Sudarshana Chakra is generally portrayed on the right rear hand of the four hands of Vishnu, who also holds the Panchajanya (conch), the Kaumodaki (mace), and the Padma (lotus).

In the Rigveda, the Sudarshana Chakra is stated to be Vishnu's symbol as the wheel of time. The disc later emerged as an ayudhapurusha (an anthropomorphic form), representing a fierce aspect of Vishnu, used for the destruction of demons. As an ayudhapurusha, the deity is known as Chakraperumal, Chakratalvar, Chakradhara, or Chakrapani.

In the Ramayana, Vishnu takes his seventh avatar Rama on the plea of devas, to kill Ravana. Sudarshana Chakra accompanies him (along with Shesha and Panchajanya) and takes the avatar of Shatrughna, Rama's youngest brother and Ayodhya's youngest prince. Shatrughna marries Shrutakirti, who is an avatar of Lakshmi's chakra.