Sudarshana Ashtottara Shatanamavali (Sudarshana 108 Names Recital)
Sudarshana Ashtottara Shatanamavali (Sudarshana 108 Names Recital) contains : Ganapathi Pushpanjali then recital of 108 Mantras with Pushpanjali ,Shanti Mantras,Mantra Pushpam.
The term Sudarshana is a Sanskrit originated word. The prefix “su” means good, and suffix “Darshana” means vision. Best remedy would be chanting and doing Puja along with Sudarshana Ashtottara Shatanamavali. When we join both Sanskrit words together, it means good insight. It implies the foresight of which is auspicious and opportune.
It is widely known and believed that the Sudarshana chakra is a weapon of Shri Vishnu dev. Vishnu Ji is known by numerous names like Narayanan, Vasudevan, Jagannath, Vidobar, Hari, Thirumal. The Sudarshana Chakra is usually seen on one the right rear hand of four hands of Vishnu Ji. On the other hands of Vishnu Ji, a Gada (mace), Padma (lotus), and a shankh (conch shell) are represented. The Sudarshana chakra possesses healing properties and works as a protective charm against all evils. The wheel also has a deeper meaning. It is acknowledged as the allegorical symbol of time and Sun or the supreme power as per the Rig Veda. The term chakra originates from the root car, cak, or Kram, which means “to move.” Its meaning symbolizes the “time” that is continuous and never stops, and the Sun that is perpetual. Lord Sudarshana liberates everyone from their sins and renders salvation.
Origin of Sudarshana Chakra.
As per the Brahma Purana scripture, it is believed that the Sudarshana Chakra was created to get rid of the wicked demons and destructive evil powers. The Asuras have always troubled cosmic gods as they know cosmic gods do not possess the ability to fight them.
Once when the attacks of Asura (demons) of demons were too much to bear, the deities went to Vishnu Ji asking for his help. The gods told Vishnu Ji about all the attacks and deeds of the demons and evils. But Vishnu Ji did not possess the power to fight and defeat the asura. Vishnu Ji felt helpless and went to meet Lord Shiva and ask for his help.
Vishnu Ji found Lord Shiva in a trance. Vishnu Ji is a sincere devotee of Lord Shiva and did not want to disturb Shiva in his trance. Instead, Vishnu Ji started praying and chanting Lord Shiva’s name with sincere devotion in the hope that one-day, lord Shiva will listen to his prayers.
Till next thousand days, Vishnu Ji presented a lotus for Lord Shiva and chanted his name as a pure devotee. One day Shiva came out of his trance and saw his devotee. Lord Shiva was pleased with Vishnu Ji’s devotion and wanted to grant him a wish.
Vishnu was delighted to see Lord Shiva out of his trance and ran to gather the lotuses. Lord Shiva wanted to play a game with Vishnu Ji and took one lotus and hid it somewhere. When Vishnu Ji presented the bunch of lotus to Lord Shiva, Vishnu Ji saw only 999 lotuses. One lotus was missing.
Vishnu had such devotion for Lord Shiva that instead of the thousandth lotus, he plucked his eye and presented it to Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva, when witnessing the devotion from Vishnu Ji, said Vishnu I am delighted and pleased with you and grant your wish, ask me for anything.
Vishnu Ji asked for a weapon from Shiva to end the sufferings of other deities and defeat the demons.
Lord Shiva then fashioned a disc-shaped weapon and gave it to Vishnu Ji and said, this the most potent weapon in the world. This will help you conquer the demons.
The Composition of the Sudarshana Chakra
As per the detailed description made in the Vaman Puran, it is believed that the structure of Sudarshana Chakra is a revolving disc that never stops. It consists of six spikes, six navels, and a centre
The spikes and the center of the chakra are made up of Vajra. It is also believed that on every spoke, the words “Sahasrara hum phat” are engraved.
In Hindu mythology, the Sudarshana Chakra is described as the chakra of time,i.e., Kalachakra. The chakra consists of twelve spokes and six navels. The six navels are considered as representing the six seasons. The twelve spokes represent the months of Hindu lunar calendar or the twelve deities such as Vij, Agni, Som, Mitra, Varun, Indra, Indragni, Vayu, Vishvedev, Prajapati, Dhanvantari and more.
The Features of Sudarshana Chakra
The Sudarshana Chakra consists of 108 serrated blades and can travel several million yojanas in a blink of an eye.
It is not thrown at; instead, it is sent against the enemy by willpower. It has tremendous mysticism and divine energy to consume everything and anything.
Once it is sent by willpower, it chases the enemy to the ends of the earth and never returns without achieving the intended results. Despite this, there is only one way to escape its rage is to stop running and surrender before it. According to scriptures, Lord Vishnu comes to the rescue if you are wise enough to surrender to him.
Illustrations of Use In Dvapara Yuga when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Mountain with his little finger to save the Goukul Vaasi (people) from the anger of Indra Ji. Krishna Ji held the Sudarshana chakra below for support.
Lord Krishna used the Sudarshana chakra to slay and conquer the Shishupal.The power of Sudarshana was used to create an artificial sunset for obliterating Jayadrath.
In Satya Yuga when Vishnu Ji was raged with Sage Durvasa for cursing the beloved devotee King Ambrish. He hurled the Sudarshana chakra for sage Durvasa. The sage Durvasa was petrified and ran to save his life. The sacred sage reached the deities, but deities were helpless and could not save him. At last, when the sage Durvasa went to Shri Vishnu, he told the sage to ask forgiveness from the king.
Sage Durvasa complied and asked for Ambarish forgiveness. Vishnu Ji withdrew his SudarshanaIn Satya Yuga, when Hanuman challenged Arjuna for building a bridge that can handle the weight of Hanuman himself. Arjuna, not knowing the monkey’s true identity, accepted the challenge and made a bridge of arrows. However, when Hanuman Ji jumped over the bridge, nothing happened. The bridge did not break because Krishna Ji for helping his friend Arjuna placed Sudarshana Chakra below the bridge.
The Significance of Sudarshana Ashtotara Shatanamavali
The chanting with 108 names in the Sahasranama is an narration of the Lord’s ‘infinite-qualities’, that is, His infinitely moral nature. Every name shows the virtue of something.
It is believed that if an individual recites the 108 names and infinite qualities described in the Sahasranama of Vishnu, everyday meditates, praises, and worships the names of Sudarshana Ashtotara Shatanamavali. That person will overcome all sorrows and attain salvation. The tongue that utters them and worships Lord Vishnu will be free of pains and finds peace.
