The Sudarshana Chakra Story

There is a story prevalent about the incarnation of Parashurama.

Sage Narada was once visiting Vaikunta, the abode of Lord Vishnu. He extolled the Lord in very colourful terms. Vishnu's major weapon was the 'Chakra' (sharp-edged swinging wheel) known as 'Sudarshana Chakra'. So far none could face it and come out of the attack victorious. The Chakra had a deity associated with it and he used to boast that all the powers the Lord had were due to him and He couldn't kill the demons without his help. Narada's praising of Vishnu angered him ; he was sore that Narada had ignored his prowess.

Learning of this, Vishnu called him and said : 'Dear Sudarshana, it is true I defeated the Asuras with your help. Go to earth and be born a thousand-armed hero; I will come and appear as the son of a sage. Let us match our strength there!'

The Sudarshana Chakra could no longer remain in Vaikunta and came down to earth. Kritaveerya, belonging to the Lunar Race, was childless for a long time and later a son without arms was born to him. However, he acquired one thousand arms and invincibility by the grace of Lord Dattatreya. But this arrogant man, Kartaveeryarjuna, faced Parashurama in battle and died.

The Sudarshana Chakra was thus subdued.