The story of Hayagriva Asura and the origin of the Sudarshana Chakra is a fascinating narrative within Hindu mythology, highlighting the divine interventions of Lord Vishnu. This tale appears in various Puranic texts and epics, including references in the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana.
Story of Hayagriva Asura
Hayagriva, an asura with the head of a horse, represents a
significant figure in Hindu mythology. According to the legends, Hayagriva
performed severe penances and received a boon from Brahma, making him almost
invincible. He sought to create chaos and disrupt the cosmic order. Please note
that this Hayagriva should be confused with the horse-head incarnation of
Vishnu with the same name.
The Battle with Vishnu
To restore balance, Lord Vishnu took on the challenge of
defeating Hayagriva. In some versions of the myth, Vishnu himself adopts the
form of Hayagriva, thereby confronting the asura in a battle of equals. The
battle was intense and prolonged, but ultimately, Vishnu succeeded in
vanquishing Hayagriva.
Origin of the Sudarshana Chakra
After Hayagriva was killed, it is believed that the divine
Sudarshana Chakra was fashioned from his bones. The Sudarshana Chakra, a
spinning, disc-like weapon, became one of Vishnu's primary attributes. This
powerful weapon symbolizes the divine will and cosmic order, reinforcing
Vishnu's role as the preserver of the universe.
Vishnu as Chakradhari
With the Sudarshana Chakra in hand, Vishnu became known as
Chakradhari, the bearer of the discus. This weapon is not only a symbol of
destruction of evil but also of protection and righteousness. It plays a
crucial role in various other myths and battles, where Vishnu uses it to defeat
demons and restore dharma (cosmic law and order).
Reference in Krittibasi Ramayana
In the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana, Sugriva's directions to
his army searching for Sita include a mention of the Chakravana mountain.
According to this text, after crossing various lands, the army would come
across this mountain, where they would see the bones of Hayagriva. This place
marks the site of the asura's death and the origin of the Sudarshana Chakra,
thereby connecting the physical geography to the mythological history of
Vishnu's divine weapon.
The story of Hayagriva Asura and the Sudarshana Chakra exemplifies the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology, where cosmic battles and divine interventions shape the narrative of good triumphing over evil. It underscores Vishnu's role as a preserver and protector, armed with the Sudarshana Chakra to maintain order and justice in the universe.