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Story of King Ambarish– Durvasa and Sudarshana Chakra of Vishnu

Sudarshana Chakra is a powerful weapon used by Bhagvan Vishnu to annihilate all that practice Adharma. The ninth canto of Srimad Bhagavad Purana contains the story of King Ambarisha – Durvasa and Sudarshana Chakra. King Ambarish was an ardent devotee of Bhagvan Vishnu. Pleased with the devotion of the king, Vishnu gave him the power to control the Sudarshana Chakra.


King Ambarish continued his worship of Vishnu and started observing the Ekadasi Vrat.

Indra, the king of Devas, was threatened by the devotion of the king. He feared he will be soon replaced by Ambarisha.

To break the Ekadasi fasting of the king, Indra took the help of Durvasa.

Durvasa reached the palace of the king on an Ekadasi fasting day and he was received in full honor.

Durvasa then proceeded for this morning bath and other rituals. But deliberately delayed his return to hamper the Ekadasi fasting of the king.

The king proceeded with his Ekadasi fasting ritual and when Ekadasi tithi was over he offered food to Devas and other saints and kept the portion of Durvasa safely.

Durvasa appeared soon after and declined to accept the food as he thought it was leftover.

In anger, Durvasa summoned a female demon named Kritya to kill Ambarisha.

King Ambarisha then sought the help of Sudarshana Chakra. It is said that Sudarshana Chakra appeared from the forehead of the king.

The Sudarshana Chakra destroyed the demon and turned against Durvasa. Durvasa was chased around the universe – he went to Indra but the king of Devas was helpless. Finally Durvasa took refuge in Vaikunta. Vishnu advised Durvasa to ask for the pardon of Ambarsiha.

Durvasa returned to Amabarisha and begged his pardon. Amabarisha saved him from the Sudarsana Chakra.