Knowledge Bank

The Mysterious Sudarshana Chakra

The Sudarshana Chakra, the divine discus of Lord Vishnu, has a thousand spokes. It is a powerful weapon that operates at the speed of mind and destroys anything in its path. It has its own consciousness and obeys only Vishnu.

Why is it called Pancha patra?

The vessel containing water used in rituals is called Pancha patra. Pancha means five. In elaborate worship, five vessels are used- Vishesha arghya patra containing a mix of 8 dravyas, Nirodha arghya patra containing a mix of 7 dravyas, Parangmukha arghya patra containing a mix of 6 dravyas, Padya patra, and Achamaniyaka patra. Even if only one vessel is used in their place, it came to be called Pancha patra.