Sudershan Chakra

This image celebrates Krishna’s appearance on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, the climax of the war between the Pandavas and their cousins the Kauravas over rightful succession to the rulership of the kingdom of Bharata and its capital Hastinapura. In observance of his vow not to appear as a combatant in the battle, Krishna enters the fray wielding a chariot wheel on his raised finger, in lieu of his deadly discus (chakra). In his lower hand he holds the conch (shanka), another of Vishnu’s attributes, which served as his war trumpet. Krishna is framed in the middle distance by the assembled ranks of the rival armies. The artist has given Krishna a naturalistic appearance except for his iconic blue complexion. The god is further identified by his yellow waistcloth (dhoti). The setting sun, breaking through threatening monsoonal clouds, provides a radiant nimbus for Krishna. Colorful flowers are scattered in the foreground, foretelling a joyous and righteous outcome.