Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 14
The Slaying of Hiraṇyākṣa and the Triumph of Varāha
तदोजसा दैत्यमहाभटार्पितं चकासदन्त:ख उदीर्णदीधिति । चक्रेण चिच्छेद निशातनेमिना हरिर्यथा तार्क्ष्यपतत्रमुज्झितम् ॥ १४ ॥
tad ojasā daitya-mahā-bhaṭārpitaṁ cakāsad antaḥ-kha udīrṇa-dīdhiti cakreṇa ciccheda niśāta-neminā harir yathā tārkṣya-patatram ujjhitam
दैत्य महाबटाने सर्व बळाने फेकलेले शूल आकाशात तेजाने चमकले; पण हरिने तीक्ष्ण कड्याच्या सुदर्शनचक्राने ते तुकडे केले, जसे इंद्राने गरुडाचे पंख छाटले.
The context of the reference given herein regarding Garuḍa and Indra is this: Once upon a time, Garuḍa, the carrier of the Lord, snatched away a nectar pot from the hands of the demigods in heaven in order to liberate his mother, Vinatā, from the clutches of his stepmother, Kadrū, the mother of the serpents. On learning of this, Indra, the King of heaven, hurled his thunderbolt against Garuḍa. With a view to respect the infallibility of Indra’s weapon, Garuḍa, though otherwise invincible, being the Lord’s own mount, dropped one of his wings, which was shattered to pieces by the thunderbolt. The inhabitants of higher planets are so sensible that even in the process of fighting they observe the preliminary rules and regulations of gentleness. In this case, Garuḍa wanted to show respect for Indra; since he knew that Indra’s weapon must destroy something, he offered his wing.
FAQs
This verse shows the Sudarśana-cakra as irresistibly sharp and divinely controlled—able to instantly shatter the demon’s blazing weapon in midair.
To highlight the contrast between demonic power and the Lord’s effortless supremacy—Hari neutralizes a fearsome attack with ease, underscoring divine protection and victory of dharma.
When faced with overwhelming obstacles, remember that sincere dependence on the Lord and steady dharmic action can cut through fear—just as Hari’s chakra cuts through the demon’s weapon.