📚 Part of: Bird Behavior And Comparative Adjectives Mcqs

What did Vishnu use to split Shakti's body?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Correct Answer: B) Sudarshan Chakra.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

In Hindu mythology, the Sudarshan Chakra is a divine weapon wielded by the god Vishnu. It is a spinning disc that is used in various mythological stories, including the tale of the splitting of Shakti's body. This event is significant in understanding the relationship between Vishnu and Shakti in Hindu cosmology.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing the Sudarshan Chakra with other weapons like the Kaumodaki Gada (mace).
  • Misunderstanding the context of the story and the roles of different deities involved.
  • Not recognizing the significance of the Sudarshan Chakra in Vishnu's arsenal.
Explanation:

In Hindu mythology, the Sudarshan Chakra is a significant divine weapon associated with the god Vishnu. It is a spinning disc that is often depicted in Vishnu's iconography and is used in various mythological stories. One of the most notable stories involving the Sudarshan Chakra is the event where Vishnu used it to split Shakti's body.

The story of the splitting of Shakti's body is part of the larger narrative of the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). During this event, various divine objects and beings emerged from the ocean, including the goddess Shakti. Shakti, in this context, is often associated with the divine feminine energy and is a manifestation of the goddess Durga or Parvati.

According to the legend, when Shakti emerged from the ocean, her body was so powerful and radiant that it threatened to destroy the universe. To prevent this, Vishnu intervened and used his Sudarshan Chakra to split Shakti's body into two parts. This act symbolizes the balance between the masculine and feminine energies in the universe and the role of Vishnu as the preserver.

The Sudarshan Chakra is not just a weapon but also a symbol of divine justice and protection. It is said to be capable of cutting through any obstacle and is often used by Vishnu to protect the universe from evil forces. The chakra is also associated with the sun and is believed to have the power to purify and destroy negative energies.

Understanding the significance of the Sudarshan Chakra and its role in splitting Shakti's body is crucial for comprehending the complex relationships and dynamics between the various deities in Hindu mythology. It highlights the importance of balance and the role of Vishnu as a protector and preserver in the cosmic order.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Neel Sarp Chandrahas is incorrect. This is not a known weapon in Hindu mythology associated with Vishnu. The confusion might arise from the similarity in the naming convention of divine weapons, but Neel Sarp Chandrahas is not a recognized weapon in the Puranas.
  • Option B: Sudarshan Chakra is correct. In Hindu mythology, the Sudarshan Chakra is the primary weapon of Vishnu. It is a spinning disc that Vishnu used to split Shakti's body during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). This event is significant in understanding the relationship between Vishnu and Shakti.
  • Option C: Kaumodaki Gada is incorrect. While Kaumodaki is a mace used by Vishnu, it is not the weapon used to split Shakti's body. The confusion might arise from the fact that both the Sudarshan Chakra and Kaumodaki are weapons of Vishnu, but they are used in different contexts and stories.
  • Option D: Sharangdhar Committee is incorrect. This is not a weapon or a recognized term in Hindu mythology. The confusion might arise from the unfamiliarity with the correct names of divine weapons and the tendency to mix up terms.

Mnemonic: Sudarshan Chakra: Vishnu's spinning disc, used to split Shakti's body.

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