Sudarshana and Narasimha

In the Ahirbudhnya Samhita (a Pancharatra Agama text), Ahirbudhnya conclusively establishes the all pervasiveness of Bhagavan Narasimha in the Mantra Raja Pada Stotram.

Several connections between the Sudarshana Chakram and Bhagavan Narasimha are established in the Ahirbudhnya Samhita and a related reference-the Sudarshana Kavacham. According to both the Pancharatra and Vaighanasa Agamams, Lord Narasimha is worshipped in four places- below the earth (Patalam), in pillars, on hills and in the Sudarshana Yantram. Lord Narasimha and the Sudarshana Chakram share deep connections.

The joint worship of Sudarshana and Narasimha is prescribed in both Agamams.

The Chakram has the attribute of Pida-Pradanam for Dushtas and Pida Pariharam for Bhaktas, which is also a characteristic of Lord Narasimha. The Chakram is the mighty Jwala which forms the center of the Kalanala (fire at the end of time). This Jwala has the radiance of a thousand Adityas and therefore dispels all forms of darkness and ignorance. This mighty Jwala connotes the Jwala Narasimhar aspect. Lord Narasimhar destroyed Hiranyakashipu in the form of Jwala Narasimhar, bringing instant relief to Prahlada from his sufferings (Pida Pariharam). The presence of Lord Narasimha in the wheel is mentioned for the first time in the Padma Samhita, a Pancharatra Agama text. Also, a description of Lord Narasimhar with sixteen arms (Shodasa Ayudha aspect) is a trait shared by the Sudarshana Chakram.

Consequently, these references may be used to infer that Lord Narasimha is resident in the Sudarshana Chakram.

The Chakram is the protector of the Devas, destroyer of the Asuras and is the bestower of true knowledge, while tearing to shreds every pretence of false knowledge, as can be seen from Swami Desikan's Sudarshana Ashtakam (Dhanuja VistAra Kartana Janita Misra Vikartana....). This is also the attribute of Lord Narasimha in Jwala and Yoga Narasimhar forms. It can also be argued that the Sudarshana Chakram destroys one's sins (Papa Nashanam). This is the first step towards realizing Lord Narayana. The realization of the Lord comes about due to the grace of Lord Narasimhar in Yoga Narasimhar form. There is a Saligramam symbolizing the back-to-back forms of Sudarshana and Narasimhar in support of this argument. There is also a Temple in Srirangam where the Murthis of Sudarshana Chakram and Lord Narasimhar are seen in a single Peetham.