The Legend of Lord Krishna's Sudarshan Chakra and the Destruction of Kashi

This article delves into the captivating legend of Lord Krishna's Sudarshan Chakra, which once reduced the sacred city of Kashi to ashes. It recounts the tale of King Jarasandha, his alliance with Kansa, and the subsequent events leading to the destruction of Kashi. The narrative highlights the divine interventions and the eventual rebirth of the city, making it a significant part of Hindu mythology. Readers will find the intertwining of fate, revenge, and divine power intriguing as they explore this ancient story.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 1, 2026, 16:35 IST

The Sudarshan Chakra of Lord Krishna

Lord Krishna's Sudarshan Chakra – The city of Kashi is revered as a significant spiritual center in Hinduism, often associated with Lord Shiva.

According to beliefs, this sacred city was created by Lord Shiva himself and is said to rest on his trident.

Even today, Lord Shiva resides in Kashi as Kashi Vishwanath, attracting devotees from across the globe. However, it may surprise you to learn that this city was once reduced to ashes by Lord Krishna using his Sudarshan Chakra.

The tale behind this destruction is rooted in the Dvapara Yuga and is quite popular.

The Story of King Jarasandha

King Jarasandha arranged the marriage of his daughters to Kansa

In the Dvapara Yuga, King Jarasandha ruled over Magadha, instilling fear among his subjects due to his tyranny. His cruelty and formidable army made neighboring kings tremble, leading him to marry his daughters, Asthi and Prasthi, to the wicked King Kansa of Mathura, who was also Krishna's uncle.

Kansa, the uncle of Lord Krishna, was cursed

According to the legend, Kansa received a curse stating that the eighth child of his sister Devaki would be the cause of his demise. Upon learning this, Kansa imprisoned Devaki and her husband Vasudeva, killing all their children. However, the eighth child, Krishna, was saved by being secretly raised by Yashoda.

The Death of Kansa

Krishna killed his uncle Kansa

As Krishna grew up, he ultimately became the reason for Kansa's death. When King Jarasandha learned of Kansa's demise, he plotted to kill Krishna in a fit of rage but failed in his attempts.

Consequently, Jarasandha allied with the king of Kashi to devise a new plan to eliminate Krishna, launching several attacks on Mathura. Despite these assaults, Mathura remained unharmed, but during one of these attacks, the king of Kashi was killed.

The Vow for Revenge

The son of the Kashi king sought a boon for Krishna's death

In revenge for his father's death, the son of the Kashi king performed intense penance to please Lord Shiva. When Shiva appeared, the prince requested a boon to kill Krishna.

Despite Shiva's attempts to dissuade him, the prince remained adamant, leading Shiva to grant him a powerful weapon, stating that wherever it struck, that place would be destroyed, but it would have no effect if thrown at a Brahmin devotee.

The Destruction of Kashi

Kashi was reduced to ashes by Krishna's Sudarshan Chakra

Using the weapon granted by Shiva, the prince attacked Krishna in Dwarka, forgetting that Krishna was a Brahmin devotee. Consequently, the weapon returned to Kashi. To prevent this, Krishna sent his Sudarshan Chakra after the weapon.

Upon reaching Kashi, the Chakra destroyed the weapon, but its wrath did not end there, resulting in the complete annihilation of Kashi and its ruler's son.

The city of Kashi, once reduced to ashes by Krishna's Sudarshan Chakra, was later rebuilt. It is said that due to its location between the Varuna and Asi rivers, it was renamed Varanasi, symbolizing the rebirth of Kashi.