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

The article delves into the intriguing legend of Kashi, a sacred city in Hinduism, and its destruction by Lord Krishna's Sudarshan Chakra. It narrates the historical context involving King Jarasandh, the tyrant ruler of Magadh, and his connection to Kansa, Krishna's uncle. The tale unfolds with Krishna's rise, the vengeance sought by the Kashi king's son, and the eventual annihilation of Kashi. The narrative concludes with the city's rebirth as Varanasi, highlighting its significance in Hindu culture. This captivating story intertwines mythology with the essence of faith, inviting readers to explore the depths of this ancient legend.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 22, 2026, 10:30 IST

The Significance of Kashi in Hinduism

Kashi, regarded as the most sacred center of faith in Hinduism, is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva himself. This holy city is said to rest on the trident of Lord Shiva.

The Presence of Lord Shiva in Kashi

In Kashi, Lord Shiva continues to reside as Kashi Vishwanath, attracting devotees from across the globe who come to seek his blessings. However, it may surprise many that this city was once reduced to ashes by Lord Krishna using his Sudarshan Chakra.

The Tale Behind the Destruction

The story of how Lord Krishna's Sudarshan Chakra incinerated Kashi is rooted in the Dwapar Yuga. According to legend, King Jarasandh ruled over Magadh, instilling fear among his subjects due to his tyranny. To strengthen his power, he married his daughters, Asthi and Prasthi, to the wicked King Kansa of Mathura, who was also Krishna's uncle.

The Curse of Kansa

Kansa received a prophecy that the eighth child of his sister Devaki would be his demise. In a fit of rage, he imprisoned Devaki and her husband Vasudev, killing all their children until Krishna was born. To save Krishna, Vasudev placed him in the care of Yashoda, who raised him.

Krishna's Confrontation with Kansa

As Krishna grew, he ultimately became the cause of Kansa's death. When King Jarasandh learned of Kansa's demise, he plotted to kill Krishna but failed. He then allied with the king of Kashi to devise another plan, launching multiple attacks on Mathura, which were unsuccessful. During these assaults, the king of Kashi met his end.

The Vow for Revenge

Seeking vengeance 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.

The Destruction of Kashi

Armed with the weapon from Shiva, the prince attempted to strike Krishna in Dwarka. However, he overlooked the fact that Krishna was a devoted Brahmin, causing the weapon to return to Kashi. To prevent this, Krishna unleashed his Sudarshan Chakra, which pursued the weapon and incinerated it upon reaching Kashi. The Chakra's wrath did not stop there, resulting in the complete destruction of Kashi.

The Rebirth of Kashi

After the devastation caused by the Sudarshan Chakra, Kashi was eventually rebuilt. It is said that due to its location between the Varuna and Asi rivers, the city was renamed Varanasi, symbolizing the rebirth of Kashi.