Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c8.8

v1.c8.8

*Chakra* is also a characteristically Vaishnava weapon. It is also carried by Durgā, who is said to be the sister and as such the female form of Vishnu. It is shown in sculptures in two different forms. In the first variety, it is shaped like the wheel of a cart, with spokes, nave and all, and is meant to be grasped by the rim. But in the other form, it is highly ornamented, the spokes are made to resemble the petals of a lotus so that the internal parts appear like a full blown lotus in the *tout ensemble* (Pl. I, fig. 4). As in the case of the *śankha*, the *chakra* also has ornamentations on the top and sides and a jewelled ribbon running around it (Pl. I, fig. 5). It is in some cases held in the hand by means of this ribbon, and in other cases between the first two fingers. It is a weapon resembling the modern quoit and must have been used as a missile to be thrown against the enemy to cut him through and kill him.