This chakra (discus), although a weapon of Lord Vishnu, is also regarded as a deity in South Indian Shri Vaishnava cult philosophy. Conventionally, on one side is the representation of the chakra, and on the reverse is Narasimha. Both these are considered to be ugra (angry forms) of Vishnu. Here, only the chakra is represented as an independent icon. It is placed on a lotus pedestal held up by a pair of back-to-back rampant vyalas (mythical animals). As Vishnu’s discus, it is held in one of his hands and released when required.
