Sage Durvasa is known for his exploding anger and there are numerous stories of people suffering for such outbursts. But there is a story when Durvasa fell prey to his own anger – the story of Ambarisha.
Ambarisha was a king of Ikshwaku dynasty. He was a just ruler and his subjects were very happy. Ambarish was a stunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. Pleased with the devotion of Ambarisha, Vishnu gave him control of Sudarshana Chakra*.
Once Ambarisha decided to observe an Ekadashi fast. Even Devendra was shaken with the power of the fast. An edgy Devendra requested Sage Durvasa to visit Ambarisha, hoping that the visit would somehow cause trouble for Ambarisha. Durvasa visited Ambarisha when the time to break the fast was close. He informed the King that he will be back after his bath soon. Holding the Sage in high regard, Ambarisha waited for his return. However, Durvasa was delayed. At the pre-decided time Ambarisha offered havisu(offering) to the Devas and kept a part for Durvasa. The Sage, on his return was enraged that he was being given a part of what was already offered to the Devas. In anger he created Kritya, a demon. Kritya charged towards Ambarisha to attack him. Ambarisha invoked Sudarshana Chakra which instantly destroyed Kritya. Chakra then started chasing Durvasa. Umable to stop it Durvasa started running. He ran across hills and valleys, but the Chakra relentlessly chased him. Finally he approached Indra who directed him to Brahma. But the Chakra did not stop. Brahma sent him to Shiva who in turn asked him to seek Vishnu’s help. Durvasa ran to Vishnu. Lord expressed his helplessness saying that Ambarisha controlled the Chakra. Finally Durvasa ran to Ambarish for asylum. The King withdrew the Chakra and saved the Sage.
*Sudarshana Chakra – the disc shaped all powerful weapon of Vishnu