Chapter 36 of 43 · Koti Rudra Samhita · Overall chapter 307 of 464
The Fruits of the One Thousand Names
Shiva reveals that the missing lotus was a deliberate test, stops Vishnu from completing the self-sacrifice, and formally gifts the Sudarshana chakra along with instructions that meditating on Shiva's form, reciting the thousand names, and holding the chakra in mind together secure victory and freedom from misery for any devotee who does the same.
Suta said
When Maheshvara heard the supreme hymn Vishnu uttered, adorned with a thousand divine names, he was pleased. To test Hari, the lord of the worlds hid one lotus from among those lotuses. Of the thousand lotuses offered, one was short, and Vishnu, in the middle of the worship, was troubled. He thought, "Where has the lotus gone? If it has left, let it go happily. Is my eye not a lotus?" Full of the feeling of worship, he plucked out his eye and, speaking the hymn, pronounced the name Sarva-sattvavalambana. Seeing Hari about to worship him so, Hara appeared. The guru of the universe said, "Do not do this." Hari had set up an earthen lingam on a round pedestal, and Maheshvara quickly took form from his own lingam, the form already described, arising in a mass of energy. Vishnu stood before him, bowing and praising him especially. Mahadeva, pleased, seemed to smile as he looked with compassion on Vishnu, who stood with joined hands.
Shankara said
Hari, I know all that you desire in your mind. This is for a task of the gods, and you are devoted to doing the gods' work. To accomplish it and to destroy the daityas without effort, I will give you the beautiful chakra named Sudarshana. You have seen its form, which brings happiness to all worlds. Lord of the gods, for your own welfare keep it in mind. On the field of battle, if the form of this chakra and the thousand names are remembered, the gods' miseries will be destroyed. You who are excellent in vows, by my favour, anyone who constantly listens to these with devotion will gain all he desires.
Suta continued
Saying this, he gave him the chakra, radiant as ten thousand suns, born from his own feet. This was Sudarshana, which destroys all enemies. Vishnu performed a consecration, faced north and received it. Then he bowed to Mahadeva and said: "Divine lord, listen to me. What should I meditate on, and what should I read? Giver of welfare to the worlds, tell me what to do to destroy sorrows." Asked so, Shiva was pleased and, to help the gods, spoke to Vishnu.
Shiva said
Hari, to calm all calamities, meditate on my form. To destroy many miseries, recite the thousand names. To succeed in all you desire, always hold this chakra. Vishnu, you worked hard to win this best of all chakras. If others read it constantly or have it read, they will not suffer misery even in dreams. When a king is in hardship, he should recite it a hundred times. A man who follows the rules and recites it with its accompaniments will gain what is good for him. It destroys ailments, gives excellent learning and riches, is sacred, and grants everything wished for and constant devotion to Shiva. Men who recite it in pursuit of excellent fruits gain the highest fruits, without doubt. A person who rises in the morning, worships me and chants this in my presence every day will not be far from siddhi. He will certainly gain every siddhi he desires in this world, and at the end the liberation called sayujya.
Suta continued
Pleased in mind, Shankara said this to Vishnu and, touching him with his hands, spoke again. "Best of gods, I am the giver of boons. Ask the boon you desire. Excellent in vows, by your devotion and this hymn you have surely brought me under your control." Thus addressed, Vishnu bowed to the lord of the gods and, very glad, joined his hands: "Lord of compassion, treat others as you have treated me and show them your special compassion too. Divine lord, be pleased. Let my best boon be devotion to you. Since devotees are never afflicted, I desire nothing else." Hearing him, Bhava, full of compassion, touched his limbs and said, with the cool moon on his crest: "Hari, your devotion to me will always be firm. All the gods in the world will always revere and worship you. Your supreme name Vishvambhara will destroy all sins. Best of gods, by my favour this will certainly be so." Having said this, Lord Rudra, lord of all gods, vanished while Vishnu looked on. Hearing Shankara's words and receiving the auspicious chakra, Janardana was delighted. He meditated on Shambhu, chanted the hymn constantly, read it, and taught his own devotees to do the same. So I have told you what you asked. Hearing it destroys sins. Best ones, what do you want to ask next?
Retold in our own words from Bibek Debroy's English translation of the Shiva Purana (Penguin Classics). Names, numbers and the order of events follow the source.