How Vishnu Obtained the Sudarshana Chakra

Story of Jalandhara

Jalandhara was a demon king, who procured many boons after doing harsh austerities. Becoming arrogant of his immense power, he captured and ruled all the three worlds. Having subdued Satyaloka and Vaikuntha, the demon went to KailAsa to fight Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva took the form of an old man and stood on his way. He asked Jalandhara where he was going. jalandhara replied that he was going to fight against Lord Shiva. Smiling the Old Man marked a disc (chakra) on the ground. He said, "Before fighting with the powerful Lord shiva, check your strength by lifting this disc above your head." The haughty asura decided to show off his strength by lifting that disc. He took that disc with great difficulty and placed on his head. The disc cut his head off into pieces!

thiruviRkudi is the temple associated with this valourous deed of Lord Shiva

How Lord Vishnu Gets the Sudarshana Chakra

The Sudarshana Chakra is held by Lord Vishnu on the right rear hand of His four hands. This was the Chakra that Lord Shiva had used to kill Jalandharasura. MahaVishnu wanted to use it to kill the Asuras thus saving the lives of Devas.

Vishnu did tapasya and offered 1008 lotus to the Shiva Linga every day. To test Vishnu’s devotion Mahadeva hid one lotus flower. At the end of his Tapas(pooja) Vishnu found one lotus was missing and without hesitation he offered one of his own eyes and completed the Pooja. Lord Shiva pleased and appeared before him and gave him the Sudarshana Chakra. Love Vishnu thus came to be known as “Tamaraikannan” (lotus eyed).

Thiruppugazh in which the reference occurs

Reference to the offering of 1008 lotus flowers: Padarbhuvi