In order to find it out he roamed over the world, steadily maintaining his sacred rite. But not finding the same, the pious Viṣṇu offered one of his eyes (instead of the lotus).
शिव उवाच ।। प्रसन्नोऽस्मि हरे तुभ्यं वरं ब्रूहि यथेप्सितम् ।। मनोऽभिलषितं दद्मि नादेयं विद्यते तव ।। २४ ।।
Śiva said:— O Viṣṇu, I am delighted with you. Mention the boon you wish to have. I shall grant you what you desire. There is nothing which cannot be given to you.