The holy Pāśupata rite (pāśupatavrata-māhātmya) - Verse 50
Linga Purana (GRETIL / Wisdomlib) · 1 · Verse 80.50
Sanskrit Original
अथ द्वादशवर्षं वा मासद्वादशकं तु वा। दिनद्वादशकं वापि कृत्वा तद व्रतम उत्तमम।।
atha dvādaśavarṣaṃ vā māsadvādaśakaṃ tu vā| dinadvādaśakaṃ vāpi kṛtvā tad vratam uttamam||
Sūta said: By performing this excellent Vrata for twelve years, or for twelve months or for twelve days, all Paśus are liberated from the bondage of worldly existence.” Nandin, the son of Śilāda, the leader of the Bhūtas showed the lord to all Devas including Viṣṇu. On seeing lord Śiva the unchanging deity accompanied by Ambā and Gaṇas, Devas were thrilled with pleasure. They bowed to the lord and eulogised him. After submitting to lord Śiva, their desire for liberation from bondage, Devas stood in front of lord Śiva bowing again and again.