The holy Pāśupata rite (pāśupatavrata-māhātmya) - Verse 52
Linga Purana (GRETIL / Wisdomlib) · 1 · Verse 80.52
Sanskrit Original
नन्दी शिलादतनयः सर्वभूतगणाग्रणीः। तं दृष्ट्वा देवमीशानं सांबं सगणम अव्ययम।।
nandī śilādatanayaḥ sarvabhūtagaṇāgraṇīḥ| taṃ dṛṣṭvā devamīśānaṃ sāṃbaṃ sagaṇam avyayam||
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.