Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 17
ऋषयश्चापि देवाश्ष गन्धर्वाप्सरसस्तथा । लिड्रमेवार्चयन्ति सम यत् तदूर्ध्व समास्थितम्
ṛṣayaś cāpi devāś ca gandharvāpsarasas tathā | liṅgam evārcayanti sama yat tad ūrdhvaṃ samāsthitam ||
Vāyu said: “The sages, the gods, and likewise the Gandharvas and Apsarases worship that very liṅga which stands established in the higher realm.” The verse underscores that even exalted beings honor Śiva through liṅga-worship; such reverent devotion pleases Mahādeva, who, affectionate to devotees, grants them well-being and happiness.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even the highest orders of beings—sages, gods, Gandharvas, and Apsarases—honor Śiva through liṅga-worship; sincere devotion (bhakti) is presented as a universally revered dharmic practice that draws divine grace and well-being.
Vāyudeva is describing the cosmic reverence shown to an exalted, higher-realm Śiva-liṅga, emphasizing that worship of it is performed by celestial and sage communities, and that such worship pleases Maheśvara, who then bestows happiness upon devotees.