In this context, it is interesting to note that Appayya Dikshitar exemplifies staunch Siva Bhakti, said Sri Mani Dravid Sastrigal in a discourse. Similarly, though he held Siva close to his heart, he had also sung hymns in praise of deities such as Varadaraja of Kanchi. In all, he has written 104 works in the form of sastras and stotras that establish his depth and versatility as a bhakta and a scholar. To make sure that his Siva bhakti was genuine and ingrained in his nature, that is swabhavika, and not any kind of contrived bhakti bhava that arises on sudden impulse, he conducted an experiment on his own self. It was then that the lovely hymn Atmarpana Stuti, also known as Unmatta Panchasati, flowed revealing all that was really deep seated in his heart.

Source: The Hindu May 10, 2021 17:13 UTC