Siva Mahimna Stotram-Tika by Madhusudana Sarasvati (PB) | By Krishnajee Ayyagari (Author) | MLBD Publications

Mahimnaḥ Stava is a famous hymn in praise of the greatness of Śiva believed to have been composed by Pushpadanta a Gandharva in thirty-one verses. This is regarded as a standard work depicting the orthodox Śaiva theology. The entire hymn is inscribed on the wall of the Jyotirlinga temple at Omkaresvar in Madhya Pradesh, which is dated to approximately 1063 CE; it is thus considered an authentic manuscript. Sri Madhusūdana Sarasvati, a prominent Advaita philosopher, wrote a unique commentary in a dual way as applicable to Siva and equally applicable to Viṣṇu. He brought forth the concept that there is only one God (although with different names and forms.) Everyone is free to worship using any name or by any means, but will ultimately reach the same destination just as all rivers reach the ocean. This is very significant as several persons were propagating different cults, claiming the superiority of their philosophy, and degrading others thus creating widespread interreligious enmity and disharmony in the Hindu religion prevalent during his time, which is relevant even today.