Who made the following statements in defense of Santarasa "the eight rasas are like eight gods, and the Sant is like their highest centre Siva"?

Correct option is D

Abhinavagupta, a Kashmiri philosopher and scholar, defended Santarasa as the supreme rasa or sentiment, comparing it to Lord Shiva, the center of all other sentiments (rasas). He emphasized that Santarasa, or the mood of tranquility, transcends other rasas and is integral in achieving self-realization.
Information Booster:
· Abhinavagupta’s Natya Shastra commentary elevated Santarasa to a philosophical ideal, aiming for spiritual transcendence through art. His work has been fundamental to Indian aesthetics.
Additional Information:
· Bharat: Known for writing the Natya Shastra, he classified the original eight rasas but did not elevate Santarasa as the supreme rasa.
· Anandavardhan: Introduced the concept of Dhvani (suggestion) in aesthetics but did not prioritize Santarasa.
· Dandin: Known for his work on literary devices in Kavyadarsha, but he did not discuss Santarasa.