Swatantra Siddalingeshwara (ಸ್ವತಂತ್ರ ಸಿದ್ಧಲಿಂಗೇಶ್ವರ)

What if you dance and perform many roles
before a blind person, can he enjoy it?
What if you read literature and sing songs
before a deaf person, can he understand and enjoy?
Those who have no knowledge or experience,
of what use whatever they read or listen?
Reading and listening of those who do not know
Nijaguru Svatantrasiddhalingeshwara
was like the seeing and listening of the blind and the deaf. [Vachana No.2384] ^[1]

Swatantra Siddalingeshwara (c. later half of 16th century, Post Basava age) belonged to the tradition of Tontada Siddhalinga disciples. His place was Kaapanahalli in Krishnarajapet taluk of Mandya district.

As firewood becomes fire by uniting with fire
a Shiva devotee with the wealth of Shiva culture
becomes only Shiva and not a mere man.
That’s why Shiva devotee has no caste, no pollution.
He exists as Shiva does, the true devotee of
Nijaguru Svatantrasiddhalingeshwara. [Vachana No.2472] ^[1]

He was engaged in spiritual practices at a place called Gajaraajagiri near his village. 430 of his vachanas are available with his signature as Nijaguru Swatantra Siddhalingeshwara. Jangama Ragale and Muktyaanganaa Kanthamale are his other works.

Just as a snake charmer makes the snake play
taking enough care about himself,
whatever you speak you should preserve yourself.
As your speech can become your enemy,
don’t say the others cause harm to you.
Your speech makes you live or die,
your speech is your friend or foe
Nijaguru Svatantrasiddhalingeshwara. [Vachana No.2417] ^[1]