SADEI SWAMI (Grotte de)

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 15/05/2016

A modified natural cave or man-made rock chamber used as a troglodyte hermitage retreat is situated sort of "near" the Muleipal Tirtham, the sacred bathing pool somewhere on the flanks of (the hill) –>Arunâchala (Arunachala) or Tiruvannamalai. ETYMOLOGY: "Muleipal Tirtham" (LE SAUX, 1978, 1980: 43), in French transcription Moulai-Pâl Tirtham (LE SAUX, 1978, 1980: 81), translates as »ford of the milk of the mother's mammal gland« (breast milk ford) and "swami" is a »title of respect meaning 'lord of the self'; given to initiated Hindu monks« (LONELY PLANET, India 2005 glossary: 1112). CULTURAL HISTORY - religious folklore: According to LE SAUX (1978, 1980: 26), the cave associated with one Sadai Swami is reputed to have been used as a troglodyte hermitage retreat by the renowned guru (holyman) Ramana Maharishi (Maharshi).