The Arrival at Virupaksha Cave

Virupaksha Cave became the young sage's first proper abode on Arunachala. Here, he would spend several years in deep meditation, establishing his life as a realized sage.

After a period spent within the temple precincts, he was taken up the slopes of Arunachala to Virupaksha Cave. The cave lay on the eastern side of the hill and was known as a place where ascetics had lived in earlier times. It was a natural rock shelter, open in front and protected by overhanging stone.

He began to stay there, seated for long hours within the cave. The surroundings were quiet, broken only by the sounds of the hill and the movement of those who came and went. He made no arrangements for comfort and did not concern himself with the conditions of the place.

Gradually, a few people came to know that he was staying there. Some brought food and left it nearby. Others sat at a distance, watching quietly. He remained mostly silent and did not seek conversation.

As time passed, he showed some attention to the needs of the body. He accepted food when it was brought and allowed basic care to be given. He continued to spend much of the day seated in the cave, unmoving and withdrawn.

On occasion, when spoken to, he gave brief replies. At other times, he remained silent. Those who visited remembered the stillness of the place and the quiet manner in which the days passed.

Thus life continued at Virupaksha Cave, simply and without form, on the slopes of Arunachala.