Many will remember Markus Horlacher as the Ashram beekeeper, a quiet and devoted presence who cared for the Ashram’s beehives for nearly twenty years. But his connection with Tiruvannamalai and Arunachala extend back much further and find expression in many forms of service and devotion.
Born in Switzerland on 25th September 1957, Markus spent part of his childhood (from the age of 6-11) in Hubballi, Karnataka, where his father founded a mechanical tools training centre (still functioning today). Markus grew up amidst the languages and culture of South India. Even though he later returned to Switzerland for his education, India remained close to his heart, and over the years he continued to deepen his familiarity with South Indian languages as well as Hindi.
In 1987, he first learned of Bhagavan and Arunachala, and thereafter began visiting Tiruvannamalai six months each year. During these visits he came to know intimately the landscape and rhythms of life around the Holy Hill. In 1995, he began transforming a piece of barren land near Adi Annamalai into a flourishing forest, reflecting his deep love of nature. Trained as a gardener in Switzerland, Markus had an exceptional knowledge of plants and was widely known for his keen interest in the natural world. An outdoorsman, environmentalist and conservationist, he trained children in rock climbing, rope climbing, cycling, trekking, and other nature-oriented activities. His adventuresome spirit took him overland across Africa in 1983.
Markus was a devoted climber of the Holy Hill and, before restrictions were imposed, ascended the Hill several times a week. He was among the swiftest to reach the summit, often beginning from Mulaipal Tirtham near Virupaksha Cave and climbing the Hill in under forty minutes. His knowledge of Indian plants was legendary. When the Kailash route first opened to Indian pilgrims, he was among the first to undertake the journey. While most travelled quickly under the burden of limited supplies, Markus moved at his own pace, spending several weeks on the sacred route and subsisting largely on food he foraged from plants along the way.
A regular chronicler of the Karthigai Deepam festival, he often accompanied those carrying the Deepam cauldron up to the summit, documenting the event with dedication and care.
In 2015, he took up photography with a single subject: Arunachala at sunrise. Through his lens, he sought to capture the many changing moods of the Hill, and his photographs have been appreciated by devotees around the world. He translated The Power of the Presence, into German, the first part of which was published in India many years ago.
In February this year, Markus was struck by a severe infection—meningo-encephalitis, possibly caused by a tick bite—which left him paralysed. He was flown to Switzerland for treatment, but on 8th April, doctors informed him that he would remain permanently bedridden and dependent on mechanical life support. For one who had lived his life in the outdoors, close to nature, this was an especially grave prospect. Markus chose not to continue under such conditions and requested that the life support be withdrawn. In accordance with medical guidelines, this wish was honoured. On Thursday, 9th April, at 1.30 p.m. IST, Markus passed away. He is survived by his long-time partner, Maya. —
[Devotees value the remarkable photographic record Markus leaves behind—images that reveal the ever-changing beauty of Arunachala. Those who wish to view his work may visit: <https://www.markushorlacher.com/>]
