The opening pages of the checked Muthaloliyal Anthathi edition name Dandapani Swamigal and also identify him through devotional names associated with Murugan. This is the strongest starting point established in the present research. A fuller life history requires a separate comparison of biographical sources.
The name Murugadasa expresses service or devotion to Murugan. It is a useful introduction to the author’s remembered identity, while the actual poems remain the place to investigate what he says. A devotional name alone should not be used to invent a complete account of someone’s teaching.