That's how I did the first puzzle! The 2x2 one seems a lot harder than this, though I could be wrong. There's no workaround for the 3x3 as seen here, though: it starts out in a scrambled state.
As an aside, if you're able to emulate a second controller, just hold B on it and it will undo the moves made in the 2x2 puzzle, including the hermit's. Seems like even the creators needed an anti-frustration feature on that one!
While I'm at it, may as well leave another screenshot. No need to be
draggin' my weight around anymore; the great Dragon Sage can fly!
(That new field theme...*chef's kiss*)