Auroville is a unique and experimental township located near Pondicherry in southern India. The township was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, also known as The Mother, and is dedicated to the ideals of human unity, peace, and spiritual growth. Auroville attracts visitors from around the world who come to explore its unique culture, sustainable living practices, and alternative approach to community living.
One of the highlights of Auroville is the Matrimandir, a spherical meditation center, which you see in first photograph, that is covered in gold. The Matrimandir is a stunning and peaceful space that is designed to help visitors connect with their inner selves and achieve a sense of inner peace and harmony. Visitors can participate in meditation sessions at the Matrimandir, or simply explore the beautiful gardens and parks that surround it. But please note that entry is not allowed inside the Matrimandir unless you have made advanced booking through emails or staying inside Auroville & has permissions to go inside the temple.
Auroville is also known for its sustainable living practices, which include organic farming, renewable energy, and eco-friendly technologies. Visitors can take a tour of the township to learn more about these practices and their impact on the environment. The township also features several unique buildings and landmarks that are designed to showcase sustainable living practices, including the Solar Kitchen, which uses solar energy to cook food for the community.
Visitors to Auroville can also explore the township's unique culture, which is a blend of Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. The township is home to several art galleries, cultural centers, and performance spaces that showcase the work of local and international artists. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including music concerts, dance performances, and workshops on spirituality and personal growth.
In addition to the Matrimandir and the Solar Kitchen, there are several other landmarks in Auroville that showcase sustainable living practices. Here are a few examples:
Auroville Earth Institute: The Auroville Earth Institute is a research center that is dedicated to promoting sustainable and eco-friendly building practices. The institute offers a variety of courses and workshops on sustainable architecture and building techniques, and has been instrumental in promoting the use of earth-based building materials in Auroville and beyond.
Sadhana Forest: Sadhana Forest is a reforestation project located in Auroville that is dedicated to restoring degraded and deforested land. The project uses sustainable and eco-friendly techniques to plant and maintain a variety of tree species, and has helped to create a thriving forest ecosystem in the area.
Solitude Farm: Solitude Farm is an organic farm and educational center that is dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture practices. The farm uses organic and bio-dynamic farming techniques to grow a variety of crops, and offers workshops and courses on sustainable agriculture and permaculture.
Pitchandikulam Forest: Pitchandikulam Forest is a reforestation project located in Auroville that is dedicated to restoring degraded land and promoting biodiversity. The project has planted thousands of trees and is home to a variety of wildlife, including several endangered species.
The Auroville Information Centre is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning more about the history, culture, and philosophy of Auroville. The information center is located near the entrance to Auroville and serves as a hub for visitors who want to explore the township and learn more about its unique character and mission.
The Auroville Information Centre offers a variety of services and resources for visitors, including maps, guidebooks, and audio tours. Visitors can also watch a short film about the history and philosophy of Auroville, which provides an overview of the township's founding and development.
One of the highlights of the Auroville Information Centre is the exhibition space, which features a variety of displays and exhibits that showcase the culture and philosophy of Auroville. The exhibition includes photographs, artwork, and artifacts that illustrate the township's commitment to sustainability, spiritual growth, and human unity.
Visitors to the Auroville Information Centre can also learn about the various activities and events that take place in Auroville, including workshops, performances, and cultural events. The information center offers a comprehensive calendar of events that visitors can consult to plan their visit and make the most of their time in Auroville.
Walking from the Auroville Information Centre to the Matrimandir is a great way to explore the township and experience its unique character and charm. The walk is approximately 2.5 kilometers long and takes about 30-40 minutes to complete. Here's a suggested route for the walk:
Start at the Auroville Information Centre: The information center is located near the entrance to Auroville and is a great starting point for the walk. Visitors can stop by the center to pick up a map or guidebook before starting their walk.
Walk along the Solar Kitchen Road: From the information center, visitors can walk along the Solar Kitchen Road, which is a wide and well-paved road that leads to the Matrimandir. The road is lined with trees and offers a peaceful and scenic walk.
Enjoy the views of the forest: As visitors continue along the Solar Kitchen Road, they can enjoy stunning views of the forest and the surrounding countryside. The road passes by several small ponds and lakes, which add to the natural beauty of the area.
Arrive at the Matrimandir: As visitors approach the Matrimandir, they will see the golden dome of the meditation center rising above the trees. The Matrimandir is a stunning and peaceful space that is designed to help visitors connect with their inner selves and achieve a sense of inner peace and harmony.
Explore the gardens: After visiting the Matrimandir, visitors can explore the beautiful gardens and parks that surround the meditation center. The gardens are filled with lush greenery and colorful flowers, and offer a peaceful and relaxing space to unwind and reflect.
Auroville also is home to a variety of beautiful and majestic trees, some of which have roots that are visible above ground and add to the natural beauty of the area. Here are a few examples of trees with visible roots that can be found in Auroville:
Banyan Tree: The Banyan Tree is a common sight in Auroville and is known for its sprawling canopy and impressive root system. The tree's roots can often be seen growing down from its branches and forming new trunks, which give the tree a unique and striking appearance.
Bodhi Tree: The Bodhi Tree is a sacred tree in Buddhism and is known for its association with enlightenment. There are several Bodhi Trees in Auroville, including one near the Matrimandir, which has visible roots that add to the tree's beauty and majesty.
Neem Tree: The Neem Tree is a common sight in Auroville and is known for its medicinal properties. The tree has a deep root system that can often be seen above ground, giving it a unique and striking appearance.
Peepal Tree: The Peepal Tree is another sacred tree in Hinduism and is known for its association with spiritual growth and enlightenment. The tree's roots can often be seen growing down from its branches and forming new trunks, which give it a unique and striking appearance.
There is a free bus service that runs from the Auroville Information Centre to the Matrimandir. This bus service is operated by Auroville and is available for visitors who want to visit the Matrimandir but prefer not to walk.
The bus service runs every 15 minutes from the Auroville Information Centre and takes visitors directly to the Matrimandir. The bus is air-conditioned and comfortable, and offers a convenient and hassle-free way to reach the meditation center.
It is important to note that visitors need to obtain a pass to enter the Matrimandir, which can be obtained from the Auroville Visitor's Centre. The pass is free of charge but requires visitors to provide their name, nationality, and photo identification.
Meditation is an integral part of the culture and philosophy of Auroville. The township was founded on the principles of spiritual growth and human unity, and meditation is seen as a powerful tool for achieving these ideals.
One of the most famous landmarks in Auroville is the Matrimandir, a spherical meditation center that is covered in gold. The Matrimandir is designed to serve as a space for quiet reflection and inner exploration, and visitors can participate in guided meditation sessions or simply spend time in the meditation chamber to connect with their inner selves and achieve a sense of inner peace and harmony.
In addition to the Matrimandir, there are several other spaces in Auroville that are dedicated to meditation and spiritual growth. The township is home to several spiritual centers, ashrams, and meditation groups, where visitors can learn about different meditation techniques and explore their spiritual paths.
Meditation is also a common practice among the residents of Auroville, who see it as an important part of their daily routine. Many residents practice meditation on their own or in groups, and the township offers a supportive and nurturing environment for those who are interested in exploring the transformative power of meditation.
The visiting hours for the Matrimandir in Auroville are subject to change, so it is always recommended to check with the Auroville Visitor's Centre for the latest information. What I am aware about is:
Monday to Saturday: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
It is important to note that the Matrimandir is closed on Tuesdays and during certain public holidays. Visitors are required to obtain a pass from the Auroville Visitor's Centre before they can enter the Matrimandir. The pass is free of charge but requires visitors to provide their name, nationality, and photo identification.
Visitors are also required to follow certain guidelines when visiting the Matrimandir, including wearing white clothing, removing shoes before entering the meditation chamber, and maintaining silence and reverence inside the Matrimandir. Photography is not allowed inside the Matrimandir, and visitors are requested to refrain from touching or disturbing any of the objects or surfaces inside the meditation chamber.
There is a famous tree in Auroville known as the "Tree of Meditation" or the "Meditation Tree" that showcases an impressive example of one tree wrapping around another. Although the tree you see in above photograph is different one.The tree is located near the amphitheater in the center of the township and is a popular destination for visitors who want to experience its unique beauty and energy.
The Meditation Tree is actually two trees that have grown together over time. The larger tree is a Banyan Tree, which has a sprawling canopy and impressive root system. The smaller tree is a Peepal Tree, which is known for its association with spiritual growth and enlightenment.
The two trees have grown so close together that the roots of the Peepal Tree have wrapped around the trunk of the Banyan Tree, creating a unique and striking appearance. Visitors to Auroville can sit under the Meditation Tree and enjoy its peaceful and meditative atmosphere, or simply admire its beauty and unique character.
In above photograph, you can see a tree 'literally' climbing over the other tree in Auroville. This one is also clicked when walking from Auroville Information Centre to Matrimandir.
Auroville is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in sustainable living, spirituality, and alternative approaches to community living. The township offers a unique and transformative experience for visitors from all walks of life, and is a testament to the power of human unity and cooperation.
Related Blogposts -
%20to%20see%20the%20Danish%20fort%20in%20Tamilnadu%20state%20of%20India-3.jpg "Do you know about the 'Danish' Fort in India which is located at a beautiful location round the coast of Bay of Bengal?")
.jpg)