Auroville: A world inside the world

Auroville: A world inside the world:

A visionary concept inspiring thousands of youths out of the world brings them in here.

The ride 25 mins away from Pondicherry got us into a new world in itself. The information Centre is a campus which gave us a clue on the community and introduction documentary about the place.

Auroville Matrimandir

Auroville Matrimandir:

The Matrimandir is structured as an outcome dream of ‘The mother’. It is a Centre for the community both conceptually and spiritually. The Banyan tree very next to the Matrimandir marks the geographical center of Auroville. 

Matrimandir & the Magical Banyan Tree, Auroville

The Oblate Spheroidal shaped globe is supported by 4 main pillars, marking each entrance. The exterior is made of golden colored circular plates.

First glimpses of Matrimandir

This was an introductory visit to us as we been here for first time. We were told to buy passes from Information Centre to enter the inner chamber. The next day we were guided through a senior person who is part of Auroville since decades. We were told to be at information Centre by 9am. The journey started with bunch of other people who were as excited as us to see the curious inner chamber.

As we walked near to the Matrimandir we were spellbound by the marvelous architecture which was designed by Architect Roger Anger with the vision of “The Mother”.

 As we entered our souls started dancing to the spiritual calmness of space. The space is total white with diffused illumination. The spaceless, odorless, sensationless space just told us to follow the heart. A crystal ball is been kissed by sun rays which reflected by mirrors from the roof. The light from the crystal lit the space.

The Matrimandir is a place for bringing up all your concentration. The very new concept I heard after Swamy Vivekananda is this. The concept-less space which just allows you to centralize all your energy left us awestruck. Experience it to feel it.

We continued our expedition into Auroville. The information Centre holds good cafes and shopping boutiques. Suggestions are to visit Kalki and other handmade shops. The time we visited we could able to catch the flea market of product by the local artists. Must say it was very creative and pleasure to shop around.

displays at the fleamarket

Cycling through Auroville:

We hired a bicycle and a cycle path map to roam around the Auroville. The community promotes cycles which was fortunate to have amazing cycle tracks. We started the ride by visiting Bharat Nivas and went on with some of the amazing buildings of the place such as Savitri Bhavan and Town Hall. We encountered amazing art collections and counter culture unite community living.

Kala Kendra, Bharat Nivas-Pavilion of India

Sri Aurobindo Auditorium, Bharat Nivas complex-Pavilion of India

Sri Aurobindo Statue at the Savitri Bhavan-a centre for spiritual education located in The Unity Pavilon of Auroville

Auroville Town Hall Complex, designed by Architect Anupama Kundoo

Inside the Town Hall

Walkways connecting different buildings of Town Hall complex

Auroville Centre d'Art – Citadines

Citadine buildings complex

Artwork at the gardens of Citadine

We believed that most of the cafe kitchens do not accept currencies other than Auro card, few cafes do go this system but not all. We had our Baked Broccoli meal for lunch from LE Morgan at the Town Hall.

The long bicycle ride was worth of all our sweat and thirst. Our ride ended with new things learnt and wishing to connect more with the community.

The community speaks about bringing up world unity and humanity. Such concept will bring world peace. Promote it and protect it. 

Click below for Photo-Travelogue on the Heritage town of Pondicherry
Pondicherry Heritage Walk