What is Auroville?
The concept of Auroville - an ideal township devoted to an experiment in human unity - came to the Mother as early as the 1930s. The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity – in diversity. Today Auroville is recognised as the first and only internationally endorsed ongoing experiment in human unity. Her aim was to create a town where people of all nationalities could live in peace and progressive harmony, and true to her ideal, the place is a study of calm and composed. It is not a tourist destination but a platform to rejuvenate the spirit within yourself.
What is Auroville Matrimandir?
At the very centre of Auroville one finds the 'soul of the city', the Matrimandir, situated in a large open area called 'Peace', from where the future township will radiate outwards. The atmosphere is quiet and charged, and the area beautiful, even though work continues in the Gardens.
The soul of the city. Panacea that brings peace. Harbinger of spiritual solace. Many of us have heard of the famous Pondicherry landmark- the Matrimandir at Auroville. Today, this structure stands as an iconic landmark, signifying all that is pure and divine. Flocks of tourists and spiritual seekers alike throng the sacred sanctuary, some to seek a flash of divinity, others merely in awe of its impending awesomeness. But how many actually know the significance and history behind one of India’s greatest architectural marvels. So, if you have not yet been blessed by the golden glow of this globe, make sure you make an informed visit, by knowing the what, why and how of the Matrimandir.
Where it all started?
It all started with the vision of the Mother (June, 1965), devoted disciple of Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The spiritual story of Auroville started with an intent to build a “universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity.”
This is the concept on which Auroville is built upon, and the centre of this was naturally deemed to be a “Park of Unity” a park where there would be a “Pavilion of Truth”, or “Pavilion of [Divine] Love”, or “Pavilion of the Mother”. With this in mind, in 1970, French architect, Roger Anger conceptualized the Matrimandir to be the centre of Auroville, which itself was founded in 1965. After much discussion and revision, finally the foundation stone was laid on 21st Feb, 1971, as per her directive- ‘The Matrimandir wants to be the symbol of the Universal Mother according to Sri Aurobindo teaching’.
What is so special about the Matrimandir?
Each element of the Matrimandir has been designed with a specific underlying rationale in mind. At the very centre of Auroville one finds the 'soul of the city', the Matrimandir, situated in a large open area called 'Peace', from where the future township will radiate outwards. The atmosphere is quiet and charged, and the area beautiful, even though work continues in the Gardens.
The four pillars: The four pillars i.e. the North, South, East and West pillars are named after the four ‘Aspects’ or ‘Personalities’ of the Supreme Mother, that is respectively: Mahakali, Maheshwari, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati.
The power of twelve: Twelve meditation rooms lie inside the Matrimandir’s twelve large ‘petals’, after her twelve ‘Virtues’ or ‘Qualities’ i.e. Sincerity, Humility, Gratitude, Perseverance, Aspiration, Receptivity, Progress, Courage, Goodness, Generosity, Equality, Peace. What it interesting is that this symbolism of 12 has been carried forward to the landscaped gardens, each meditation room being flanked by a unique garden-design that expressed these values.
The Banyan Tree or the epicenter: The geographical center of the spiritual township was depicted by a lone Banyan tree. A tour of the landscaped outdoors takes you to this phenomenal floral specimen.
The Amphitheatre: A social place where activities of spiritual significance were carried out, within which is a white Urn, where the momentous inauguration of Auroville took place. Representatives from each of India’s states and from global countries placed a handful of soil of their home-soils in this Urn, signifying acceptance of a global audience.
The glow of golden discs: What transports someone to a different world is the golden aura that the structure exudes. Simply sitting at the viewpoint gardens and reveling in the resplendence of the golden globe is priceless! But what creates this golden glitter comes at a high price- it is made of real gold. Yes, indeed! While the disc frames and discs themselves are stainless steel, they are embellished in 28 gm of gold per 1000 leaves. A total number of 1415 discs create a stunning effect.
The sacrosanct Inner Chamber: The inner chamber is the ultimate refuge for inner peace. Shaped like a cosmic egg, its white marble walls exude an active aura of austerity. What truly mesmerizes is the famous crystal globe- placed at the center of this chamber and lit up by a heliostat that directs the sun’s rays to it. The heliostat is ingenuous in design- it houses a mirror which rotates in consonance with the movement of the earth so that the sunlight is reflected constantly at the same angle, creating a constant lighting effect. A tour of the inner chamber allows one to sit and meditate in this peaceful environment, transfixed somewhere between human life and divinity.
Visiting the Matrimandir
You need to get a pass to go inside Matrimandir. If you are visiting Matrimandir for the first time, for obtaining the pass, you need to physically present at the visitor’s center to make an appointment. And you might get an appointment on the next day or the day after depending upon the availability. So this process takes at least 2 days. And all the services are free of cost.
Best time to visit the Matrimandir: 10 AM to 2 PM
Opening time of Matrimandir: Mon - Fri 9.30 AM - 12.30 PM & 1 PM to 4 PM
Things to do in Matrimandir: Meditate, sightseeing, photography
1. Matrimandir viewpoint:
This component of Matrimandir is relatively simple to visit. You can tour the Auroville anytime between 9 am to 4 pm on all days of the week, get on spot free tickets and visit the view point from the golden globe viewpoint.
- Passes can be obtained free of cost at Auroville's visitor centre after watching a short introductory video between 9 am and 4 pm from Mon to Sat and up to 1 pm on Sundays.
- There are shuttle services available to reach matrimandir from visitors centre for those who have difficulty in walking.
Entering the Matrimandir is little complicated. And needs getting prior tickets (free of cost) one day before at least.
2. How to enter Matrimandir meditation area?
You need to obtain passes previous day to enter the Matrimandir.
A day before :
- You have to visit Matrimandir information center one day before (except Tuesday) from 10 am to 11 am and 2 pm to 3 pm
- You need to watch a introductory video called "Matrimandir" which will be shown at the info center itself
- The tickets are given for the next day, remember there is no entrance fee for the Matrimandir. Its free of cost but its mandatory to visit in person a day before and reserve the seat.
Visit day :
- Once you get the free tickets to enter Matrimandir, you have to visit Matrimandir on the next day.
- You should be present at the info center by 9 am, last entry allowed is at 9.45 am.
- The timing to the meditation center is from 9.35 am to 10.05 am for inner chamber and 9.30 am to 10.45 am for the petal meditation room.
- You cannot carry mobiles and cameras into the meditation center, make sure to deposit them in the deposit counter.
- Meditation center is closed on Tuesday.
You can find the complete details about the steps to enter Matrimandir in Auroville's official website. Make sure you read it thoroughly if planning to enter the Matrimandir meditation center.
These architectural features are a treat to the eyes, they make the Matrimandir stand in all aplomb, as a lotus in full bloom emerging from twelve large ‘petals’. As it dazzles with the glinting sun, one forgets all that is earthly and transports to the surreal world of spiritual bliss.
Have you visited Auroville yet? Here is everything you need to know to head to Auroville and the Auro beach. While in Auroville Explore Auroville Like Never Before, With Tripoto's Specially Curated Mindful Retreat. Embrace the opportunity to live the rustic life amidst nature in cozy tents filled with modern and comfortable amenities, and volunteer for organic farming.
You can also check out this Auroville Travel guide to help you plan your next trip to this serene village in south India.
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