Auroville, Pondicherry

"Do not pretend-be. Do not promise-act. Do not dream-realize"-The Mother

When someone says Golden globe a picture clicks in our mind other than the award of course. And that is Matrimandir of Pondicherry or Puducherry, now a Union Territory, but formerly a French settlement in India till 1956. A fun  destination among youth next only to its popular cousin, Goa, Pondi is mostly underrated. Our trip happened almost 4 years ago in the late winter. 

Route: Bangalore-Hosur-Krishnagiri-Chengam-Tiruvannamalai-Gingee-Tindivanam-Puducherry. Back then from Chengam the road condition was pathetic. It was drag racing and drifting in the dirt road (pun intended). We are hopeful the roads are in better shape now, however, nobody we know could vouch for it.

Witnessing the glorious sunrise together in Bay of Bengal is the first time experience. The promenade was desolated completely but for a few joggers. It surprised us to no end considering the huge crowd the previous evening. After having breakfast we headed off to Auroville which is at a good distance of 10 to 12 KM from white town.

Walking through a well-maintained lawn we reached the Visitors' Centre. It offers exhibition of Auroville, Matrimandir, and on its environmental work. A book shop, three boutiques presenting the best of Auroville handicrafts, a restaurant, and a solar tea shop completes the facilities at the centre. Visitors' Centre gives you an overall view of the aims, activities, and life of Auroville.

Info:  Born Mirra Alfassa in Paris on 21 February 1878, the mother was a staunch follower of Sri Aurobindo. Under her guidance the Ashram has grown multifold. Sri Aurobindo relegated its full material and spiritual charge to the Mother. Auroville was established in 28 February 1968.  Its founder, the Mother, created the Auroville Charter consisting of four main ideas which underpinned her vision for Auroville. It is an emerging international township dedicated to the idea of Human Unity. Close to 2000 people of 43 countries have take residence here. The charter guides the people who choose to live and work for Auroville. It is better defined as a university campus, a place for research in a new society.

After obtaining a free ticket to viewing point we proceeded our small walk. Winter or no winter the humidity of coast is unbearable. Easily which could have been 15 minutes walk stretched to an exhausting 30 minutes. We let go the free electric shuttle service seeing many senior citizens and kids. Being compassionate and considerate is not always a good policy as it brings hardship many times. Ah! When in a spiritual environmental like Auro even we tend to be a little philosophic.

We found a shaded place to sit and view the massive spherical domed structure. The golden globe was glittering in the bright sunlight. It is a beautiful structure from afar. One needs a prior booking to access the Matrimandir for meditation at least a day in advance. So we had to miss it this time but definitely the next time. We weren't in a hurry to go anywhere. our conversation circled around Sri Aurobindo, The Mother, French colony, French revolution, Indian Independence, all and sundry.

After buying a souvenir at the visitor's centre we left Auroville in late afternoon because we were famished. And needed a siesta before we hit the party of DJ Manucher of Vienna at "Asian House" from 8 P.M. well it is going to be long long night.

Tips:
Timing for issuing of Passes at the Visitors' Centre: 
Mon-Sat-9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Sunday-9.00 a.m.-01.00 p.m.
Sunday Afternoon-Closed

Matrimandir View Point: 9 – 12 pm and 2-4.30 pm

Use the shuttle service 

Prior book at least a day in advance if you wish to meditate inside the Matrimandir