The name of Sri Aurobindo is inseparable from Pondicherry. A great yogi, poet, spiritual guru and nationalist, he developed the revolutionary science of Integral Yoga. In the Viluppuram district of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu is situated the City of Dawn- Auroville.
A paradise, which inculcates the vision of human unity and integrity in its philosophy and soul. A place where people from all countries, of all race and creeds live together in harmony and unity!
Auroville was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, the chief collaborator of Sri Aurobindo Ghosh. The township was designed by Roger Anger, the French architect, and endorsed by the Indian Government and UNESCO.
Auroville is thus a universal town that hosts people of all nationalities, imbibing the spirit of brotherhood and universal harmony. Interestingly, the site was planned over 20 square kilometers of wasteland situated around 10 km from Pondicherry!
A central attraction of this experimental township is the ‘Matrimandir’. The site has immense significance for followers of Integral Yoga. Also called ‘The Soul of the City’, the Matrimandir is beyond all religions and sects and belongs to humanity as a whole.
The structure of the Matrimandir is in the form of a gigantic sphere surrounded by petals. The golden discs that cover the dome reflect sunlight, imparting the structure a unique glow that truly appears divine!
A meditation hall is located inside the Matrimandir. The primary pillars that support the structure, four in number, are located at the four directions of the compass, symbolizing the four chief characteristics of the mother as philosophized by Sri Aurobindo.
With a population of about 2,500 people, Auroville was conceptualized back in the 1930s. The concept of Auroville enjoys the distinction of being the first of its kind, and the only unique internationally recognized experiment that stands for human unity. The township also aims to propagate sustainable living in addition to undertaking research into the spiritual, environmental, cultural and social needs of humankind.
Auroville was inaugurated by the Mother herself on 28 February 1968. The inauguration saw people from 124 countries celebrate the project with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm as they brought with them their home soils, which they mixed in a lotus urn- the urn of unity.
At present, Auroville is occupied by people from about 49 countries from around the world, belonging to all age groups and social orders. The township is divided into several zones. The ‘Peace Area’ is located right at the center and comprises of the Matrimandir, the urn of unity and the amphitheater. The ‘Industrial Zone’ comprises of small and medium scale green industries, training centers and administrative blocks that are aimed at making Auroville a self-reliant township. The largest of the zones is the ‘Residential Zone’, which will have a 55% green region balancing the remaining built surfaces. The ‘Cultural Zone’ aims to undertake research in culture, education and the expression of art.
The requisite infrastructure for sports, cultural, educational and art activities will be developed in this zone spread over an area of 93 hectares.
The ‘Green belt’ would house the organic farms, forests, orchards, dairies, and even wildlife regions. It will not only serve as a place for recreation but also as a haven for wildlife. The huge area sprawling 405 hectares is a living ecosystem today- a shining example of how a wasteland- barren and seemingly useless can be transformed into a paradise!
Auroville, indeed, is a paradise for those seeking peace and serenity in our noisy world. A place where the spiritual teachings of Sri Aurobindo reverberate in every corner and guide thousands who live within this divine township.
If you wish to explore the region and discover its incredible surprises, join the amazing tour organized by 5 senses tours, which is the best way to witness Auroville and its many charms.
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