Auroville

After complimentary Indian breakfast, we drive to Auroville, located about 12 km north of Pondicherry. An experimental township in communal, ecological, and spiritual living, Auroville attracts people around the world. Currently there about 2,000 people from over 40 countries living and working in this “New Age” metropolis. It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa (known as “The Mother” around the region), who, along with Sri Aurobindo, believed that human evolution was not yet finished and that a “supramental consciousness” could be achieved by living in such a focused community.

En route to Auroville, we drove through tree canopied narrow lanes, some of which were dirt roads. We passed by women carrying bundles of twigs, men hauling large cartloads of wood or grasses pulled by hitched cows. Thatched huts and cement buildings were intermingled. Along the way, we passed by stores with brightly patterned “hippie” type clothing, Ali-Baba pants, colorful bags, and other textile crafts of India out on display. For those hungry for pizza, plenty of restaurants also indicated they specialized in this. Other signs pointed to pottery and crafts endeavors. Many of the shops included “Auro” in their name, indicating that we indeed were close to this alternative community.

After watching the mandatory short video introduction to Auroville and its vision, we received a free pass to visit the Matrimandir area. Along the 1 km tree-lined path, we saw some beautiful beds of flowers, many planted trees, a huge 100-year old banyan tree, anthills, and other signs of nature. Solar panels in an open area revealed one of many environmental projects Auroville was undertaking. Considering that the area once was rather barren and devoid of many trees, it was amazing to see how the efforts of Auroville volunteers have transformed the area into one of lushness and productivity. A sign revealed that over 1.5 million trees were planted, 500 alternative energy installations set up, numerous schools for Auroville residents established as well as others for the nearby community, clinics, and outreach centers. It was quite evident that Auroville was giving back to the local community and making the entire area a better place.

From the end of the path, we had a good view of the Matrimandir, a gold-colored spherical structure described by some as a golf ball. To me, it looked like the toy that has suction cups all over it. Men were mowing the perfectly manicured lawn, some using push mowers and others using riding ones. Some of the twelve planned gardens were underway, but the project was not completed. As our visit did not permit us to go closer and enter the structure, we had to rely on the images included in the video that described the interior as an air-conditioned white marble meditation room with a spiraling ramp leading up to the center with a 70 cm crystal ball glowing as sunlight hit it.

Feeling at peace, we headed back to the main buildings and peeked inside some of the shops & boutiques. For those who like incense, candles, bulky jewelry, artsy clothing, and paper lantern coverings for lights, it was a great place to buy – albeit at boutique prices.

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