Auroville Matrimandir
Puducherry, India
- Attend a concentration session
- Learn about Auroville's philosophy
- Meditate inside the Inner Chamber
- Stroll through the twelve gardens
- View Matrimandir from Viewing Point
Known for:
Description:
Matrimandir is a golden metallic sphere located in the heart of Auroville, an experimental township near Puducherry, India. Often referred to as the "Soul of the City," it serves as a center for individual silent concentration and meditation, promoting human unity. Inside the sphere, a spiraling ramp leads to a large, air-conditioned chamber of polished white marble called the 'Inner Chamber'. Sunlight is directed into the chamber through a precisely positioned opening at the apex of the sphere, illuminating a perfectly centered crystal globe. Surrounding the Matrimandir are twelve gardens named after qualities such as Existence, Consciousness, Bliss, and Light. Visitors can view the Matrimandir from the Viewing Point after obtaining a free pass. Access to the Inner Chamber is restricted and requires prior booking.
History:
The concept of the Matrimandir was conceived by Mirra Alfassa, known as "The Mother," the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo. She envisioned it as a place for realizing human unity. Construction began in 1971 and was completed in 2008. The Matrimandir's design, with its central golden sphere and surrounding gardens, symbolizes the birth of a new consciousness. The intricate construction process involved contributions from engineers, architects, and artisans from around the world. The inner chamber with its crystal globe is designed to create an atmosphere conducive to deep concentration and inner discovery.