About Auroville

The Auroville project was conceived by Sri Aurobindo's French-born disciple, Mirra Alfassa, affectionately called "The Mother." She spoke of a place on earth that could not be claimed or owned by any nation, one where all humanity could live freely and in peace - a city that would ultimately become a living embodiment of human unity.

Auroville is 8 km (5 miles) north of Pondicherry. Designed by French architect Roger Anger, Auroville was inaugurated in 1968 when soils from around the world were symbolically placed in an urn along with the Auroville Charter.

History / Background of Auroville

Mirra Alfassa, known as The Mother, originated the idea of the universal township. The concept was presented to the United Nations and in 1966 UNESCO approved this unique project. The project's name is a combination of two French words, Aurore for "dawn" and ville for "city". It is also referred to Sri Aurobindo name. The Mother passed away in 1973.

Presently, the Auroville project is governed by the Auroville Foundation through an act of Parliament called the Auroville Foundation Act (1988). The Foundation, fully controlled by the HRD Ministry, currently owns about half of the total land required for the township. Additional lands are being acquired through consistent fund raising activities by the Aurovillian residents and overseas Auroville International Centers.

Auroville Township was conceived by The Mother. The shape of the town is fashioned after a spiral galaxy, symbolizing life and humankind's evolving existence. In the middle of the town is the Matri Mandir, the "Soul" of the city, symbolizing the birth of a new consciousness, of a new era where human unity, conscious living and inter-cultural collaboration. A green belt area around the township was formed through rigorous and steady rehabilitation of the land. Here one finds Auroville's farms, forestry and a large botanical garden.

Residents / Volunteers in Auroville

Around 1900 people live in communes, with names like Grace, Serenity, Fertile, Certitude and Transformation. Most of the residents are Non-Indians. Architecturally speaking, the buildings are a combination of modern western and traditional Indian elements and are set in a rural landscape of narrow lanes, deep red earth and lush greenery.

What's special here?

The residents sustain themselves by involving themselves in agriculture, handicrafts, alternative technology, educational and development projects including Aurolec, a computer software company.  Auroville is far more than a place for devotional meditation. It is an experiment in self-sufficient living that takes both nature and culture into account. Its architectural innovation and high idealism make this a place of interest for anyone

The Matri Mandir

At its spiritual and physical heart is the futuristic spherical structure known as Matri Mandir a place dedicated to the universal mother. An ongoing project, the structure is a flattened dome spanning 36m (115 ft.) in diameter, surrounded by gardens. 

The place has an amphitheater covered with red Agra stone, and meditation rooms. Glistening gold discs are fixed to the outer surface of the dome, enhancing the structure's sci-fi image.

The white marble chamber of the dome houses the "Inner Room," which contains a crystal that reflects the sun's rays and produces a concentrated light that is used for enhanced meditation.

Visitor / Tourist Information

Visitors who obtain passes can have a brief peek at this chamber between 4 pm and 5pm each day, and it's possible to stay for meditation until 6 pm.

You can stop at the Auroville Tourist Information Centre first, where you can pick up brochures, shop, snack, and watch a video presentation. Web site: http://www.auroville.org/

The Visitor Centre at Auroville (Ph: 0413 - 2622373) is located near the Bharat Niwas and is open from 0930 to 1700 hrs everyday.  Auroville is open from Monday to Saturday: From 10 AM till Noon and 2 pm to 4 pm. On Sundays, from 10 am till Noon.

Science Fiction in the City of Dawn (Auroville)                     

Open hours: Daily 9am-1pm and 2-5:30pm           

Reaching Auroville

Auroville is located about 8 Kms out of Pondicherry. Local Auto-rickshaws charge around Rs. 200 ($4.55) for the round-trip. Pondicherry Tourism office also organizes tours. Contact: Phone 0413/262-2239 Fax 0413/2622239

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