Matrimandir is one of Pondicherry’s most prominent tourist attractions because of its spiritual importance, which attracts visitors from all over the globe.
Matrimandir, also known as the “Temple of the Mother” or the “Mother’s Shrine”, is a popular spot for people to practice integral Yoga and find inner peace.
It is sometimes referred to as the “Soul of the City”. You will not forget it for the rest of your life after seeing the Auroville Township’s most prominent building, the Auroville House.
Things You Need to Know Before You Visit
The best part about Auroville is that it is not owned by anybody or anything. Despite its location near Pondicherry in the southern Indian state of Tamilnadu, Auroville is a global village. Moreover, a municipality has never been built before. People from around the globe live in peace and work together toward a shared goal in this Township, symbolizing human unification.
In the year 1968, Auroville was established. Auroville was founded on the principles of Sri Aurobindo’s visions. Indian nationalist and spiritual reformist Sri Aurobindo is one of the most influential thinkers.
“Auroville is supposed to be a worldwide community where men & women of all nations are capable of living in peace in progressive concord, above all belief systems, all parties, and all ethnicities,” said the Mother during her first public speech about the Township. Auroville’s goal is to achieve human unification.”
Sri Aurobindo or the Mother’s portraits are everywhere in and around Auroville. If you cannot locate any, you are at least 10 kilometers away from Auroville’s boundaries!
History of Matrimandir Auroville
A prominent experimental township/community in Puducherry, India’s most popular experiment township/community is typically regarded as one of the locations to visit inside Puducherry.
The Matrimandir, a contemporary tower of great importance to practitioners of integral Yoga, is a significant attraction in Auroville.
The golden discs that adorn the dome of Matrimandir, which is about 30 meters high, reflect sunlight. You must make a reservation in advance to visit the Matrimandir or participate in a concentration session (meditation).
Visitors visiting the Matrimandir get a history lesson and a tour of the temple for the first time.
Inside of the Matrimandir Auroville
The Matrimandir’s all-white chamber, designed in an intricate spherical form, greets visitors as soon as they enter. No time is wasted in the cocoon-like immaculate room, which sends you into a condition of meditative calm in a matter of seconds.
You should not be astonished if the interior structure resembles a sci-fi movie click. The details of the holy doom are awe-inspiring and transport one into a euphoric condition. Twelve gardens appreciate this spot and are the show’s real stars. The 1415 huge golden discs that make up the sphere were carried from Agra, while the carpet and wool used to cover it was sourced from New Zealand.
A 400-pound crystal ball from Germany sits in the center of the room. The sphere’s optically flawless glass globe collects and amplifies the sun’s intense rays via its lense. On top of the dome, there is a globe.
The crystal globe is surrounded by 12 pillars and white floor padding in the inner chamber. The Hindu mother goddess Aditi is related to the number 12.
Meditation rooms include thankfulness and bravery, and each is surrounded by a garden named after an act of heavenly homage in which the gold sphere hangs.
Entry Fees of Matrimandir Auroville
The entrance fee is very reasonable – there is no entry fee for visiting the chambers of this Concentration Centre. You can just sit and meditate in the peaceful atmosphere or take a walk in the beautiful gardens.
Timing of Matrimandir Auroville
From October to March, the ideal season to visit Matrimandir in Tamil Nadu is due to its tropical climate and scorching temperatures.
Summer Season: From April to June, when temperatures may easily reach 40 degrees Celsius, visitors should avoid going to the area.
Monsoon Season: From July through September, temperatures may be hot and muggy. In addition, reservations are often canceled on rainy days, so plan your vacation accordingly.
If you wish to escape the oppressive heat and humidity of Tamil Nadu, the months after the monsoon season, from October to March, are ideal. Between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius, the weather is often pleasant. Auroville begins to warm up around February, the beginning of the spring season.
Winter Season: From December to February, Matrimandir has its busiest season for tourists. It is a beautiful day, ideal for taking advantage of the concentration center’s peaceful retreat. Evenings may be chilly, so bring a thick jacket or several hoodies just in case.
How to Reach Matrimandir Auroville
As it is just 10 kilometers from the city center, the Matrimandir may be readily reached by residents and visitors via various modes of transportation.
Whether you arrive at Pondicherry on a plane, train, or bus, an auto-rickshaw or an Ola/Uber cab may take you there. A private taxi from one of the best automobile rental agencies in Pondicherry may also be hired for hassle-free transportation to the desired place.
Pondicherry Railway Station & Pondicherry Bus Stand are located within a 14-kilometer radius of Chennai Airport, the closest international airport.
Adventures in And Around Matrimandir Auroville
Auroville has a plethora of activities to choose from. This is not a vacation for a single day or even a weekend.
Volunteering
To be an Auroville resident, you must be interested in learning and serving others. In addition, other units are dedicated to promoting different lifestyles and ideologies, such as eco-friendly building practices and energy conservation.
Short-term and long-term volunteering positions are plentiful in these facilities. Do not hesitate to contact the Auroville visitors’ center or Saavi for short-term volunteer opportunities.
Visit The Beach
Auroville Beach is one of the best beaches in the area, just off the East Coast Road, which leads to Pondicherry.
While swimming is not permitted because of the harsh waves, that is a popular spot for meditation and is frequented by both residents and visitors from Aurovillian. The seashore is also known as a breeding site for olive ridleys.
The Gardens of Auroville
The Auroville Botanical Gardens began as a barren plot of land in 2000 and have since grown to be one of the region’s most beautiful and expansive botanical gardens. A
n Aurovillians-led initiative has grown into a 50-acre garden with a replica of the Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest (TDEF) that grows naturally in the area.
Many people come to meditate in the Auroville Botanical Gardens, which is one of the few green spots in the municipality.
Location Map for Matrimandir Auroville, Pondicherry
Nearby Attractions of Matrimandir Auroville
- The Auroville Beach
- The Paradise Beach
- The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Sri Aurobindo Ashram
- Kerala Ayurveda
Nearby Restaurants of Matrimandir Auroville
- La Villa
- Lighthouse
- Kofi Bar
- Pizzaria
- Samarpan Guest House
Finally
Even though there are many places to see in Pondicherry, you will never be able to see everything and will want to go back often. This basic guide will help; that’s a given.
More Information on Pondicherry:
- Best Time to Visit Pondicherry – Weather Guide with Travel Tips
- 10 Most Famous Restaurants in Pondicherry
- Pondicherry Popular Temple to Visit
- 7 Most Beautiful Beaches in Pondicherry
- Pondicherry Nearby Places to See ( within 100 km )
- 5 Best Museums in Pondicherry
- India, Kerala Named as Most welcoming region, Followed by Pondicherry and Goa
