Overview of Auroville

Auroville, a universal town situated in the Viluppuram district near Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, India, is a place of peace, harmony, and progressive unity. Founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, known as the Mother, this town was built with the vision of human unity and transcendence of nationalities, religions, and social norms. Auroville's foundation lies in the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo, an Indian yogi, guru, and poet, whose teachings emphasized human progress and spiritual evolution.

Spanning approximately 20 square kilometers, Auroville is designed to accommodate up to 50,000 residents from around the world. Its layout resembles a galaxy, with the Matrimandir, a golden metallic sphere, at its center symbolizing the birth of a new consciousness. The town is divided into several zones: the Industrial Zone, the Cultural Zone, the Residential Zone, and the Green Belt, each serving a distinct purpose in the community.

The Industrial Zone, focusing on eco-friendly industries and research centers, demonstrates Auroville's commitment to sustainable living. The Cultural Zone is a hub for artistic expression, educational activities, and sports. The Residential Zone offers diverse housing options, maintaining harmony with nature, and the Green Belt, comprising farms, forests, and wildlife areas, acts as a barrier against urban encroachment and an example of successful ecological restoration and conservation.

Auroville's governance system is unique, employing a form of participatory democracy where decisions are made through consensus and community meetings. Residents contribute to Auroville's development through various work activities, and in return, the community provides for their basic needs. This economic model is based on sustainability, sharing, and equality, making Auroville a model for future cities.

Architecture of Auroville

The architecture of Auroville is a remarkable blend of innovative design, sustainable practices, and spiritual symbolism. The most iconic structure of Auroville is the Matrimandir, designed by the architect Roger Anger. The Matrimandir, meaning 'Temple of the Mother,' is an architectural marvel, featuring a 30-meter high golden dome made of gold-encased discs, reflecting sunlight and radiating a sense of tranquility and power.

Inside the Matrimandir, a crystal glass globe refracts a single ray of sunlight, symbolizing universal light. The inner chamber, known as the 'Inner Space,' is used for concentration and meditation. The design of Matrimandir is not affiliated with any particular religion, but rather, it is a space for individual silent concentration.

Around the Matrimandir are twelve gardens named after the qualities of consciousness that Mother aspired to manifest in Auroville: Sincerity, Humility, Gratitude, Perseverance, Aspiration, Courage, Goodness, Generosity, Equality, Peace, Harmony, and Truth. Each garden is uniquely designed to embody its respective quality, creating a tranquil and reflective environment.

The architecture of the residential and community buildings in Auroville is equally innovative. Auroville architects focus on sustainable and eco-friendly designs, using local materials like adobe, bamboo, and ferrocement. The buildings often incorporate natural cooling systems, rainwater harvesting, solar energy utilization, and waste management techniques, reflecting Auroville's commitment to environmental sustainability.

The town's urban planning and design are continuously evolving, guided by the principles of harmony, beauty, and sustainability. Auroville's architecture is not just about structures and buildings; it is about creating a living space that fosters personal growth, communal harmony, and a deep connection with nature.

Tips When Visiting Auroville

Planning Your Visit

It's essential to plan your visit to Auroville in advance. Check the official Auroville website for visitor guidelines, as some areas require prior permission for access. It's also advisable to book accommodations early, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Respect the Community

Visitors should respect the unique lifestyle of Aurovillians. This includes dressing modestly, maintaining cleanliness, and adhering to the town's principles of peace and sustainability.

Exploring Matrimandir

Visitors need to make a prior booking to enter the Matrimandir for meditation. It's recommended to visit the Matrimandir Viewing Point for a closer look at this architectural wonder.

Participate in Workshops and Tours

Auroville offers various workshops and tours for visitors. These include sustainability workshops, guided tours of the community, and cultural events, providing a deeper understanding of Auroville's vision and lifestyle.

Local Transportation

Within Auroville, cycling is the most common mode of transportation. Visitors can rent bicycles or use community electric buses for longer distances.

How To Reach Auroville

Auroville is well-connected to major cities in India. The nearest airport is in Puducherry, about 12 km away, with limited flights. The Chennai International Airport, 150 km away, is the nearest international airport with better connectivity. From these airports, one can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Auroville.

For those traveling by train, the nearest railway stations are Villupuram, about 32 km away, and Puducherry, approximately 12 km from Auroville. Regular bus services are available from these stations to Auroville. Additionally, many visitors choose to drive from nearby cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Puducherry, enjoying the scenic beauty along the way.