Auroville Diaries: Finding Peace, Purpose, and Connection

Auroville : A Seeker’s Haven

As I wrote in an earlier blog, when one visits Pondicherry, it is inevitable to also speak of Auroville. In fact, they are often mentioned together, almost hyphenated. Though they share a geographical proximity, with the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, the experiences they offer are vastly different. 

While Pondicherry is bright and charming with its rich history, architecture, and lovely beaches, Auroville is a haven for seekers. It was only natural that the ‘seeker in me’ was drawn to explore it. My visit to Auroville had been long overdue—by at least 20 years. I had always wanted to visit this place, renowned for its environmental sensitivity and continuous experimentation in sustainable practices, my area of interest being architectural practice. 

Finally, this October, I had the opportunity to spend a few days in Auroville on my own. Located 11 km north of Pondicherry, Auroville is easily accessible by various local transport options.

The Vision and Purpose of Auroville

More than a place, Auroville is an idea and an experiment in humanity. It was established and inaugurated in 1968 by “The Mother”, in alignment with Sri Aurobindo’s vision. Meant for the whole of humanity, it aspires to be a universal town where people from all countries can live in peace and harmony, above all creeds, politics, and nationalities.

The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity. 

This idea is unique in itself, and only in India, a natural land of unity in diversity, could such an endeavor thrive. Auroville expands this concept further, bringing together diverse cultures, nationalities, and languages, as people from all over the world come here as karma yogis, or selfless workers.

A Perfect Haven for Solo Travelers

Auroville is also a perfect place for solo travelers. I stayed at the Center Guest House, one of the many guest accommodations Auroville offers. 

The place exuded a quiet calm, making me feel at home immediately. Located near the Matrimandir, it has easy access to many significant sites. The modern design of my room was impressive, with large windows opening onto a peaceful backyard, complemented by a deep veranda to shelter against the rain. It was a space where one could spend hours reading, listening to music, or simply enjoying the surroundings. 

The soft and welcoming attitude of the attendants at the dining area and reception further enriched my stay, fostering interactions with fellow guests. As I interacted with these visitors over the next few days, I realized that many of them had come seeking self-discovery through the peace and calm that Auroville provides, whether by learning yoga, undergoing therapies, or simply engaging in quiet reflection.

Many young people from around the world frequently visit Auroville. Some of them come repeatedly to seek , some settle there; others simply re-energize and return to the hustle and bustle of the chaotic, busy life they lead

Matrimandir: The Heart of Auroville

As I wandered through this sparsely populated, lush town with its quiet and deserted pathways, I got absorbed in the layers that define Auroville.

At the heart of this place, both literally and philosophically, stands the Matrimandir. This location was chosen for the presence of a great banyan tree, symbolizing meditation and the transformation of consciousness. 

At the center of Matrimandir lies the inner meditation chamber. The journey to the chamber is quiet and dramatic, leading to a place where the silence is so intense that one can hear even the slightest movement of air. The chamber is lit solely by a shaft of sunlight, creating an almost ethereal experience.

Visiting the inner meditation chamber was a profound experience in itself. The surrounding grounds, designed as Gardens of Bliss, Life, Light, Progress, and more, invite exploration and self-reflection. I could explore these on my own, reflecting and marveling at both the design and execution of these thoughtfully crafted gardens, which beautifully symbolized these ideas.

Exploring the Architecture and Philosophy of Auroville

I spent the rest of my day exploring places with amazing architecture. Auroville boasts world-class modern architecture, owing to the vision of its founders and the talented architects of international repute who work here. 

This has set a high standard in technology, skill, and design, reflected in places like Bharat Nivas, the Town Hall (which governs Auroville), the Visitor Center, and the Solar Kitchen, a community dining hall. 

The architecture is modern yet sensitive to its environment, creating a place that welcomes and cares for its surroundings. 

I visited the Savitri Bhavan, a center for the study of Sri Aurobindo’s literature and philosophy. An exhibition of paintings on Savitri, one of his greatest poems, was on display. Here, I met Alexander, a Russian by nationality and an Aurovilian by choice. His passion and devotion to Auroville’s philosophy were inspiring.

Selfless Work and the Spirit of Karma Yoga

Auroville encourages people to come, volunteer, work, and settle there, giving them the peace they desire and be part of a community with similar goals. The land belongs to the community at large, and individual property possesions are temporary.

This makes Auroville a place of karma yogis, who come here to work for the love of work and give their best to make this Earth a better place. 

Here, I met Kanji, a 76-year-old Japanese carpenter who decided to settle in Auroville in the late 1990s. During a long conversation, he shared his journey from a career as a sailor to settling in Auroville. He talked about his body and mind becoming one with the sea—its waves, directions, clouds, and sun—as he moved on the waters. 

His experience at sea has shaped his approach to carpentry, where he searches for what wood wants to be through his skills and thought processes. This morning conversation with him left me musing on his dedication, his philosophical approach to carpentry, and his belief in the labor of hands and conscious engagement with his work. His passion was inspiring, especially at his age.

Auroville’s Unique Approach to Education and Community Living

I visited Svaram next, an institute for the development and research of musical instruments. These people have created a range of instruments that produce healing, meditative sounds. The diversity of instruments is impressive, from wind chimes producing Om sounds to others echoing the sounds of water and the five elements. They also offer sound therapies, including sound baths, which I look forward to trying next time I visit. 

Auroville’s approach to education is also unique. Schools here aim to nurture individuals, with curricula designed to support each child’s growth without burdening them with rote learning. It was heartening to see an education system focused on life skills, sensibility, and holistic development. I visited some of these schools, designed by well-known architects. 

Another remarkable place is the Solar Kitchen, a community dining hall where meals are served for residents and guests from official guesthouses. This fosters a sense of community, as people dine together while pursuing their passions independently. Diners are encouraged to clean their dishes, creating a shared responsibility. 

Even when I dined at restaurants in Auroville, the food was organic and carried a homemade essence, offering a refreshing contrast to the commercialized world outside.

A Lasting Impact: A Sanctuary of Peace and Unity

As my time in Auroville came to an end, I carried with me a profound sense of peace and inspiration. 

This unique township, with its harmonious blend of philosophy, architecture, and sustainable living, left an indelible mark on my journey. Auroville is not just a place; it is a living testament to the potential of human unity and selfless dedication. It invites every visitor to pause, reflect, and reconnect with their inner self, offering a sanctuary where the essence of community, care, and purposeful living thrives.