“A place belongs to nobody in particular. It belongs to
humanity as a whole.” This is one of the four main ideas which formed the basis
of Aurovile. I felt really lucky to visit this place. I had a very small idea
of this place as this was a very sudden visit to Pondicherry. I must say I had
one of the best five days of my life in Pondicherry. A visit to Auroville was a
very different experience. It was a lifetime experience rather than a momentary
one.
Born on 28 February, 1968, this place exists with the same
principles that it was laid on. My journey to Auroville started by meeting one
of my friend Veronique, who is an Aurovillian. She is in her fifties but very
energetic. She guided us to the Visitor’s Centre where people take pass for
Matrimandir. Tourists come basically to feel the essence of spirituality which
one can feel inside Matrimandir.
Matrimandir - As the name suggests, it means Mother’s Temple.
According to me, this can be one of the places where one can find oneself. The
Matrimandir was extraordinary to look at and was greatly designed by Roger
Anger. This place dictates peace and unity. It was surrounded by 12 parks. In
the midst of it lies the big sphere painted in Golden. The body of this huge
sphere covered by large gold plated discs. It was fitted in such a way that it
has sustained so long and none of the natural calamities could have destroyed
it till now.
We were supposed to remove our footwear and maintain
silence. Since, the inner chamber is completely white, we were supposed to wear
socks. We were taken to the inner chamber where we were supposed to sit and in
front of it laying a big crystal which was focused exactly down the apex of
the large sphere. There is a slit which opens and that leads the sun’s rays
directs to the crystal which symbolizes the union of the divine and Mother
Earth. In other words, one can say, the
unity of one’s consciousness with the divine. One can find a big banyan tree
outside where people can meditate to find one’s inner consciousness. Auroville
is not only visiting Matrimandir and having a look at it. To know the essence
of Auroville, one must understand what its significance is and what they do.
According to my perception, Auroville is about people. It is
a place where one can rise to a better human being, where one can know how to
sustain, and to connect with nature. I must say it is a place above all
religion, caste or creed, regions, its only humanity that matters.
Auroville is a very big village that comprises of various
sections, whether it is Auroville paper section, jewelry, handicrafts, books,
agriculture; every little thing is unique and is of high quality and are taken
to the national and International markets. There is a book gallery which comprises
of books for everyone- children’s story books, travel books; spiritual CD’s/DVD’s,
culinary books and one can even find books on Sri Aurobindo and Mira Alfassa.
If one is hungry, just turn your head and you can find two
amazing café’ near the Visitor’s Centre which serves the most authentic breakfast
as well as Lunch. The food comprises both Indian and French cuisines. The fluffy
Idlis and the smell of the freshly baked mouth watery cakes and cookies can
temp anyone to their chairs.
For the Fashion Divas and Nature lovers, there exist the two
famous boutiques- Mira and Kalki. Both have unique, environment friendly and
natural products. One can see the hard labour and love of the local people.
Each product is unique and different from each other. This excites me to know
more about the products and the mastermind behind them. My journey of Auroville
doesn’t end here; I must say my journey starts from here in a true sense.