Auroville, located near Pondicherry in southern India, is an experimental township founded by Mirra Alfassa (known as “The Mother”) and inspired by the vision of Sri Aurobindo. This unique community is dedicated to human unity and sustainable living. Auroville attracts a diverse population of seekers, researchers, and volunteers from around the world, all working towards a harmonious coexistence and spiritual growth. The township offers a variety of workshops, activities, and community projects that emphasize self-discovery, ecological balance, and social innovation.
A Typical Day
Morning:
Early Morning Meditation (6:00 AM – 7:00 AM): Begin your day with a peaceful meditation session at the Matrimandir, Auroville’s spiritual center.
Yoga Classes (7:30 AM – 8:30 AM): Join a class in Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, or Iyengar Yoga to invigorate your body and mind.
Community Breakfast (8:30 AM – 9:30 AM): Enjoy a nutritious vegetarian breakfast with fellow Aurovillians.
Meditations on Savitri (9:30 AM – 11:00 AM): Engage in guided meditations based on Sri Aurobindo’s epic poem, Savitri.
Volunteering (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM): Participate in community service projects such as gardening, construction, or education.
Afternoon:
Lunch (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM): Savor a wholesome vegetarian meal at the Solar Kitchen or one of Auroville’s community dining spaces.
Silent Sitting (2:00 PM – 2:30 PM): Take a moment for quiet reflection at one of the many serene spots in Auroville.
Afternoon Workshops (2:45 PM – 4:00 PM): Explore various sessions such as permaculture, holistic health, or art and crafts. Visit exhibitions like:
The Paintings of Savitri: View the series of 472 paintings created by the Mother with Huta from 1961-67, displayed in the picture gallery.
Glimpses of the Mother: Discover photographs and texts in the Square Hall.
Sri Aurobindo: A Life Sketch in Photographs: Explore the bilingual exhibition with texts in English and Tamil in the upper corridor.
Wellness Session at Arka (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Indulge in treatments such as ayurvedic massage, reiki, lomi lomi, body logic, deep tissue massage, yogic healing massage, Thai yoga massage, craniosacral therapy, acupuncture, or physiotherapy.
Evening:
Dinner (6:30 PM – 7:30 PM): Another delightful vegetarian meal, fostering a sense of community.
Film Screening (7:45 PM – 9:00 PM): Enjoy a meditative film such as “The Yoga of the Earth” featuring passages from Sri Aurobindo’s Savitri, read by the Mother and illustrated by Huta’s paintings.
Night:
Nightlife Activities (9:00 PM – 10:30 PM): Join in events like moonlit walks, star gazing sessions, or community gatherings.
Silent Hours (10:30 PM onwards): Respect the silence hours to maintain a tranquil environment for rest and meditation.
Facilities
Matrimandir: The golden spherical temple at the heart of Auroville, dedicated to silent meditation..
Visitor’s Center: Provides information, exhibitions, and a shop selling Auroville-made products.
Savitri Bhavan: An education center based on the vision and teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, offering a wide range of activities focused on Savitri, Sri Aurobindo’s epic poem, and Integral yoga, a picture gallery, a reading room, an audio-visual collection,
Quiet Healing Center: Auroville’s health spa, offers a wide variety of natural healing therapies.
Arka Wellness Center: Offers treatments such as ayurvedic massage, reiki, lomi lomi, body logic and deep tissue massage, yogic healing massage, Thai yoga massage, craniosacral therapy acupuncture and physiotherapy.
Guesthouses (92): A range of accommodations from simple dormitories to comfortable guest rooms for visitors.
Over 30 Eateries: Auroville features diverse dining options, from community dining at Solar Kitchen to the raw vegan delights at Satchitananda Raw Food Restaurant.
Botanical Gardens: A diverse collection of plants and a place for environmental education.
Library: A well-stocked library with books on spirituality, philosophy, and sustainable living
Banks and ATMs
Costs
Lodging: ₹800 – 3,500 per night, depending on the guesthouse and season. There is a wide range of guesthouses.
Guest Contribution: ₹150 per day for visitors, included in the guest house price if you stay over.
Lunch: ₹240
Sessions such as hatha yoga, aerobic dance, training courses, massages, and water treatments: ₹500 to ₹2,500
Rules
Motorized transport within Auroville is discouraged.
Aurocard System: Most places in Auroville do not accept cash. You must use the Aurocard system for financial transactions.
Visitor Etiquette: Maintain respect for the local culture and customs, and engage with the Auroville community in a considerate manner.
