Spiritual Places To Visit In Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry | Pilgrimage Destination India

Spiritual Places To Visit In Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry

Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in spiritual growth and personal transformation. The ashram offers a unique blend of traditional Indian spirituality and modern thought, making it an ideal place to experience integral yoga and self-realization. Whether you're a seasoned spiritual seeker or a curious traveler, Sri Aurobindo Ashram will leave you with a profound sense of peace and fulfillment.

Samadhi

The Samadhi is a memorial built in the memory of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. It's the final resting place of both of them. The Samadhi is located in a quiet courtyard within the ashram, and it's a place for meditation and reflection.

Matrimandir

Matrimandir is a golden dome that serves as the spiritual center of the ashram. It was designed by The Mother and took over 37 years to complete. The Matrimandir is a place for quiet reflection and meditation. Visitors need to book in advance to enter the Matrimandir, and silence is observed inside.

Sri Aurobindo's Room

Sri Aurobindo's Room is a small room where Sri Aurobindo spent his final years. The room has been preserved as it was when he lived there, and visitors can see his bed, desk, and other personal belongings.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram Library

The Sri Aurobindo Ashram Library is one of the most extensive libraries in India. It has over 70,000 books and periodicals in various languages, covering subjects like yoga, philosophy, spirituality, and literature. The library also has a reading room for visitors.

Sri Aurobindo Handmade Paper Factory

The Sri Aurobindo Handmade Paper Factory is an initiative of the ashram to promote eco-friendly and sustainable paper production. The factory produces paper using traditional methods, and visitors can see the paper-making process and buy handmade paper products.

Auroville

Auroville is an experimental township located near the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. It was founded in 1968 with the aim of creating a utopian community based on spiritual values. Visitors can explore Auroville's unique architecture, gardens, and spiritual centers.

Pavitra's House

Pavitra's House was the residence of Pavitra, a disciple of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. The house has been preserved as a museum, and visitors can see Pavitra's personal belongings, including his art and poetry.

Golconde

Golconda is a guest house in the ashram that was designed by architect Antonin Raymond. It's known for its unique architecture, which incorporates natural light and ventilation. Visitors can stay in Golconda and experience the ashram's daily routine.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram Dining Room

The Sri Aurobindo Ashram Dining Room serves simple vegetarian meals to ashram residents and visitors. The dining room is known for its peaceful and meditative atmosphere.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram Bookstore

The Sri Aurobindo Ashram Bookstore sells books, CDs, and DVDs related to Sri Aurobindo, The Mother, and their teachings. Visitors can browse and purchase books on integral yoga, spirituality, and philosophy.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram Guest House

The Sri Aurobindo Ashram Guest House offers accommodation to visitors who wish to stay in the ashram. The guest house provides simple, comfortable rooms and follows the ashram's rules and regulations.

Handicrafts Centre

The Handicrafts Centre is a place where visitors can purchase handmade items like textiles, pottery, and jewelry. The center promotes local artisans and traditional crafts.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram Playground

The Sri Aurobindo Ashram Playground is a small park with a playground and garden. It's a peaceful spot for visitors to relax and enjoy nature.

Integral Health Centre

The Integral Health Centre is a holistic healthcare center that combines modern medicine with traditional Indian healing methods. Visitors can receive treatments like acupuncture, Ayurvedic massage, and yoga therapy.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram Press

The Sri Aurobindo Ashram Press is a publishing house that publishes books, journals, and other materials related to Sri Aurobindo, The Mother, and their teachings. Visitors can browse and purchase books on various subjects.

Pondicherry's Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a haven for spiritual seekers, offering a peaceful and transformative environment. Visitors can explore the ashram's various spiritual places, participate in daily activities, and experience the ashram's unique culture. The ashram follows a strict code of conduct, which visitors should respect.

Hidden facts about Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry:-

The ashram has become one of the most renowned spiritual communities in India, attracting visitors and devotees from around the world. Here are some hidden facts about the ashram:

1. The ashram was originally established in 1926 in a rented house in Pondicherry. Sri Aurobindo and The Mother eventually moved to the present-day location on Rue de la Marine in 1927.
2. Sri Aurobindo's room in the ashram, known as the "Samadhi," is a place of meditation and devotion for devotees. The room contains Sri Aurobindo's tomb and is considered to be a place of great spiritual power.
3. The ashram is known for its handmade paper production, which began in the 1950s. The paper is made from recycled cotton, and the ashram produces a range of products, including notebooks, diaries, and cards.
4. The ashram has its own dairy farm, which produces milk, yogurt, and ghee for use in the ashram's kitchens. The cows on the farm are treated with great care and are considered sacred.
5. The ashram has a library that houses an extensive collection of books on spirituality, philosophy, and related subjects. The library also has a rare collection of manuscripts and photographs related to Sri Aurobindo's life and work.
6. The ashram has a printing press, which is used to publish Sri Aurobindo's writings and other spiritual texts. The press also produces books, journals, and other publications related to the ashram's spiritual philosophy.
7. The ashram has a school, known as the Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education, which provides education to children from kindergarten to college. The school emphasizes a holistic approach to education and incorporates the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.
8. The ashram is a self-sufficient community, with its own water supply, electricity generation, and waste management systems. The ashram also grows its own vegetables and fruits, which are used in the ashram's kitchens.
9. The ashram has a number of guesthouses where visitors can stay while they are in Pondicherry. The guesthouses are simple but comfortable, and guests are expected to follow the ashram's rules and regulations during their stay.
10. The ashram is a vibrant and active community, with daily meditations, yoga classes, and other spiritual practices. Visitors are welcome to participate in these activities, as well as to explore the ashram's many offerings and facilities.

How to travel by road to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry and the nearest bus stand

If you're planning to visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry by road, there are several options available.

By Bus

Pondicherry is well-connected by bus to major cities in South India, including Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. The nearest bus stand to Sri Aurobindo Ashram is the Pondicherry Bus Stand, which is located just a few minutes away. From the bus stand, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to the ashram.

By Car

If you're traveling from Chennai, you can reach Pondicherry by car via the East Coast Road (ECR). The ECR is a scenic route that runs along the Bay of Bengal and offers stunning views of the sea. The journey takes about 3-4 hours depending on traffic.

By Taxi

You can also hire a taxi from Chennai or other nearby cities to reach Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry. Many taxi services offer one-way and round-trip packages for tourists.

Nearest Bus Stand

The nearest bus stand to Sri Aurobindo Ashram is the Pondicherry Bus Stand, which is located on Maraimalai Adigal Salai. It's just a few minutes walk from the ashram. From the bus stand, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to the ashram.

Overall, traveling to Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry by road is convenient and hassle-free. Whether you choose to travel by bus, car, or taxi, you'll have a comfortable journey and be able to explore the ashram's spiritual places and culture.

How to travel by train to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry, and the nearest railway station

The nearest railway station to Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry is the Pondicherry Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India.

To travel to Sri Aurobindo Ashram by train, visitors can take a direct train from Chennai to Pondicherry. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, and there are several trains available throughout the day. Visitors can also take a train from other major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Kolkata to reach Pondicherry.

Once you reach Pondicherry Railway Station, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The ashram is located in the heart of the city, and it takes around 10-15 minutes to reach the ashram from the railway station.

It's important to note that the availability of trains and travel time may vary depending on the season, so it's advisable to check the train schedule before planning your trip. Also, it's recommended to book train tickets in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle.

How to travel by air to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry, and the nearest airport

The nearest airport to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry is the Puducherry Airport, which is located approximately 7 kilometers away from the ashram. The airport is well-connected to major Indian cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, among others.

Travelers can book flights to Puducherry Airport from their city of origin and then take a taxi or a bus to reach Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Taxis and buses are readily available outside the airport and can be hired at reasonable rates.

Alternatively, travelers can also opt for flights to Chennai International Airport, which is located approximately 160 kilometers away from Pondicherry. From Chennai, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Pondicherry and then travel to Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

Overall, air travel is a convenient and efficient way to reach Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry, and the nearby airports provide good connectivity to major Indian cities.

FAQs

Q.1 Can anyone visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram?

Yes, Sri Aurobindo Ashram is open to visitors of all nationalities and backgrounds.

Q.2 Is there an entry fee to visit the ashram?

No, there is no entry fee to visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram. However, donations are welcome.

Q.3 What is integral yoga?

Integral yoga is a spiritual practice that aims to integrate all aspects of life, including the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. It was developed by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.

Q.4 Can visitors participate in ashram activities?

Yes, visitors can participate in ashram activities like meditation, yoga, and study groups.

Q.5 Is there accommodation available in the ashram?

Yes, the ashram has a guest house that provides accommodation to visitors. However, advance booking is required.