Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Sri Aurobindo Ashram things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Posts
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry (Puducherry) is one of the most famous spiritual communities in India. Founded by the renowned Indian philosopher, yogi, and poet Sri Aurobindo and his spiritual collaborator, Mirra Alfassa, who is also known as "The Mother," the ashram is a center for spiritual practice and self-development. ### Key Features of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram: #### **History and Foundation:** - **Establishment:** The ashram was founded on November 24, 1926, after Sri Aurobindo retired from politics and began focusing on his spiritual work. Initially, it started as a small community around Sri Aurobindo and gradually grew into a large spiritual community. - **The Mother:** Mirra Alfassa, a French woman who became Sri Aurobindo's spiritual partner, played a crucial role in the development of the ashram. She was affectionately called "The Mother" by the devotees and was responsible for the ashram's administration and spiritual guidance after Sri Aurobindo's passing in 1950. #### **Spiritual Philosophy:** - **Integral Yoga:** The spiritual practice at the ashram is based on Sri Aurobindo's teachings of Integral Yoga, which seeks to transform human life into a divine life by integrating all aspects of the being—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. - **Focus:** Unlike traditional ashrams, Sri Aurobindo Ashram does not adhere to rigid rules or rituals. Instead, it encourages a disciplined yet flexible approach to spiritual growth, emphasizing self-development, inner work, and meditation. #### **Daily Life and Activities:** - **Meditation and Work:** Members of the ashram engage in meditation, study of spiritual texts, and various forms of work as a form of sadhana (spiritual practice). Work is considered a means of self-purification and offering to the Divine. - **Cultural and Educational Activities:** The ashram also emphasizes cultural development and education. It has its own schools, publishing house, and facilities for arts, crafts, and physical education. #### **Ashram Facilities:** - **The Samadhi:** The central shrine of the ashram is the Samadhi, where the bodies of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother are interred. It is a place of deep meditation and reverence for devotees. - **Library and Archives:** The ashram maintains an extensive library and archives containing the writings of Sri Aurobindo, The Mother, and other spiritual literature. - **Guest Houses:** The ashram provides accommodation for visitors in its guest houses, allowing people to stay and experience the ashram life. #### **Visitor Experience:** - **Atmosphere:** The ashram is known for its peaceful and serene atmosphere, attracting people from all over the world who seek spiritual solace and inner peace. - **Guidelines:** Visitors are expected to respect the sanctity of the ashram by maintaining silence and engaging in activities conducive to spiritual growth. ### **Auroville:** - **Connection:** The ashram is closely associated with Auroville, an experimental township founded by The Mother in 1968 near Pondicherry. Auroville is dedicated to human unity and spiritual progress, and many of its principles are aligned with those of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram remains a place of spiritual significance, not just for followers of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, but for anyone interested in exploring deeper aspects of consciousness and spiritual life. It continues to be a beacon of peace, spirituality, and holistic living.
Kingshuk GoswamiKingshuk Goswami
00
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry is a truly unique and spiritual destination. Founded by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother in the early 20th century, it has become a center for meditation, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. The ashram's serene atmosphere is palpable the moment you enter its gates. The well-maintained gardens and peaceful courtyards provide a tranquil environment for contemplation and meditation. The ashram also houses the Samadhi, the final resting place of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, which is a place of great reverence and reflection for visitors. One of the most striking aspects of the ashram is its emphasis on integral yoga and the pursuit of inner transformation. Visitors can attend meditation sessions, lectures, and participate in community activities that encourage self-awareness and personal growth. The ashram's library is a treasure trove of spiritual literature, making it an excellent resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding. The ashram's simplicity and focus on inner peace stand in stark contrast to the bustling streets of Pondicherry, providing a respite for the soul-seeker. While the ashram may not be for everyone, those on a spiritual journey will find it to be a profoundly enriching and enlightening experience.You have to switch off your mobile phone and keep your shoe outside. Shoe keeping service is free for everyone. Use of Mobile phones inside is prohibited. There's a book store where you can find all the books related to Sri Aurobindo. Overall, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry is a place of deep spirituality, self-discovery, and inner peace. It offers a unique opportunity for individuals to explore their inner selves and connect with a higher purpose. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a curious traveler, a visit to this ashram can be a transformative experience.
ARNAB ROYARNAB ROY
00
The foundation stone of Matru Mandir was laid on 21 February 1971. We are also celebrating Mother Language Day today. Auroville City of Dawn is an experimental urban area in Villuppuram district. A desert plateau of about 20 sq km, 10 km north of Pondicherry and 5 km from the coast. It was designed in 1968 by architect Roger Anger, known as Mirra Alfassa Emene "The Mother" Amma or Matrumurti, in a different architectural style. Commemorating Auroville Aurobindo (1872-1950), work on the Matrumandir, a golden spherical 'mother temple' next to the banyan tree at the center of the International, began very soon. The foundation stone was laid on 21st February 1971 on mother's birthday. The entire area around the Matrimandir is called Shanti area. Inside the Matrimandir, a spiraling ramp leads up to an air-conditioned chamber of polished white marble referred to as "the place to find one's consciousness". Everything in this town uses solar energy. There is rain water reuse. Auroville is one of the last places on Earth to host a significant portion of the emerging Tropical Dry Evergreen (TDEF) forests. Alfassa's first public message in 1965 stated: Auroville aspires to be a universal city where people of all nations can live in peace and progressive harmony across all religions, all politics and all nationalities. Auroville's purpose was to realize human unity. Alfassa hopes that this experimental "universal township" will contribute significantly to humanity's progress towards a better and more glorious future by bringing together people of goodwill and aspiration for a better world.
Srinivas KattaSrinivas Katta
20
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a well known and wealthy ashram in India, with devotees from India and all over the world flocking to it for spiritual salvation...its spiritual tenets represent a synthesis of yoga and modern science...the Ashram was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, an Indian freedom fighter, poet, philosopher, and yogi... Mirra Alfassa (also known as ‘The Mother’) was one of Aurobindo's followers, who was born in Paris and was so inspired by his philosophy that she stayed on in Pondicherry...after 24 November 1926, when Sri Aurobindo retired into seclusion, she founded his ashram...with Sri Aurobindo's full approval she became the leader of the community, a position she held until her death...the Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust,which she had registered after Sri Aurobindo's death in 1950 continues to look after the institution... It is open to the public daily between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Children below 3 years of age are not allowed into the ashram and photography is allowed only with permission of the ashram authorities...some of the ashram’s facilities like the Library and the Main Building (during collective meditation) can be accessed, only after obtaining a gate pass from the Bureau Central or some of the Ashram Guest Houses.It is located on Rue De La Marine... Once you go inside the premises, there is feel of peace and serenity...you would be pulled to be in that place for a longer time because of the peaceful atmosphere inside the Ashram... One more thing once inside the ashram you need to maintain silence...you cannot talk/shout...
Kunal BhowmickKunal Bhowmick
20
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry is a profoundly serene and spiritually uplifting destination that holds a special place in the hearts of visitors seeking solace, introspection, and inner peace. The ashram grew out of a small community of disciples who had gathered around Sri Aurobindo after he retired from politics and settled in Pondicherry in 1910. On 24 November 1926, after a major spiritual realization, Sri Aurobindo withdrew from public view in order to continue his spiritual work. At this time he handed over the full responsibility for the inner and outer lives of the sadhaks (spiritual aspirants) and the ashram to his spiritual collaborator, "The Mother or La Mère", earlier known as Mirra Alfassa. This date is therefore generally known as the founding-day of the ashram. Nestled in the heart of Pondicherry, this spiritual haven exudes an aura of tranquility, drawing pilgrims, seekers, and curious travelers alike to its gates. At the heart of the ashram lies the Samadhi, the final resting place of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. This sacred space serves as a focal point for devotees, who come to pay their respects and offer their prayers. The ashram also offers a wealth of resources for spiritual seekers, including bookstores, meditation halls, and spaces for collective prayer and meditation. A visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram is not just a physical experience, but a spiritual pilgrimage that resonates deeply within the hearts and souls of all who walk its hallowed grounds.
Pratheesh DPratheesh D
50
While sitting inside Aurobindo Ashram, I thought of Baker's 'Immortality project'. How a mortal man can have a place close to shrine, to make his memory live on. How others do it for him. This place is beautiful, serene, but oddly conflicting in many ways. I get that the people keeping and running this place want to keep the sacredness and privacy, but the real picture was oddly contrasting. Humbleness was almost absent in this place. Volunteers almost resembled to the shrine keepers at Siddhivinayak temple. Rushing people along. I simply don't get it. You want people to know who you are, who Arvind Ghosh was, what his philosophy is; but, you deny people from taking their own association, their memories with this place, may it be in any form - photo, a video, a commentary. How will people remember you if you deny them memories? How will the word pass on? Anyway... I am against selfie-maniacs too, but I would have loved to take a photo of their well kept, lndscaped garden and the unique architecture of the main building. The road where place is, is beautiful. Lined up with Gulchhadi trees and decorated with carpet of white, fragrant flowers. To be here, is a bliss. About the Ashram though, I have mixed feelings. I am sure half of the people visiting this place were there, just because this place is 'must visit' place in Pondicherry, and not because of Aurobindo Society's ideology, which is a pity! No photos. No surprise there. 😊
Shraddha BShraddha B
20
Nearby Attractions Of Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam
Bharathi Park Puducherry
Puducherry Museum
Promenade Beach
Pondicherry french colony
Mahatma Gandhi Statue
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple
Notre Dame des Anges Church
Mahakavi Bharathiyar Memorial Centre
Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam
4.7
(8.7K)Click for details
Bharathi Park Puducherry
4.2
(3.6K)Click for details
Puducherry Museum
4.1
(3.5K)Click for details
Promenade Beach
4.5
(3.3K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Cafe Xtasi
Coromandel Cafe
Surguru Restaurant ஸற்குரு உணவகம்
KAMATCHI (Non-Veg Restaurant)White Town branch
Surguru Spot Restaurant
Dilliwaala6
De Bussy Restaurant
𝗞𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗮𝘁
Madame Shanthés Café Restaurant
The Pasta Bar Veneto
Cafe Xtasi
4.0
(5.7K)Click for details
Coromandel Cafe
4.0
(3.9K)$$$
Click for details
Surguru Restaurant ஸற்குரு உணவகம்
4.1
(3K)Click for details
KAMATCHI (Non-Veg Restaurant)White Town branch
4.1
(3.1K)Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
and, No. 9, Marine Street, White Town, Puducherry, 605002, India
Map
Phone
+91 413 223 3604
Call
Website
sriaurobindoashram.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.4
(5.1K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
relaxation
accessibility
Description
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual community located in Pondicherry, in the Indian territory of Puducherry. The ashram grew out of a small community of disciples who had gathered around Sri Aurobindo after he retired from politics and settled in Pondicherry in 1910.
attractions: Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam, Bharathi Park Puducherry, Puducherry Museum, Promenade Beach, Pondicherry french colony, Mahatma Gandhi Statue, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Notre Dame des Anges Church, Mahakavi Bharathiyar Memorial Centre, restaurants: Cafe Xtasi, Coromandel Cafe, Surguru Restaurant ஸற்குரு உணவகம், KAMATCHI (Non-Veg Restaurant)White Town branch, Surguru Spot Restaurant, Dilliwaala6, De Bussy Restaurant, 𝗞𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗮𝘁, Madame Shanthés Café Restaurant, The Pasta Bar Veneto
- Please manually select your location for better experience