Matrimandir

An edifice of spiritual significance, the Matrimandir is a place for those who practice Integral yoga. Matrimandir is a Sanskrit word and is referred to as ‘Temple of The Mother’ or ‘Mother’s Shrine’ in English. Situated almost 10.3 km away from Pondicherry, this concentration centre can be found in the center of Auroville.

The foundation of this place was developed by The Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Based on Sri Aurobindo’s teachings, the concept of the ‘Mother’ represents the idea of helping humankind to move ahead of its present life. Or, the ‘great evolutionary, conscious, and intelligent principle of Life’.

The Matrimandir consists of a Geodesic dome covered by golden discs, surrounded by the central Peace Area, an amphitheatre, a banyan tree, and encircled by twelve gardens. The central dome has the Inner Chamber which is used for meditation. To stabilize the geodesic dome of Matrimandir, four main pillars are constructed which are known as Maheshwari, Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. The construction and architecture of this whole place are solely based on Sri Aurobindo’s teachings.

credits: Mrs. Hiksom

The temperature of Tamil Nadu is generally tropical and features hot temperatures over the year but the best time to visit Matrimandir will be from October to March.

-Summer season - The visit should be completely avoided during summers, i.e.,  April to June, as the temperature can easily touch 40 degrees Celsius.

-Monsoon - The weather from July to September can be humid and sweaty. Moreover, the bookings get cancelled on a rainy day, so, play your trip in accordance with the weather conditions.

-Post monsoon - October to March is a really good time to visit if you want to avoid the hot and humid weather of Tamil Nadu. The temperature usually ranges from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. From February, the spring season, Auroville starts getting warmer. 

-Winter season - Also, Matrimandir experiences the heaviest visitors’ traffic during winters, i.e., December to February. The weather is pleasant and perfect for experiencing the tranquil getaway at the concentration centre. It also gets breezy at night; you might have to pack a heavy jacket or extra hoodies with you. 

History of Matrimandir 

credits: Premasagar

Matrimandir is one of the most important edifices of the Auroville township near Pondicherry. The concept of this place was developed by The Mother. By 1968, she decided to include a Pavilion, named “Matrimandir”, which means, The Mother’s Shrine. The site was almost barren but still, she included a lone Banyan tree and twelve gardens into the plan. The names were Existence, Consciousness, Bliss, Light, Life, Power, Wealth, Utility, Progress, Youth, Harmony, and Perfection.

In January 1970, The Mother introduced and asked a French architect, Roger Anger, to begin the work of Matrimandir. The final design was approved by The Mother in 1971. The design included Matrimandir on an oval island and surrounded by twelve gardens. In the month of February, the foundation stone was laid and excavation work also started. It took almost 37 years to completely build the Matrimandir. In 2008, the construction was completed and opened.

Places to Stay near Matrimandir 

1. Olive De Villa – Want to spend a luxurious escape while exploring south India? Visit Olive De Villa. A blend of extravagance and nature, it is a memorable vacation spot for you. Curating sensory engagement, the villa is famous for its world-class architecture. 

2. Green’s Guesthouse – One of a kind, the Green’s Guesthouse is a beautiful avenue catering to every age group. You can soak in the full view of the valleys and lush green forests from the rooms. It is a good gathering spot for those hoping for a relaxing way to spend their getaway. 

3. Purity Guesthouse – A splendid replication of South’s beauty, Purity Guesthouse is quite popular for its beautiful ambience and convenient stay. In between the lush green forests of Pondicherry, the guesthouse provides a lavish stay and mouth-savouring delicacies. 

From bus - Buses usually run from the bus stand to the Auroville Visitors’ Centre around 7.30 am, 1.30 pm, and 4.30 pm. You can plan a day trip to explore and come back on time.

From cab - You can also take a private cab from Pondicherry bus stand. The distance between both the places is almost 14 km and ride will take half an hour.