The Kick Off!

In Hindu custom, it is recommended to start anything new by the name of God. In Tamil culture, it's called "pillayar suli". I remember this most because the first movie we watched on our VCP was "Deivam", a Tamil devotional movie.. LOL!! In this first article on "In Transit", let me start with something spiritual yet useful.

Most of us love to go to Pondicherry for various reasons ;) but on the spiritual front, its Auroville and Mother Ashram that attracts people from all walks of life irrespective of their religion and country they belong to.

Visiting Mother Ashram in Pondicherry city does not require any preparation but if you are planning to visit Auroville, which is outside the city, then you need to do some planning and preparation. Auroville has a visitor area and a medidators area. For those who visit there suddenly, only the visitor space is available to see. If you wanna really experience what Auroville can offer, you have to visit Matri Mandir, the 'soul of the city'.

Register your visit (everytime) by calling the nos: 0413-2622204 or 0413-2622268 two days in advance. You can call them only between 2PM and 4PM. (Timings has not changed for sometime now). The Matri Mandir visiting hours is mostly morning in the first half.

When you register for the first time, you would be asked to go through the visitor area, watch the Auroville video and then they will take you to the Matri Mandir. These days, they pick you near the main gate. When i went for the first time, i got almost lost in the vast space and woods and i missed my opportunity to visit Matri mandir. Before entering into the Matri mandir, a detailed explanation on how Auroville started and evolved is told for the audience knowledge. ONLY IN ENGLISH.

Instruction : Be ON TIME. Aurovillians does not give any grace time. If you dont go on time, you lost your chance that day. PERIOD.

Matri Mandir has the inner chamber where one would be allowed to do meditation in a calm atmosphere for 15-20 mins for the first time and 45 mins henceforth.  The first time i entered this space, i felt as if i was walking into a science fiction research centre.... all in white, literally ALL. When i entered into the meditation hall, OMG, i didnt know that such a calmness ever existed. It gives you the best environment to deeply involve in yourself.

The rejuvenated sole can soothe itself at the lotus pond which is located beneath the Matri Mandir. Cool breeze and the sound of the water flowing through the marble decorated lotus pond can make you sit there for hours, if you have dont have any pressing appointments post that. There's much more to talk about Auroville, the people, their innovation and what more you can do there.... But its 00:40 AM and i got to take some rest to be available for my calls tomorrow. So, Gud Nite!  :)