The Matrimandir took 37 years to build, from the laying of the foundation stone at sunrise on 21 February 1971 - the Mother’s 93rd birthday - to its completion in May 2008. It is in the form of a huge sphere surrounded by twelve petals. The Geodesic dome is covered by golden discs and reflects sunlight, which gives the structure its characteristic radiance. Inside this central dome is a meditation hall known as the inner chamber - this contains the largest optically-perfect glass globe in the world. The Matrimandir, and its surrounding gardens in the central Peace Area, is open to the public by appointment.
Matrimandir, Auroville
The four main pillars that support the structure of Matrimandir, and carry the Inner Chamber, have been set at the four main directions of the compass. These four pillars are symbolic of the four aspects of the mother as described by Sri Aur
obindo, and are named after these four aspects.
The visitor's centre, A place where day visitors can satisfy their curiosity and get a taste of Auroville, the Auroville Visitors Centre (VC) is a complex of buildings specially designed to answer to the needs of casual day visitors and more interested guests alike.
It was constructed in 1988 with grants from HUDCO and the Foundation for World Education and has become well-known for its architecture and energy-saving construction materials. It is located in Auroville's International Zone between Bharat Nivas and Edayanchavadi village.
The Visitors Centre, which welcomes large numbers of visitors every day, has been conceived as a demonstration site for alternative sustainable technology, renewable energy, alternative building techniques and integrated waste water management. The aim is to demonstrate the possibility to successfully run such a centre in a pleasant set up with low or no environmental impact and pollution.
Information Service
Open daily from 9am - 1pm and 1:30 - 5pm
Sundays from 9:30am - 1pm and 2 - 5pm
provides first-hand, personalized information on Auroville. Reception staff are equipped to answer queries in English and other Indian languages.
stocks brochures, leaflets, books and videos on Auroville in different languages.
gives a visual tour of the different aspects of Auroville life, community and its work through its Photo Exhibition space.
provides video shows -- regular ‘Introduction to Auroville’ and ‘Introduction to Matrimandir’ videos in English or Tamil, with the possibility of other languages in sub-titled form.
features the original rosewood model of the Matrimandir and the Gardens, in its Matrimandir Reception and Exhibition Space.
Issues passes to Matrimandir Viewing Point. From the VC a shaded 10-12 minutes’ walk leads to the Viewing Point in the Matrimandir area. For those who need motorised transport, shuttles are available.
Gear Used: Nikon D 5300,
HTC Desire 816
Visitor's centre :www.auroville.o...
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