Journey toward Inner Peace

Yesterday, my friend and I decided to visit Auroville, a place known for its spiritual essence and peaceful surroundings. It was about an hour's drive from my place, and we were both eager to experience the tranquility of the Matrimandir (Soul of the City), which we had already booked online. Although we planned to reach the center by 8:30 AM, we arrived a bit earlier, around 7:30 AM. This gave us the perfect opportunity to explore the area and get a glimpse of Auroville's unique way of life.

First Impressions of Auroville 

As we entered Auroville, we immediately noticed how green and vibrant the place was. The climate was cool and pleasant, and we watched the sunrise as its warmth touched our eyes and the coolness caressed our skin. The trees and greenery around us created a calm atmosphere. People living in Auroville seem to embrace a sustainable and peaceful way of life. 

A Morning Walk and a Warm Welcome

After parking our vehicle, we enjoyed a peaceful morning walk toward the center. Upon arrival, the instructor at the entrance greeted us warmly. While waiting for other visitors to arrive, we had the opportunity to observe the serene surroundings. When the time came, a short video about the Matrimandir and its founders, (The Mother and A spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo), was shown. Shortly after, transportation was arranged to take us to the Matrimandir. 

Exploring the Matrimandir

When we arrived at the Matrimandir, we were asked to leave our bags in a designated area, as no mobile phones are allowed inside. Our instructor explained the significance of the place, its purpose, and the importance of maintaining silence in the inner chamber. The surroundings were filled with colorful flowers, adding to the beauty of the area. 

We marveled at the golden globe. The exterior, made up of golden discs, reflected sunlight, creating a radiant effect. The structure is surrounded by twelve landscaped gardens, each representing a spiritual quality like peace, harmony, or gratitude. 

Afterwards, we spent a few moments meditating near a large banyan tree while waiting for the previous group of visitors to finish their time in the inner chamber. The atmosphere was peaceful, with the only sounds being the chirping of birds and the gentle trickle of the fountain.

At the base of the Matrimandir, we visited the Lotus Pond, a lotus-shaped structure with a small pool. Sitting by the pond, I began to truly understand the power of unity as we all meditated together. It was a beautiful moment of collective peace. Finally, we entered the inner chamber of the Matrimandir, and I was in awe of its stunning architecture. The entire room was white, with simple yet elegant seating arrangements designed for meditation. The chamber contained twelve pillars, a crystal ball, and a unique light system, all contributing to the peaceful atmosphere. 

We were given 15 minutes to meditate in the inner chamber, allowing ourselves to fully focus and center. It was a calming and grounding experience, and I felt a deep sense of peace and clarity. After leaving the inner chamber, we explored the 12 rooms, each representing a unique quality of the self. We could choose any room to meditate in, and I walked around the area, taking in the serene silence.  

heOnce our time was up, t guide gently asked us to leave the Matrimandir. We collected our belongings and made our way back to the center. The experience in Auroville was incredibly relaxing and peaceful. It’s a place where you can truly focus on yourself, free from the distractions of daily life. I left feeling deeply refreshed and more connected to the world around me. What struck me the most was the universal spirituality practiced here, where there is no religion, and people from all over the world are treated equally. If you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend visiting Auroville.