Sri Aurobindo Ashiram

The main attraction of Pondicherry is Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Sri Aurobindo who was the stalwart freedom fighter of the pre-Gandhian era, following spiritual Adesh (voice or order) came to Pondicherry in1910, then a French territory and remained here forever practicing Yoga. He was later joined by a French lady, Mirra known as the Mother. After the mother’s coming, the followers increased in number and the Ashram came into being. The Ashram was set up in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, one of India’s greatest philosopher poets, who originally came to Pondicherry to escape persecution by the British. It was after arriving in Pondicherry, that he was drawn into the spiritual realm and discovered the power of yoga. His philosophy is deeply rooted in yoga and his writings inspired a number of followers.

One of them was a Parisian mystic, painter and musician called Mirra Alfassa, who was so inspired by his Philosophy that she stayed on in Pondicherry and was instrumental in the establishment of the ashram. After Aurobiundo’s death in 1950, the running of the Ashram was entrusted to his chief disciple and companion, Mirra Alfassa, (also known as “The Mother”). The idea of Auroville or the “City of Dawn” was conceived by the “The Mother”. She died in 1973 at the age of 93.

The main Ashram building where Sri Aurobindo and the Mother’s samadhis are enshrined is open to public from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm with a recess from 12.00 noon to 3 pm anyone who happens to be there by 9.00 am can take special permit and visit the room where Sri Aurobindo resided and did his splendid spiritual work. The things used by Sri Aurobindo and a rare collection of beautiful artifacts are kept there. In the reception counter the books of Sri Aurobindo are on sale. One could also buy pictures, calendars and diaries there all connected with Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. The information centre will give you all details. The educational institutions run by the Ashram, the gymnasia and the playground activities and the cultural programmes and exhibitions organized every now and then by the Ashram could also be seen after obtaining permit from the reception counter. One can also take one’s breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Ashram dining hall by paying a small amount. Ashram guest-houses scattered nearby provide accommodation too at reasonable rates and most of them would be full only early birds will find a niche in them.

There are some important days observed in the Ashram and public are allowed to have darshan of Sri Aurobindo’s and the Mother’s rooms. Thousands of devotees will gather on those days. The most important days are:

(1) January 1st – Prosperity Day
(2) February 21st – Mother’s Birthday
(3) August 15th – Sri Aurobindo’s Birthday
(4) November 17th – The Mother’s Samadhi Day
(5) November 24th – Supramental Day
(6) December 5th – Sri Aurobindo’s Samadhi Day