Auroville through my eyes

Hello,

I present here few glimpses of my maiden visit to the "City of Dawn", Auroville (coined after Sri Aurobindo) in the format of a Photo Diary.

Exploring the areas that were open to visitors like the Visitors Centre, Matrimandir made me fall in love with the place.

For people who love to seek peace, shop local art and craft, who appreciate a confluence of cultures, a visit to Auroville and the Mandir far away from the hustle bustle can be therapeutic.

Beautiful Mandala Pottery

I still remember how enchanted I was while roaming around the Mandir. The geodesic dome made out of gold plates makes this temple one of its kind I believe. The entire physical structure with the symmetrical staircases, milky white marble floor, water running through little channels into a small space in the centre, and the beautiful crystal orb placed in the centre of a huge hall on which a ray of sunlight hits from the top of the dome is awe inspiring. This entirely white hall with the crystal orb at the centre is meant for silent meditation.

Leaving this place leaves one feeling so relaxed and tranquil for some reason but you need to experience to know so.

I really appreciate the philosophy behind Auroville envisioned as

...a place where the needs of the spirit and the care for progress would get precedence over the satisfaction of desires and passions, the seeking for pleasures and material enjoyments.

The Mother

 Ideas behind this experimental township like the emphasis on its ownership by the whole of humanity, bridging the past and the future through attempts at eco-friendly sustainable development have been realized on the ground which makes it a unique destination. Auroville presents an altogether different people-centric development model somewhat close to what Schumacher writes about in his book 'Small is Beautiful'.

All in all, visit this place at least once and feel the bliss within!

Few snapshots now...

Entering Auroville Visitors Complex

Unique display in Matrimandir Complex

3-D model of the Mandir 

The City Centre

 

En route to Matrimandir...

The magnificent mandir, Soul of the city

Chimes under the greens...

A beautiful artsy structure in the shopping arcade

 Delicious thin crust wood fired pizzas in the making at Tanto.

Can one have enough of Pizzas?

Tanto Pizzeria must be on one's "To Visit" list for the mouthwatering pizzas clubbed with a simple yet charming overall experience. Farm fresh veggies and a wide-ranging choice are sure to recharge one's body batteries after a tiring day under the sun.

Just can't get enough of this place and its vibe...

Hope to re-explore.