Sri Aurobindo Ashram is one of the Pondicherry landmarks that require no introduction. Known for its importance and morals, Sri Aurobindo Ashram offers everything you need to disconnect from the daily grind and encourages people to spend some ME time in peace. Sri Aurobindo Ashram is one of the most popular tourist spots in Pondicherry. It’s a place where you can meditate in its peaceful aura to find inner peace and spirituality in a relaxed atmosphere. As soon as you enter the ashram, the shrine’s enchanted atmosphere helps you forget everything, and the breathtaking backdrop will astound you, adding to the overall spectacular appearance of the scene.
History of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry
After retiring from politics, Aurobindo Ghosh founded Sri Aurobindo Ashram, which has a history spanning nearly a century. A few of his supporters joined him because they shared his beliefs and objectives. They all moved into the ashram together and took care of all the everyday tasks, such as writing, reading, and meditation. Aurobindo Ghosh’s devoted disciple Mira Alfassa, also known as “The Mother,” arrived in Pondicherry in April 1920 to receive guidance from him, and as a result, she played a significant role in the ashram. This ashram quickly became a small community after an increasing number of people paved their way towards it; in 1926, it was officially converted into an ashram. The ashram grew quickly after it was formally opened, and the number of residents kept rising.
A dining room, a library, a sports playground, workshops, nursing homes, and other departments were added as the ashram grew over the years. The ashram has expanded significantly over the years, and it now has multiple interconnected small buildings, housing over 2000 community members.
Special things about Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry
Are you wondering how to stay active all the time at the Pondicherry Sri Aurobindo Ashram? Well, with so much to see and do, a traveler can engage in a variety of activities to maximize their experience. These consist of:
- Unwind and relieve mental tension in this ashram’s serene surroundings. It’s a great place to feel calm and breathe fresh air. It’s a fantastic attraction for anyone interested in learning more about the past and daily lives of the residents of this holy site.
- Take note of the exquisite fresh flower arrangements surrounding the Samadhi of Aurobindo Ghosh and The Mother. The bodies of these two spiritual beings were interred in a white marble shrine.
- The Mother founded the library in 1954, and it now houses over 80,000 books in 25 different languages as well as several classic Western and Indian music recordings and cassettes. Every Wednesday at 8:30 PM, stop by to hear Indian classical music. Alternatively, if you enjoy Western classical music, you should schedule a trip there every Tuesday and Friday at the same time.
- Visit Senteurs-Fleurs en Flacon to purchase a variety of fragrances. Senteurs-Fleurs en Flacon, founded by The Mother in 1959, is a location where a wide variety of fragrances are created to heal various human body parts. Other exclusive items that are sold here are sarees, handkerchiefs, and numerous Ayurvedic products.
- Purchase books, CDs, DVDs, pictures, gift cards, and other items for your loved ones at the Ashram Bookstores. To purchase mementos to take home, you can also visit the regional markets.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry – best visiting time
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram’s general climate is constant all year round due to its seaside location. But you might find it a little uncomfortable if you go there in the summer, which is from March to June. Because of the high humidity during this time of year which can reach up to 93%, it is challenging for anyone to comfortably explore their surroundings. For those who wish to get the most out of their Pondicherry tour and savor every moment, winters are therefore regarded as the best. From October through February, the weather is pleasant and cool, with an average temperature between 17 and 22 degrees Celsius. August is another possible month to arrange a trip to Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The great fervor and enthusiasm with which Sri Aurobindo’s birth anniversary is observed on August 15th gives its devotees even more reason to swarm this place.
Facilities at Puducherry’s Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Tours:
Sri Aurobindo Tours Autocare Services arranges tours twice a week to provide an overview of the ashram and its various departments. It includes the following locations: Samadhi, Auroville, Vak Bookshop, Auroshikha, La Tienda, Golconde, Ashram Office, Playground, French Institute, Library, Art House, and Le Foyer de Soldat.
Exhibition and Video Programs:
Throughout the week, an exhibition is held to provide a glimpse into Aurobindo Gosh and The Mother’s daily lives at the ashram. In addition, a video presentation covering one of the important topics connected to these two individuals’ lives is available. Every day but Sunday is when it operates.
Cultural Programs:
For the enjoyment of the public, the ashram’s main building hosts a variety of cultural events, including poetry, dance, music, and art. All are welcome to participate in these programs; no pass is needed to enter. Only a small number of special programs, though, require an admission pass; these are always noted for your convenience on the notice board. The ashram authorities also extend an invitation to participate in Collective Meditations at the playground (from 7:45 PM to 8:15 PM on Thursday and Sunday) and the Samadhi (from 7:25 PM to 7:50 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday).
Sri Aurobindo Ashram timings
Sri Aurobindo Ashram opens daily from morning 8.00 to afternoon 12.00 and from afternoon 2.00 to evening 6.00.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram Puducherry, Location:
Near Junction of Manakula Vinayagar No. 9 Marine Street, Manakula Vinayagar Koil St, Near Junction of, White Town, Puducherry, 605002, India
Entry Fee: Puducherry’s Sri Aurobindo Ashram
The Puducherry Sri Aurobindo Ashram does not charge admission. A two to three-hour exploration period is advised. Please be aware that entry to the ashram is not permitted for children under three years old.