Auroville: A Universal Township
Auroville is an experimental township in the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, near Puducherry, India. It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, known as "The Mother," a spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo, with the vision of creating a universal town where people from all countries could live in peace and progressive harmony.
The founding vision
- A town for humanity: The foundational Auroville Charter, inaugurated on February 28, 1968, states that Auroville belongs to no particular person but "to humanity as a whole". It is intended as a site for material and spiritual research for "an actual human unity".
- A "City of Dawn": At the inauguration, representatives from 124 nations and 23 Indian states placed soil from their native lands into a lotus-shaped urn at the site of the Matrimandir, symbolizing global harmony.
- Experimental living: The community is described as a "living laboratory" that explores alternative ways of living, including sustainable practices, alternative education, and a unique cash-less economy for its residents.
The Matrimandir: The soul of Auroville
At the center of Auroville lies the Matrimandir, a gold-plated spherical structure that serves as a focal point for silent concentration.
- Purpose: It is not meant for organized religion but as a place for individual introspection and quietude.
- Inner Chamber: The inner chamber is a space of silence where a single ray of sunlight is directed onto a large crystal globe.
- Visitor Access: Visitors can view the Matrimandir from a designated viewpoint after watching an introductory video at the Visitors Centre. Access to the inner chamber requires advance booking.
Life in Auroville
The residents of Auroville, known as Aurovilians, come from more than 50 nationalities and contribute to the community in various ways.
- Diverse activities: Aurovilians are involved in a wide array of activities, including organic agriculture, education, art, handicrafts, and renewable energy initiatives.
- Unique economy: While visitors use cash, long-term residents primarily operate with an internal "Ara card" system for their needs. Those working for the community receive a "maintenance" allowance.
- Self-sufficiency: The community emphasizes sustainable living, with significant progress made in reforestation, organic farming, and water management. Over the years, the community has transformed a barren landscape into a lush, green township.
- Self-governance: Decisions are managed by different working groups and the Residents Assembly, with a constant effort to evolve a decision-making process based on the founders' vision of "divine anarchy".
Visitor experience
Auroville attracts a large number of visitors drawn to its unique culture, spirituality, and progressive experiments in sustainable living.
- Accommodation: Guests can stay in one of the many guesthouses located within the community.
- Activities: Visitors can explore the Matrimandir viewing point, visit the Botanical Gardens and organic farms, attend workshops, or simply relax at the nearby Auroville Beach.
- Culture: The Visitors Centre provides an overview of Auroville, including the opportunity to learn about its history and ongoing projects. The township has a calm and welcoming atmosphere, though some observers have noted ongoing challenges related to its economic system and governance.