Pondicherry
Pondicherry, a perfect place to refresh yourself.
A union territory, with French connection is a unique place. Heritage buildings, endless stretches of sun soaked beaches, authentic French cuisine, choice of restaurants, choice of liquors draw travelers from various parts of India.
Manakulavinayakar Kovil
Manakula Vinayakar Temple was dated back to A.D 1666, much before French colonization. At that time, there was a pond (Kulam in Tamil) on the western side of the temple which was full of sand (Manal). Hence the name Manakula Vinayakar temple.
Timings
Morning: 5.45 am to 12.30 pm
Evening: 4.00 pm to 9.30 pm
Ashram
Shri Aurobindo Ashram fondly known as Ashram located on rue de la Marine, is one of the most well known ashram with devotees from India and all over the world.
Timings: daily between 08-1200 hrs and 1400-1800 hrs. Children below 3 years of age are not allowed into the ashram. Mobile phones should be switched off or in silent mode.
Sri Aurobindo Ghose, one of India’s greatest philosopher-poets, set up this Ashram in 1926. He discovered the power of yoga. His writings inspired a number of followers. One of them was Mirra Alfassa, who was so inspired by his philosophy that she stayed on in Pondicherry and was instrumental in establishment of the ashram. After Aurobindo’s death in 1950, his chief disciple Mirra Alfassa, fondly known as ‘Mother” took over charge. She died in 1973 at the age of 93.
Mortal remains of Shri Aurobindo and the Mother are kept in the main ashram building under a frangipani tree and is decorated daily with floral arrangements.
For more information, please contact:
Bureau Central, Cottage Complex
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
3 Ranga Pillai St., Pondicherry 605001
Tel.: +91-413-2339648
Auroville
Auroville - or the ‘City of Dawn ’ - was conceived by the Mother. The idea is to create a place where people can live together in peace and harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities.
Located around 8 kms north-west of Pondicherry Auroville was designed by the French architect Roger Anger. Nearly two-thirds of the residents are non-Indians.
Matrimandir, which is a place for silent concentration is set in an area of 62 acres During the inauguration ceremony of Auroville on 28th February 1968 , soil from 124 countries was placed in a lotus-shaped urn and mixed to symbolize universal oneness. This urn is today sited at the centre of an Amphitheatre in the Matrimandir Gardens.
For more information
La Boutique d’ Auroville,
38 J.Nehru Street,
Puducherry
Phone: 0413 – 2337264
How to reach
The closest airport is in Chennai, which is around 135 kms from Pondicherry (approx. 2 ½ hrs. journey). Trichy airport is 220 kms away. Bangalore (320 kms)
By road, East Coast Road via Mahabalipuram, is far more scenic with shimmering sea to give you company most of the way.