Sri Aurobindo Ashram Pondicherry (Entry Fee, Timings, History)
Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a Pondicherry landmark that need no introduction. Sri Aurobindo Ashram, which is well known for its importance, legacy, and ideals, welcomes visitors to spend some quiet time with themselves and provides all the amenities you need to disconnect from the daily grind.
One of the most popular tourist spots on your Pondicherry tour is Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a site where you can meditate in its calm ambiance and find inner peace while seeking spirituality in a relaxed setting. You may forget everything as soon as you enter the ashram thanks to the shrine’s wonderful atmosphere, and the breathtaking scenery will leave you in awe, adding to the scene’s overall grandeur.
In contrast to other ashrams, Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a vibrant, modern place that attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe. It is regarded as the city’s finest heritage property and is definitely worth visiting.
History of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry
After retiring from politics, Aurobindo Ghosh formed Sri Aurobindo Ashram, which has a history spanning over a century. A few of his followers joined him because they shared his goals and shared his beliefs. They all moved into the ashram together and took care of all the everyday tasks, such as writing, reading, and meditation.
Mira Alfassa, often known as “The Mother,” was a devoted disciple of Aurobindo Ghosh who arrived to Pondicherry in April 1920 to seek his direction. As a result, she played a significant role in this ashram. As more and more individuals began to move in the direction of this ashram, it quickly grew into a small community before being officially transformed into an ashram in 1926. The ashram grew quickly once it was formally opened, and the number of residents continued to rise.
A dining room, a library, a sports area, workshops, nursing homes, and other departments were created in response to the ashram’s continued expansion. The ashram has expanded significantly over the years, now housing multiple modest structures that are connected, and housing over 2000 community members.
Interesting Facts About Sri Aurobindo Ashram
- This ashram’s founder, an Indian poet, yoga instructor, and philosopher, was born in Kolkata on August 15, 1872.
- When Aurobindo Gosh passed away in 1950, Mira Alfassa, also known as “The Mother,” assumed full responsibility for this ashram.
- A public charity trust oversees its management, ensuring that the ashram’s mission and legacy are appropriately carried out.
Things to do at Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry
Are you wondering how to stay active in Pondicherry’s Sri Aurobindo Ashram? With so much to see and do, one can engage in a variety of activities to maximise their vacation. These consist of:
- In the serene and tranquil settings of this ashram, unwind and relieve mental tension. It is a wonderful location to breathe in the pure air and feel at peace.
- You can see a brief film that covers the history of the ashram as you make your way to the tourist centre. It is a major draw for anyone interested in learning more about the history and daily lives of the residents of this holy location.
- See how the Mother and Aurobindo Ghosh’s Samadhi are exquisitely adorned with fresh flowers. The bodies of these two spiritual beings were interred in this white marble shrine.
- To find out more about the ashram’s past, visit the library. The Mother founded the library in 1954, and it now has over 80,000 books in 25 languages, as well as a number of famous Western and Indian musical CDs and tapes. Every Wednesday at 8:30 PM, you can go there to hear Indian classical music. You can also schedule a trip there every Tuesday and Friday at the same hour if you enjoy Western classical music.
- Don’t forget to take a break and visit the well-known Manakula Vinayagar Temple, which is close to Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Manakula Vinayagar is an old temple devoted to Lord Ganesha’s ruling deity. Temple is widely renowned for its significance and has got a traditional Dravidian Architecture that needs your attention.
- To buy books, CDs, DVDs, pictures, gift cards, and other gifts for your loved ones, visit the Ashram Bookshops. To bring mementos home, you can also go to the local markets.
Entry Fee and Timings of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry
Visits to Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Puducherry are free of charge. On all days, it is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM during the day and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at night. It is advised to spend two to three hours exploring. Please be aware that entry to the ashram is prohibited for children under the age of three.
