Introduction

Located in Rue de la Marine, Sri Aurobindo Ashram is on the way to Pondicherry’s famous seaside promenade. The ashram lends Pondicherry a spiritual feel; it is the place where the great Indian philosopher Aurobindo Ghosh lived and died. Set up in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo, the ashram even today attracts hoards of visitors from the country and outside. Aurobindo’s philosophy is derived in a combination of yoga and modern science. One of the richest ashrams in the country, Aurobindo Ashram is instrumental in giving Pondicherry the title of a spiritual town. It is also the place where Saint Aurobindo’s disciple and companion Mirra Alfassa from Paris, who later came to be known as The Mother, lived and died.

After taking off your shoes across the road in exchange of an identity token, follow a paved walkway that leads you around an immaculately manicured rock garden. This path takes you to the white marble platform tomb or samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. The marble samadhis are intricately decked with some of the loveliest flowers; you will come across devotees meditating or praying in silence around the samadhi. The ambience of the place is one of peace, with the voices of visitors no more than a low whisper. Meditate in the quietude, with the only sound of the crashing waves in the background. Further on, make your way inside the house where Sri Aurobindo lived. You will see an impressive display of paintings, photographs, furniture and memorabilia of the great philosopher and his disciple, The Mother.

You can visit the library that stocks a great array of good reads on spirituality, and the life and works of Sri Aurobindo Ghosh. It houses a little souvenir shop, mostly packed with visitors picking up books, one-off greeting cards and such like. Through his life saint Aurobindo believed in being a self-sufficient unit. A brief walk from the ashram leads you to the little factory outlet which houses a motley collection of attractive souvenirs manufactured at the ashram factory, such as incense sticks, handmade paper items, greeting cards, perfumed candles, oils and the works. Here you will be tempted to shop for armloads of incense and exquisite candles for yourself, and your loved ones back home. A lot of the stuff produced here are exported outside the country, and are very popular with foreign tourists.

It would be apt to say that Aurobindo Ashram is the heart and soul of Pondicherry.

Special Attributes

The ashram lends Pondicherry a spiritual feel; it is the place where the great Indian philosopher Aurobindo Ghosh lived and died.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress appropriately, avoid wearing short or revealing clothes.

Connectivity

You can hire an auto or cycle-rickshaw to move around in Pondicherry. Besides, the Aurobindo Ashram is only a brief walk away from the main bus stand in the centre of the town.

Enjoyed by

Families, Senior Citizens, Backpackers

Exposure

You will be indoors. If you are walking it from the city centre to the ashram during the day, you will be exposed to a harsh sun. So, it is advisable to carry along sunshades and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

It houses a little souvenir shop, mostly packed with visitors picking up books, one-off greeting cards and such like.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Keep your tone low inside the ashram to soak up its peaceful atmosphere.

Type of site

Home and memorial of Sri Aurobindo Ghosh