Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual community (ashram) situated in the French quarter of Pondicherry. Sri Aurobindo Ghose, an Indian yogi as well as a philosopher, guru, and poet, was born in Kolkata on August 15th, 1872. He founded the Aurobindo Ashram after retiring from politics.
Initially, the ashram was a small community with few followers, but over some time, more and more disciples who believed in his ideals gathered around to seek spirituality, and gradually it expanded. Aurobindo’s passionate disciple, Mira Alfassa (“The Mother”), born in Paris in 1878, visited Pondicherry in April 1920 to seek his guidance. She later became the ashram’s “Spiritual Collaborator” and carried on the legacy of the ashram after Aurobindo’s death in 1950. Soon, more and more people paved their way towards this ashram, and in no time, it became a small community that was finally converted into an ashram in the year 1926. Every day at 6:00 in the morning, the Mother used to appear on the ashram balcony to initiate the day with her blessings.
Over the years, as the ashram grew in numbers, more and more departments were formed, and the sadhaks (spiritual aspirants) looked after the departments as a part of their sadhana. Today, the ashram is spread throughout the town in around 400 buildings and houses more than 2000 sadhaks.
Good To Know
Tourist Spot:
Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Since - 1926.
Distance:
1.2 km from Mahatma Gandhi Statue, White town.
Entry charge:
There is no entry charge to visit the Ashram.
Door opening hours:
Public viewing from 8 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Special days of Ashram:
15th August - Sri Aurobindo’s Birthday. 24th November - Victory Day. 17th November - Mother’s Mahasamadhi Day. 5th December - Sri Aurobindo’s Mahasamadhi Day.
Allowed:
Offering, kids (above 5 years), and mobile (silent mode).
Not Allowed:
Pet animals, Footwear, Mobile call, Noise, Camera, Vehicles, Eating foods, liquors and kids below the age of 3.
Shop Near:
Auroshikha & Senteurs.
Food Near:
Dilliwaala6, Lagin Restopub.
Stay Near:
La Ruelle Guest house & Hotel Sun Park.
Parking:
Free parking for two-wheelers are available adjacent to the Ashram in Manakula Vinayagar Kovil Street, car parking facilities are available near old Port, with minimum charges applicable.
Restroom:
Available.
Location:
Door Nº 9, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Marine Street, white town, Puducherry - 605001, INDIA.
It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pondicherry. It offers a relaxed environment where you can explore spirituality and meditate to achieve inner peace. As soon as you enter the ashram, the shrine’s enchanted atmosphere makes it easy to forget about your troubles, and the stunning surroundings will leave you speechless, making the entire scene appear even more magnificent.
The Ashram offers many services to tourists, including tours of various departments; exhibitions and video programs; and cultural programmes such as dance, poetry, music, and art. In addition to these facilities, the ashram authorities also invite people to join the Collective Meditations at the Samadhi.
Since Pondicherry is a seaside city, any time is an ideal time to visit the ashram, and August is a particularly significant month because it is Sri Aurobindo’s birthday on the 15th. The entire town enjoys the taste of celebration during this time. Visit the area in August to have a fantastic trip and experience Pondicherry and the Ashram at their best. Since many of the ashram’s key events happen between August and November, these months see the highest volume of tourists visiting the ashram.
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