SHRI AUROBINDO ASHRAM

About Shri Aurobindo Ashram

Aurobindo Ashram or the Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual group (ashram) situated in the union territory of Pondicherry. The ashram was a small community that expanded over some time as more and more disciples of Aurobindo Ghose gathered around to seek spirituality. 

Aurobindo Ghose founded this ashram after he left his political career and aspired to inherit spiritualism in his life. A few followers of Aurobindo joined him in the ashram with the same aim of seeking spirituality. Located in eastern Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo Ashram has become a hub of tourists who are inclined towards divinity and simplicity in their lifestyle. 

The ashram is popular not only in India but also in other countries because of the work put forth by the community towards the healing of humanity. The ashram in its initial days only had a few buildings but later, as more and more people joined, the ashram grew bigger and presently, it consists of many small buildings that are adjacent to each other. 

The ashram provides all the basic needs of its members for living a healthy and simple life. There is a library in the ashram where members can read and learn about the history and teachings of the place. Also, there are various cultural facilities like dance, theatre, music, arts, and sports for the all-round development of the members. The ashram is managed by a board of five trustees who make sure that the legacy and vision of Aurobindo Ghose remains in the ashram.

History of Aurobindo Ashram:

After quitting politics, Aurobindo Ghose spent most of his time writing and meditating in the ashram. From 1910 to 1920, the ashram had a few members alongside Aurobindo who all lived a simple life involving reading, writing and doing their daily chores. In 1920, Mirra Alfassa or “The Mother” who was regarded as the “spiritual collaborator” of Aurobindo returned to Pondicherry and lived in the ashram.

Soon, more and more people came in the ashram and it gradually became a community under the umbrella of Aurobindo and the Mother. In 1926, the formal foundation of the ashram was done and this resulted in more and more people coming to the ashram.

From just 24 people in 1927 to 150 in 1934, the ashram started to grow like a community. Over the years, as the ashram grew in numbers more and more departments were formed and the sadhaks 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.

Highlights of Aurobindo Ashram:

-Aurobindo Ghose founded the ashram in 1926 after quitting his career in politics 

-Mother (Mirra Alfassa) companion of Aurobindo carried on the legacy of the ashram after Aurobindo’s death in 1950.

-One of the biggest Ashrams in India, Aurobindo Ashram housing more than 2000 people living and serving each other. 

-Auroville, the city of dawn was the brainchild of Mother. Auroville is associated with the ashram in its ideological structure and well-being.

-Aurobindo Ashram publishes many periodicals about the essence of spirituality and peace in life

-It takes around 2-3 hours to see the entire ashram 

Shri Aurobindo Ashram Other Essential Information

Location: No. 9, Near Manakula Vinayagar Junction, Kovil Street, Marine Street, White Town, Puducherry, 605002

Timings: The ashram is an open public viewing from 8 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm.

Entry fee: Free entry and Children below the age of 3 are not allowed in the ashram

Visitor's Facility:

-Tours are conducted in the Ashram where one can see the various departments of the ashram.
-Exhibition and Video programs are conducted in the bureau of the ashram
-The authorities also organize collective meditations in the ashram

Parking Facility:

There is a parking facility available in the ashram but the space for parking is not that big.

Distance from Pondicherry Bus stand:

The bus stand is 9 km away from Aurobindo Ashram

Library of Aurobindo Ashram:

There is a massive library in the ashram which has more than 80,000 books in more than 20 languages. The library was founded in 1954 by Mother to spread knowledge.

Mother laid the foundation stone of the library with the message:

 "A library must be an intellectual sanctuary. There one should look for light and progress."

The library is built in a typical French colonial-era building which has big hallways in the inside and a little garden on its outside. The library also has a collection of many periodicals over the years. Also, the library consists of many Indian and Western classical music recordings and tapes.

Every Wednesday, Indian classical music is played in the library at 8.30 pm. Every Tuesday and Friday, Western classical music is played in the library at the same time. 

Places to Stay near Aurobindo Ashram:

1. Guest Houses - There is a special guest house which is affiliated with the Aurobindo Ashram. The guesthouses accept reservations as they are quite popular among the tourists who are willing to visit the ashram. One has to either call or email the authorities to get their booking in advance. 

These guest houses provide a very mild and conducive atmosphere for its residents. One will not find any telephone, television, WiFi or any other modern amenities in these guest houses as they are made to give the spiritual atmosphere to the inhabitants. 

2. Shenbaga Hotel and Convention Centre - Shenbaga Hotel is the tallest and the biggest hotel in Pondicherry giving business class facilities to its guests. There is also a convention center in the hotel that provides facilities like Gym, Fitness Centre and Workout Room to its guests. With all the modern facilities in your hand, you can get the best and first-class services in the Shenbaga Hotel. 

3. The Promenade - With a perfect view of the beautiful ocean, The Promenade is the best sea-facing view hotel in Pondicherry. One can enjoy the first-class services with the best view of the ocean and beach with private beach rooms. 

4. Maison Perumal - The hotel translates to ‘Home of Perumal’ (Perumal is a deity of Lord Shiva). Located near the ashram, this hotel offers special concierge services to its guests. The hotel is of historic importance in the locality and is very popular among the visitors. 

Places to Eat near Aurobindo Ashram:

1. West Boulevard - Serving cuisines from the kitchens of India, America, China, Italy, and Mexico, West Boulevard serves some mouth-watering dishes. The restaurant has a blend of various flavors and multiple dishes.The ambiance of the restaurant is finest with elegant interiors, classic paintings, mild music and magnificent seating delivering a mind-blowing dining experience. 

2. Bistro Sharana - This terrace restaurant will give you the best finger-licking food and a marvelous view of the city. With special things like this, the restaurant is always full of guests. Bistro Sharana has a special buffet on Wednesday and Saturday, so make sure that you visit the restaurant on any of the two days. 

3. Baker’s Street  - Located near the popular Seaside Promenade, Baker’s Street is very popular for its French Breakfast. Known for its bread dishes, Baker’s Street has some of the finest French dishes with a blend of Indian spices. Serving fresh fruit juices with hot bread dishes, the restaurant also gives the perfect view of the promenade.

4. Don Giovanni’s Restaurant - One of the finest traditional restaurants in the city, Don Giovanni is known for its limited items menu. The owner of the restaurant, Mr. Morsiani personally looks over every dish. Among the other Italian dishes, Spaghetti Bolognese is the most popular dish in the restaurant. With the perfect mixture of Italian herbs and Indian taste, the restaurant serves many mouth-watering dishes. 

Tips before visiting Aurobindo Ashram:

- Photography in the ashram is not allowed. Though, if you want to carry your camera, you will have to take permission from the authorities. 
-Silence is always expected from the guests as the ashram highlights the importance of silence and meditation.
-Guests are expected to keep their phones off or on silent mode
-If you are looking for the best book in the field of meditation and yoga, the ashram has the finest books from Indian as well as international authors.