Pondicherry

Union Territory of India...

Presently called as Puducherry, the ancient French quarters. Tamil Speaking Dravidians lived on this coast of coromondel around 2500BC. In 1670, the first Frenchmen landed here for the supply of rice and fresh water.
There exists a small war frequently among Dutch, French, English, Brahmins and Capucins. Though from all these hazards, the city grew in size. Over 12000 French Nationals living here, enjoying the climate and their retirement. There is no revolution, no more extortion, street, squares, monuments, nothing has been changed. There is a beach named as Goubert where the localites have a relaxable walk in the evenings.
There are streets with old French name still existing. There is a long canal pass through the city which separates the French and Tamil Quarters. The Churches like l'eglise de sacre Coeur and Notre dames des Anges are important to visit.

Sights at a Glance: Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple.

Pondicherry
Pondicherry
Pondicherry
Pondicherry

Auroville

City of Dawn...

Auroville is an universal township, a place to realize the human unity in the diversity. The total area is about 3930 acres. There is a Matrimandir 'Temple of Mother' - 'Soul of Auroville' and the living symbol of Auroville's aspiration for the divine. Surrounding the main structure of the Matrimandir, there are 12 meditation rooms and a beautiful garden in a tranquil atmosphere.

We can take the exterior of the Matrimandir.

Before having a walk to visit the Matrimandir, do not forget to see the video documentary about the construction of the Matrimandir.

If you like to do the meditation, you have to get prior permission from the office to get inside the Matrimandir.

Quick Glimpses:

Timings - 09:30 am to 05:30 pm. Camera - Photography not allowed.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

A Spiritual Community...

Founded in 1926, this ashram is situated in the eastern part of the busy city. The Ashram serves for the community located in the vibrant centre of modern urban setting. Sri Aurobindo and the Mother (also known as Mirra Alfasa, Parisien) worked jointly for the welfare of the community.

Everyday, the cemetery was decorated with variety of flowers of different colors because the Mother loved it very much. In 1952, the Mother established Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education, and in 1968 an international township-Auroville.

Every year her birthday and memorial day are celebrated as a grand festival in the Ashram. The Pondicherians treat the Mother as their holy divinity and they have a photograph of her exclusively the photo of her powerful eyes for the meditation.Please maintain silence inside the ashram. There is a library where you can find the meditation books and the photographs of the Ashram.

Quick Glimpses:

Timings - 08:00 am to 12:30 pm and 02:00 pm to 06:00 pm
Camera - No photography inside.

Sri Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Popular Pilgrimage Site...

This temple was in existence before the French came and settled in Pondicherry in 1666. This temple is situated near the sandy pond and hence the name came as manakula vinayaga. The temple area is very small and every day there is a procession or ceremony. Most of the days there is a small golden and silver chariot procession in the temple in the evenings.

Quick Glimpses:

Timings - 05:00 am to 12 pm and 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm
Camera - No photography inside.