Savitri Bhavan
Second Building completed

In February 2004 we announced the starting of a second-phase building for Savitri Bhavan. At that time we were hoping for a grant towards the building cost from the Department of Culture, Government of India. That grant did not materialise, but nevertheless, thanks to the generous support of numerous well-wishers, it has been possible to complete the building within the planned time. A consecration ceremony was held on Sunday November 21st 2004.

 

The purpose of this building is to house and display the series of 470 paintings created by the Mother with Huta during the 1960s, and named by the Mother "Meditations on Savitri". In 1967, when all of these paintings had been exhibited in the Ashram, and were being kept at Golconde, Huta communicated to the Mother her strong feeling that "Savitri must have her own place". The Mother went into a deep concentration, then said emphatically, "It will be."

When Savitri Bhavan was started, Huta felt that this was the "own place" which the Mother had promised for Savitri. So beyond all expectation, this great treasure was entrusted to our care.

In our brochure published last year we wrote :

In June 2001 the entire set of 468 oil paintings illustrating the whole of Savitri, entitled by the Mother "Meditations on Savitri", was entrusted to our care, along with facsimiles of the Mother's original sketches, written instructions and comments, copies of her recorded recitations of the selected passages, and of her recorded explanations of Savitri. This is a unique treasure, which will be a goldmine of insight to future scholars seeking to gain a deeper understanding of Sri Aurobindo's vision. To house and display this priceless collection under secure and state of the art conditions, as well as providing the necessary curatorial and research facilities, is at present our highest priority.

Now a building is available where the paintings can be displayed. In order to make it fully functional and safe for them, special lighting will be needed to protect the oil-paint and canvas from harmful ultraviolet rays, and suitable display arrangements will have to be installed.

 

That is the next priority, and we look forward to the day when these unique paintings will be able to spread their vibrations freely to all. We request the help and support of all Savitri-lovers in completing this important project.