The Park of Unity , located at the centre of the international township of Auroville , includes:

•  The Matrimandir, which represents the Universal Mother or the Divine Consciousness.

•  The twelve rooms in the Matrimandir's Petals, representing the twelve Qualities of the Universal Mother.

•  The twelve gardens around the Matrimandir, representing the twelve Powers of the Universal Mother.

•  The ‘Lotus Pond' beneath the Matrimandir.

•  The Banyan tree, Auroville's geographical centre, and the adjacent Garden of Unity .

•  The Amphitheatre, sited where Auroville's inauguration ceremony took place.

The Matrimandir is a shrine of the Universal Mother and the soul of Auroville; it is meant for those who, in the Mother's words, are sincere and serious and truly want to learn to concentrate. The Matrimandir is not a temple in the conventional sense of the word; it is neither a place of worship, nor to be associated with any religion, whether ancient, present, new or future.

Access to the Matrimandir Viewing Point

The Matrimandir Viewing Point, south of the Park of Unity , is a garden which provides visitors with a beautiful view of the Matrimandir and its surroundings.

•  Passes for the Matrimandir Viewing Point can be obtained for free at Auroville's Visitors' Centre, after watching a short introductory video on the Matrimandir.

•  Timing for issuing of Passes at the Visitors' Centre:

•  Opening hours of the Matrimandir Viewing Point:

•  Please note: The Matrimandir Viewing Point remains closed on Sunday Afternoons

•  Way to the Matrimandir Viewing Point:

A shaded footpath, about 1km long, leads from the Visitors' Centre to the Viewing Point. An electric shuttle service is available for those who may find it difficult to walk the approx 1 km each way.

Please note: Matrimandir management may modify the above procedures. For up to date information on Auroville and the Matrimandir, kindly visit the Auroville website: www.auroville.org

Access to Matrimandir and surrounding areas

General conditions :

The Matrimandir is a place for silent concentration. Those who wish to only see it are welcome to do so from a distance at the Matrimandir Viewing Point, which offers a beautiful view from a raised position overlooking the Park of Unity .

• Prior permission is required to access the Matrimandir for concentration.
• This permission has to be requested at least one day in advance either by calling (0413) 262 22 68 between 2 pm and 4 pm, or by visiting the Matrimandir Access Office during the same hours.
• Bookings are accepted on an individual basis only. Requests are attended to in the order of receiving them, and can be made up to seven days in advance. The number of places is limited.
• The entrance to the Matrimandir for concentration and to the Access Office is via the Matrimandir Office Gate, on the northern fringe of the Matrimandir Gardens area.
• Passes for concentration are to be collected from the Matrimandir Access Office on the day of, and shortly before the time of, the booked appointment.
• Bags, cameras and cell phones are not allowed within the Park of Unity and should be left either in one's vehicle or deposited for safe keeping at the Access Office. Cell phones have to be switched off before depositing.
  • Visitors are advised not to bring valuables with them.
  • Photographs may be taken only from a designated area outside the Park of Unity .
  • Media persons wanting to take photos/films must obtain advance permission from
    outreachmedia@auroville.org.in .
• Cleanliness: the cooperation of all is requested to keep Matrimandir and its twelve Petal rooms in immaculate condition. Touching any surface inside the structures is to be avoided. Cleanliness of body and garments is indispensable.
• Children below 10 are not allowed inside the Park of Unity and Matrimandir.
• Absolute silence is required inside the Matrimandir and the 12 rooms in the Petals, around the ‘Lotus Pond' below the Matrimandir, and in the area under the Banyan Tree. Kindly help us maintain the atmosphere at the highest level.
• In case of rain or if the pathways and Garden areas are too muddy, the Matrimandir remains closed and all bookings are cancelled for the day.

1) First time visitors to Matrimandir for concentration

An introduction to Matrimandir is provided for all first-time visitors. An explanation is given on the Matrimandir and its significance, followed by a concentration in the Inner Chamber for 10 to 15 minutes.

• The introduction to Matrimandir is normally possible only for those who have seen the introductory videos on the Matrimandir and Auroville at the Visitors' Centre.
• Advance booking is required by calling (0413) 262 22 68 between 2 pm and 4 pm, or by visiting the Matrimandir Access Office during the same hours.
• All those who have booked their visit for concentration are expected to reach the Auroville Visitors' Centre gate by 9.00 am and no later than 9.20 am.
• Visitors are requested to park their vehicles at the Visitors' Centre and avail themselves of the non-polluting shuttle service provided.
• The last shuttle back from the Matrimandir Office Gate to the Visitors' Centre will be at 11.30 am.

2) Visitors who have previously concentrated in the Inner Chamber

The following conditions apply to regular visitors for concentration and to those who have already attended the introduction to Matrimandir (see above).

Advance booking is required for every concentration in the Inner Chamber or Petal Rooms by calling (0413) 2622268 between 2pm and 4 pm.

Concentration in the Inner Chamber

• Timings: 9.30 am to 10.30 am.
• Last entry to the Inner Chamber: 9.45 am.

Concentration in one of the Petal Rooms

• Timing: 10 am to 11.30 am. Last entry 11 am.
• The 12 rooms are not all open at the same time, but in turn, usually two at a time.
• Passes are issued for only one room per visit.

Please note:

• Matrimandir reserves the right to refuse entry, cancel a visit or request a person to leave the Park of Unity on account of being under the influence of alcohol, bringing a person under age, making unauthorized audio, video or photographic recordings, or behaving in a manner which does not correspond with the above guidelines or is incompatible with the ideals and spirit of Auroville and the Matrimandir.
• Matrimandir management may modify the above procedures. For up to date information on Auroville and the Matrimandir, kindly visit the Auroville website: www.auroville.org