Visiting the Matrimandir
The Matrimandir is a place for individual silent concentration.
A place which should be visited in a quiet, physical and mental state.
It is not a ‘tourist’ site.
Viewing the Matrimandir
The Matrimandir Viewing Point, south of the Park of Unity, is a raised garden area which offers visitors a beautiful view of the Matrimandir and its surroundings.
Visits to the Matrimandir Viewing Point are free of cost. Free passes can be obtained at Auroville Visitors Centre, after watching a short introductory video on Matrimandir.
Timing for visits (starting from the Visitors Centre)
• Daily from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm
Way to the Matrimandir Viewing Point:
A partially shaded walk of about 10 minutes leads from the Visitors Centre directly to the Viewing Point. However, a diversion has been created for those visitors who may also wish to see Bharat Nivas, Unity Pavilion and Savitri Bhavan in the International Zone on their way to the Viewing Point. This is a walk of about 30 minutes. Please inquire at the counter where passes to the Viewing Point are issued.
A free electric shuttle service is available to the Viewing Point for those who may find it difficult to walk.
To return to the Visitors Centre, we encourage those who can, to take the short 10-minute walk. A free bus service is available for the return journey from the Viewing Point for those who need it.
Free passes to the Viewing Point must be obtained directly by the visitors themselves and not be left to agents, guides, tour operators, autorickshaw/taxi/bus drivers, etc.
The cooperation of all is solicited to help maintain peace and tranquillity around the Matrimandir by leaving vehicles (private or hired) at the Visitors Centre Parking. Vehicle Access to the Matrimandir is restricted and not provided to private or hired vehicles.
General information on the Matrimandir can be obtained every day at the Information Desk at the Visitors Centre, from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. This includes an introductory video on Matrimandir offered in various languages.
Concentration in the Matrimandir
The Matrimandir is a place for silent individual concentration.
Those seeking to concentrate in the Matrimandir are requested to enquire at the Information Desk of the Visitors Centre after visiting the Viewing Point.
Same day bookings are not available. The Matrimandir remains closed for visitors' concentration on Sunday and Tuesday. Bookings for concentration are given for either the following day or the first possible day as per availability. Bookings are accepted only up to 5 days in advance.
We request visitors to book at least 3-5 days in advance to avoid disappointment. In case of any issues you may write to mmconcentration@auroville.org.in and we will try to get back to you at the earliest.
Based on the guidelines given by the Mother, Group Bookings are not accepted for concentration in the Inner Chamber of the Matrimandir. It is a place for individual concentration.
Only children of 10 years and above are allowed into the Matrimandir. All accompanying children below that age will be asked to stay back at the Visitors Centre with an adult.
In case of rainy weather conditions, the Matrimandir will be closed and all bookings for that day will be cancelled.
Guidelines for Auroville Residents, Newcomers and Volunteers
ACCESS TO THE PARK OF UNITY AND MATRIMANDIR
The Park of Unity
The Matrimandir, the Petals, the Lotus Pond, Banyan Tree are areas of SILENCE
The Park of Unity is open to Aurovilians and Newcomers Daily: 6.00 AM to 7.30 PM
Aurovilians may bring close family and friends to the Gardens Daily:
9.00 AM to 3.30 PM
Volunteers and Donors require a pass to enter the Park of Unity. Timings will be indicated on the pass.
Published events in the Park of Unity are open to Aurovilians, Newcomers, Volunteers, Pass holders and Guests. Guests should bring their Aurocards.
The Inner Chamber of the Matrimandir
The Matrimandir is a place for silent individual concentration.
The Inner Chamber is open to Aurovilians and Newcomers:
Monday – Saturday 6.00 am to 8.00 am; 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
Sunday 6.00 am to 12.00 pm; 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm
The Inner Chamber is open to SAVI registered Volunteers:
Wednesday – Monday 8.00 AM to 8.40 AM. Arrival at 7.45 AM at the Office Gate
The Inner Chamber is open to Aurovilians wishing to accompany a maximum of 5 close family and friends, no more than once in two weeks, with booking 3 to 5 days in advance to mmconcentration@auroville.org.in:
Any day except Tuesday & Sunday: 8.00 am to 8.35 am
Arrival at 7.45 am at the Office Gate
The Inner Chamber, the Petals and the Gardens are open to the Children of Auroville and the Outreach Schools:
Tuesday 9.00 am to 11.00 am
The Auroville units can bring their staff to the Inner Chamber with a prior booking to mmconcentration@auroville.org.in: Tuesday 8.00 am to 8.30 am.
The Petals of the Matrimandir
The Petals are open to Aurovilians, Newcomers and Pass holders
Monday – Sunday 7 AM to 8 AM, Tuesday AM closed.
Daily 5 PM to 6 PM
Access to Matrimandir Viewing Point for Visitors and Guests
The Viewing Point is open to the general public on presentation of a Pass.
Visits to the Matrimandir Viewing Point are free of cost.
Free passes can be obtained at the Auroville Visitors Centre
The Viewing Point lies south of the Park of Unity and offers visitors a panoramic view of the Matrimandir and the Gardens and the Lake.
Timings starting from the Visitors Centre:
Daily: 9.00 AM to 5.30 PM
The Inner Chamber of the Matrimandir
The Inner Chamber is open to Visitors and Guests by prior booking only. Visitors and Guests seeking to concentrate in the Inner Chamber are requested to inquire at the Information Desk of the Visitors Centre after first visiting the Viewing Point. Prior booking is required to access the Inner Chamber at least one or two days in advance. Bookings for concentration are given for the following or the first free day as per availability and are accepted only up to one week in advance. Minimum age 10 years. The Petals are open to visitors on the morning of their Inner Chamber visit.
The Matrimandir website features frequent updates on the progress of the Matrimandir and rich photographs of the Gardens and the Matrimandir itself.
Link: https://matrimandir.org/
Matrimandir Newsletter is a quarterly publication which gives updates on the continuing progress of the works inside and outside the Matrimandir, from the Inner Chamber to the Heliostat, to the Disks, to the Petals, to the Gardens, to the Lake.
Read here: https://auroville.org/page/matrimandir-newsletter
See Also
