Matrimandir

Matrimandir is the central edifice of Auroville, an experimental township near Puducherry on the Tamil Nadu border. Conceived by The Mother (Mirra Alfassa) as the soul of Auroville, it is a large golden geodesic sphere surrounded by twelve petals and extensive gardens. It is not a temple but a place for silent concentration and meditation, noted for its distinctive architecture and symbolism of human unity.

Visitors can view the golden spherical structure from a designated viewing point surrounded by landscaped gardens, twelve meditation petals and a Banyan tree. General visitors view the exterior only. Access to the Inner Chamber with its white marble interior and large crystal globe for silent concentration is by free advance booking and requires silence. The Auroville Visitor Centre provides passes, an exhibition and video introduction.

Conceived by The Mother (Mirra Alfassa), co-founder of Auroville, as the soul of the township. Foundation stone laid on 21 February 1971, designed by architect Roger Anger. Construction lasted from 1971 to 2008, with the Inner Chamber completed and opened for concentration in 2008. It embodies Auroville's aim of human unity and spiritual research.

Considered the spiritual and physical centre of Auroville, symbolizing human unity and aspiration. It serves as a place for silent concentration open to all, without religious rituals or images, reflecting the integral yoga philosophy of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. The twelve petals and gardens represent qualities of consciousness.