AUROBINDO ASHRAM
AT
PUDUCHERRY
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is
a spiritual community (ashram) established at Pondicherry, in the Indian territory
of Puducherry, by Sri Aurobindo on the 24 November 1926. At the time there were
few disciples staying with Sri Aurobindo. Sri Aurobindo subsequently
decided to withdraw from public view for continuing His spiritual work and
handed over the responsibility of the Sadhaks (spiritual aspirants) and the
Ashram to His spiritual collaborator The Mother
Sri Aurobindo Ghose is celebrated
philosopher-poet. Born in Kolkata in 1872 to a rich Bengali family, Aurobindo
began the practice of Yoga in 1905 and 5 years later he moved to Pudcherry from
Bengal.
During his 40 years tenure at Puducherry,
Aurobindo worked out a new system of mind development which he called Integral
Yoga. His philosophical writings and poetry-lofty and impenetrable to the
casual reader attract worldwide attention.
Later Mirra Alfassa, a French
painter-sculptor who had followed the same path like Aurobindo, joined him
later. Together, in1926, they founded an ashram where his belief -'All life is
Yoga'- could be put into practice. Later Mirra Alfassa, came to be known
as the Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
It was
the Mother who launched the community of Auroville, which flourishes ten
kilometers outside of Puducherry. After Aurobindo’s death in 1950, the
running of the Ashram was entrusted by Mirra Alfassa. She died in 1973 at the age
of 93.
Administered by the Sri
Aurobindo Ashram Trust, a public charitable trust formed by the Mother in 1955.
the Ashram is located in the eastern part of Puducherry. It is an enchanting
ashram where devotees from India and abroad come from all over the world
By Air
The airport at Pondicherry can accommodate
landing of a small aircraft only and has flights coming in from Bangalore and
Hyderabad. However, you can get a connecting flight if you are coming from
Delhi, Kochi, Kolkata and Mumbai. Chennai is the second nearest domestic as
well as international airport which is approximately 135 kilometres away from
Pondicherry. The Chennai airport is well connected to all major cities across
the globe. Once you reach at the airport, you can hire a private taxi to reach
Pondicherry.
By Train
The nearest rail
station from Pondicherry is Villupuram, which is about 35 kilometres away from
the town. The railhead is well-connected to cities like New Delhi, Kolkata,
Mumbai, Chennai, and Trivandrum. Two of the most popular trains are New Delhi
Pondicherry Express and Nagarcoli Express. Once you reach at the station, you
can hire a taxi that will drive you to the city.
By Bus
There are several
buses that ply frequently from Chennai, Thanjaur, Trichy, Coimbatore, Bangalore
and Madurai to Pondicherry. Both private and state-owned buses are available.
The bus fare will depend upon the distance covered.
