Matrimandir – The Soul of Auroville and a Symbol of Universal Unity Matrimandir, meaning "Temple of The Mother" in Sanskrit, is a majestic and deeply spiritual structure located at the heart of Auroville, a unique experimental township founded by The Mother, spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo. Known as the soul of Auroville, the Matrimandir is a place of silent concentration, inner reflection, and peace — open to people of all nationalities and faiths. Unlike traditional temples, Matrimandir does not belong to any specific religion or sect, making it a universal space for spiritual growth and self-discovery. It stands in a vast area known as the Peace Area, reinforcing its tranquil and meditative ambiance.
A Dream of Human Unity: The Vision of The Mother The concept of Auroville was envisioned by The Mother in June 1965, where she spoke of creating a “universal town where men and women of all countries could live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics, and all nationalities.” The ultimate goal of Auroville is the realization of human unity. At the center of this utopian city, The Mother envisioned a unique spiritual space — initially referred to as the Pavilion of Truth, Pavilion of Divine Love, or Pavilion of the Mother. Eventually, she named it Matrimandir, translated into English as “The Mother’s Shrine.”
Architecture of the Matrimandir The Matrimandir is a massive golden sphere with an inner chamber designed for quiet concentration. The inner chamber is lit only by a single ray of sunlight, which reflects off the largest optically perfect glass globe in the world. The entire design inspires awe and a deep sense of stillness and introspection, aligned with the principles of Integral Yoga.
Visitor Guidelines and Booking Information If you are planning to visit this spiritual landmark in Auroville, here is essential information for your visit: Pass Issuing Timings (Visitors’ Centre):
Note for First-Time Visitors: Booking must be made in person by each individual wishing to visit the Matrimandir. Bookings are done at the Visitors’ Centre Booking Office, any day except Tuesday, between: