Matrimandir - Revision history

Bharat: quick updated information based on references further and corrected details after review

2026-03-21T03:54:11Z

quick updated information based on references further and corrected details after review

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:24, 21 March 2026
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	\| name = Matrimandir		\| name = Matrimandir
	\| native_name = Auroville Matri Mandir		\| native_name = Auroville Matri Mandir
	\| former_names =		\| former_names =
	\| alternate_names =		\| alternate_names =
	\| image = The Matrimandir in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India.jpg		\| image = The Matrimandir in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India.jpg
	\| alt =		\| alt =
	\| caption = Matrimandir		\| caption = Matrimandir
	\| ~~map_type~~ =		\| pushpin_map =
	\| ~~map_alt~~ =		\| pushpin_map_alt =
	\| map_caption =		\| map_caption =
	\| altitude =		\| altitude =
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	\| architectural_style = spherical		\| architectural_style = spherical
	\| structural_system =		\| structural_system =
	\| cost = ~~over one trillion rupees~~		\| cost = 1250 crores
	\| client =		\| client =
	\| owner =		\| owner =
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	\| groundbreaking_date = 21 February 1971		\| groundbreaking_date = 21 February 1971
	\| completion_date = February 2008		\| completion_date = February 2008
	\| inauguration_date =		\| inauguration_date =
	\| renovation_date =		\| renovation_date =
	\| height = 23.5 meters		\| height = 23.5 meters
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	\| floor_area =		\| floor_area =
	\| main_contractor =		\| main_contractor =
	\| architect = [[Mirra Alfassa~~\|The Mother~~]]<br />[[Roger Anger]]		\| architect = [[Mirra Alfassa]]<br />[[Roger Anger]]
	\| architecture_firm =		\| architecture_firm =
	\| structural_engineer =		\| structural_engineer =
	\| services_engineer =		\| services_engineer =
	\| civil_engineer =		\| civil_engineer =
	\| awards =		\| awards =
	\| website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20050617084623/http://www.auroville.org/thecity/matrimandir/mm_main.htm Description of the Matrimandir from Auroville's website]		\| website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20050617084623/http://www.auroville.org/thecity/matrimandir/mm_main.htm Description of the Matrimandir from Auroville's website]
	\| references =		\| references =
	}}		}}

	The '''Matrimandir''' ~~(Sanskrit for ''Temple of the Mother'')~~ is an edifice of spiritual significance for practitioners of [[integral yoga]], in the centre of [[Auroville]] established by [[Mirra Alfassa~~\|the Mother~~]] of the [[Sri Aurobindo Ashram]]. It is called ''~~soul~~ of the ~~city~~'' and is situated in a large open space called ''Peace''.		The '''Matrimandir''' is an edifice of spiritual significance for practitioners of [[integral yoga]] in the centre of [[Auroville]], India established by [[Mirra Alfassa]] of the [[Sri Aurobindo Ashram]], Auroville's spiritual co-founder, known to her followers as The Mother or ''La Mère''. It is called ''Soul of the City'' ([[French language\|French]]: ''L'âme de la Ville'') and situated in a large open space called "Paix" (French for ''Peace''). The Mandir was conceived of in late 1965 as a gleaming sphere rising amid twelve gardens by, who marked a lone banyan tree as the heart of the city. Its foundation stone was laid at sunrise on her 93rd birthday, 21 February 1971, and the four supporting pillars were concreted on 17 November 1973; she died that evening. After decades of work by Aurovilians and craftsmen, the Inner Chamber opened in 1994 and the gold‑clad sphere was completed in May 2008.

			== History ==
			The Matrimandir, a "Temple of the Mother" was conceived as a shining sphere rising from twelve surrounding gardens by Alfassa in late 1965, when she designated a lone [[Banyan\|banyan tree]] as the city's spiritual center.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=The Matrimandir Gardens\|publisher=Auroville \|url=https://auroville.org/page/the-matrimandir-gardens \|access-date=2025-07-15 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|author=Balakumar .M \|date=2020-01-02 \|title=Matrimandir, the Temple of the Mother, Auroville, Pondicherry: the Soul of the city \|url=https://casualwalker.com/matrimandir-the-temple-of-the-mother-auroville-pondicherry-the-soul-of-the-city-visit-travel-guide/ \|access-date=2025-07-15 \|website=Casual Walker\|language=en-US}}</ref> Its foundation stone was laid on 21 February 1971, and excavation of the 14,000 m³ pit by Aurovilians and hired laborers began three weeks later. Concreting of the four supporting pillars was completed at 7:25 pm on 17 November 1973, coinciding with Alfassa's death, after which construction proceeded steadily.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-03-29 \|title=Matrimandir: The Soul of Auroville by Paulette Hadnagy – Overman Foundation \|url=https://overmanfoundation.org/matrimandir-the-soul-of-auroville-by-paulette-hadnagy/ \|access-date=2025-07-15 \|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Brief History of Matrimandir’s Conception {{!}} Auroville \|url=https://auroville.org/page/brief-history-of-matrimandir-s-conception-375 \|access-date=2025-07-15 \|website=auroville.org}}</ref> The Inner Chamber opened to visitors in 1994, and the main golden sphere was finished in 2008, with the surrounding twelve gardens and peripheral lake completed later.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Matrimandir - Auroville Puducherry (Entry Fee, Timings, History, Images & Location) - Puducherry Tourism \|url=https://pondicherrytourism.co.in/matrimandir-auroville-puducherry \|access-date=2025-07-15 \|website=pondicherrytourism.co.in}}</ref>

	==Structure and surroundings==		==Structure and surroundings==
	{{Sri Aurobindo}}		{{Sri Aurobindo}}

	The Matrimandir took 37 years to build, from ~~the~~ laying of the foundation stone at sunrise on 21 February 1971 ~~- the Mother~~'s 93rd birthday - to its completion in May 2008. It is in the form of a huge sphere surrounded by twelve petals. ~~The~~ [[~~Geodesic~~ dome]] ~~is covered by golden discs~~ and ~~reflects~~ sunlight, which gives the structure its characteristic radiance. Inside the central dome is a meditation hall known as the ''inner chamber'' ~~- this~~ contains the largest optically-perfect glass globe in the world. The Matrimandir, and its surrounding gardens in the central Peace ~~Area, is~~ open to the public by appointment.		The Matrimandir took 37 years to build, from laying the foundation stone at sunrise on 21 February 1971 Alfassa's 93rd birthday to its completion in May 2008. It is in the form of a huge sphere surrounded by twelve petals. Golden discs cover the [[geodesic dome]] and reflect sunlight, which gives the structure its characteristic radiance. Inside the central dome is a meditation hall known as the ''inner chamber''. This contains the largest optically perfect glass globe in the world. The Matrimandir and its surrounding gardens in the central "Peace area" are open to the public by appointment.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Visiting the Matrimandir\|publisher=Auroville \|url=https://auroville.org/page/visiting-the-matrimandir \|access-date=2024-04-04}}</ref>

	The four main pillars that support the structure of Matrimandir, and carry the ~~Inner Chamber,~~ have been set at the four main directions of the compass. These four pillars are symbolic of the four aspects of ~~the mother~~ as described by [[Sri Aurobindo]], and ~~are named after these four aspects~~.		The four main pillars that support the structure of Matrimandir and carry the inner chamber have been set at the four main directions of the compass. These four pillars are symbolic of and named after the four aspects of Alfassa as described by [[Sri Aurobindo]]. The North pillar, Mahakali, represents strength, swiftness, warrior resolve, and overwhelming will; the South pillar, Maheshwari, symbolizes tranquil compassion, boundless wisdom, and majestic calm; the East pillar, Mahalakshmi, reflects intricate opulence, grace, and compelling attraction; and the West pillar, Mahasaraswati, stands for deep knowledge, flawless creativity, and precise perfection.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=In sync, ahead of its times! – You and I \|url=https://www.youandi.com/sync-ahead-its-times/ \|access-date=2025-07-15 \|website=www.youandi.com}}</ref>

	{{cquote\|''Four great Aspects of the Mother, four of her leading Powers and Personalities have stood in front in her guidance of this Universe and in her dealings with the terrestrial play''<ref name="q1">Aurobindo, Sri. ''The Mother'' p36-37 (Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust, 1987, {{ISBN\|81-7058-059-5}})</ref>}}		{{cquote\|''Four great Aspects of the Mother, four of her leading Powers and Personalities have stood in front in her guidance of this Universe and in her dealings with the terrestrial play''<ref name="q1">Aurobindo, Sri. ''The Mother'' p36-37 (Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust, 1987, {{ISBN\|81-7058-059-5}})</ref>}}
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	\|}		\|}

	<gallery mode=packed heights="~~175px~~">		==Gallery==

			<gallery mode="packed" heights="thumb">
	File:Matrimandir1.JPG\|Matrimandir and the banyan tree, the centre of [[Auroville]]		File:Matrimandir1.JPG\|Matrimandir and the banyan tree, the centre of [[Auroville]]
	File:Matrimandir.JPG\|The Matrimandir in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India		File:Matrimandir.JPG\|The Matrimandir in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India
	File:Matrimandir Auroville Dome.jpg\|The golden discs that build up the Matrimandir dome		File:Matrimandir Auroville Dome.jpg\|The golden discs that build up the Matrimandir dome
			File:Human-sized golden disc of Matrimandir.jpg\|An Auroville volunteer posing next to one of the golden discs used in Matrimandir's dome.
			File:Golden_Mosaic.jpg\|Closeup of one of the golden discs.
	</gallery>		</gallery>

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	==External links==		==External links==
			{{Commons category\|Matrimandir}}
	*[http://www.auroville.org/contents/252 Visiting the Matrimandir]		*[http://www.auroville.org/contents/252 Visiting the Matrimandir] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524154959/https://auroville.org/contents/252 \|date=24 May 2022 }}
	*[http://matacom.com Chronicles of the Inner Chamber] - by the 'Matrimandir Action Committee'		*[http://matacom.com Chronicles of the Inner Chamber] - by the 'Matrimandir Action Committee'
	*		* {{Wikivoyage inline}}

	{{Integral Yoga\|state=expanded}}		{{Integral Yoga\|state=expanded}}
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	[[Category:Auroville]]		[[Category:Auroville]]
	[[Category:Geodesic domes]]		[[Category:Geodesic domes]]


	~~{{India-struct-stub}}~~

Ajay Kumar: Updated the article

2023-07-04T15:39:54Z

Updated the article

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:09, 4 July 2023
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	{{Use dmy dates\|date=May ~~2018~~}}		{{Short description\|Spiritual building in Tamil Nadu, India}}
			{{Use dmy dates\|date=May 2023}}
	{{Use Indian English\|date=May 2018}}		{{Use Indian English\|date=May 2018}}
	{{Infobox building		{{Infobox building
	\| name = Matrimandir		\| name = Matrimandir
	\| native_name = ~~'''~~Auroville Matri Mandir~~'''~~		\| native_name = Auroville Matri Mandir
	\| former_names =		\| former_names =
	\| alternate_names =		\| alternate_names =
	\| image = The Matrimandir in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India.jpg		\| image = The Matrimandir in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India.jpg
	\| alt =		\| alt =
	\| caption = Matrimandir		\| caption = Matrimandir
	\| map_type =		\| map_type =
	\| map_alt =		\| map_alt =
	\| map_caption =		\| map_caption =
	\| altitude =		\| altitude =
	\| building_type =		\| building_type = stainless steel sphere gold plated
	\| architectural_style =		\| architectural_style = spherical
	\| structural_system =		\| structural_system =
	\| cost =		\| cost = over one trillion rupees
	\| client =		\| client =
	\| owner =		\| owner =
	\| location =		\| location =
	\| address =		\| address =
	\| location_town = [[Auroville]], [[Tamil Nadu]]		\| location_town = [[Auroville]], Tamil Nadu
	\| location_country = India		\| location_country = India
	\| coordinates = {{coord\|12.007208\|79.810658\|display=inline,title}}		\| coordinates = {{coord\|12.007208\|79.810658\|display=inline,title}}
	\| groundbreaking_date = 21 February 1971		\| groundbreaking_date = 21 February 1971
	\| completion_date = February 2008		\| completion_date = February 2008
	\| inauguration_date =		\| inauguration_date =
	\| renovation_date =		\| renovation_date =
	\| height =		\| height = 23.5 meters
	\| diameter =		\| diameter =
	\| floor_count =		\| floor_count =
	\| floor_area =		\| floor_area =
	\| main_contractor =		\| main_contractor =
	\| architect = [[Mirra Alfassa\|The Mother]] <br /> [[Roger Anger]]		\| architect = [[Mirra Alfassa\|The Mother]]<br />[[Roger Anger]]
	\| architecture_firm =		\| architecture_firm =
	\| structural_engineer =		\| structural_engineer =
	\| services_engineer =		\| services_engineer =
	\| civil_engineer =		\| civil_engineer =
	\| awards =		\| awards =
	\| website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20050617084623/http://www.auroville.org/thecity/matrimandir/mm_main.htm Description of the Matrimandir from Auroville's website]		\| website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20050617084623/http://www.auroville.org/thecity/matrimandir/mm_main.htm Description of the Matrimandir from Auroville's website]
	\| references =		\| references =
	}}		}}

	The '''Matrimandir''' (Sanskrit for ''Temple of ~~The~~ Mother'') is an edifice of spiritual significance for practitioners of [[~~Integral~~ yoga]], in the centre of [[Auroville]] established by [[Mirra Alfassa\|~~The~~ Mother]] of the [[Sri Aurobindo Ashram]]. It is called ''soul of the city'' and is situated in a large open space called ''Peace''. ~~Matrimandir does not belong to any particular religion or section~~		The '''Matrimandir''' (Sanskrit for ''Temple of the Mother'') is an edifice of spiritual significance for practitioners of [[integral yoga]], in the centre of [[Auroville]] established by [[Mirra Alfassa\|the Mother]] of the [[Sri Aurobindo Ashram]]. It is called ''soul of the city'' and is situated in a large open space called ''Peace''.

	==Structure and surroundings==		==Structure and surroundings==
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	\| width=20% \| '''Name''' \|\| '''Symbolism'''		\| width=20% \| '''Name''' \|\| '''Symbolism'''
	\|-		\|-
	\|\|[[Ishwari\|~~Maheshwari~~]] (south pillar)\|\|"...her personality of calm wideness and comprehending wisdom and tranquil benignity and inexhaustible compassion and sovereign and surpassing majesty and all-ruling greatness".<ref name="q1" />		\|\|[[Ishwari\|Maheswari]] (south pillar)\|\|"...her personality of calm wideness and comprehending wisdom and tranquil benignity and inexhaustible compassion and sovereign and surpassing majesty and all-ruling greatness".<ref name="q1" />
	\|-		\|-
	\|\|[[Mahakali]] (north pillar)\|\|"...her power of splendid strength and irresistible passion, her warrior mood, her overwhelming will, her impetuous swiftness and world-shaking force".<ref name="q1" />		\|\|[[Mahakali]] (north pillar)\|\|"...her power of splendid strength and irresistible passion, her warrior mood, her overwhelming will, her impetuous swiftness and world-shaking force".<ref name="q1" />
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	\|\|[[Mahalakshmi]] (east pillar)\|\|"...vivid and sweet and wonderful with her deep secret of beauty and harmony and fine rhythm, her intricate and subtle opulence, her compelling attraction and captivating grace".<ref name="q1" />		\|\|[[Mahalakshmi]] (east pillar)\|\|"...vivid and sweet and wonderful with her deep secret of beauty and harmony and fine rhythm, her intricate and subtle opulence, her compelling attraction and captivating grace".<ref name="q1" />
	\|-		\|-
	\|\|[[Mahasaraswati]] (west pillar)\|\|"...equipped with her close and profound capacity of intimate knowledge and careful flawless work and quiet and exact perfection in all things".<ref name="q1" />		\|\|[[Mahasaraswati\|Mahasaraswathi]] (west pillar)\|\|"...equipped with her close and profound capacity of intimate knowledge and careful flawless work and quiet and exact perfection in all things".<ref name="q1" />
	\|}		\|}

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	File:Matrimandir1.JPG\|Matrimandir and the banyan tree, the centre of [[Auroville]]		File:Matrimandir1.JPG\|Matrimandir and the banyan tree, the centre of [[Auroville]]
	File:Matrimandir.JPG\|The Matrimandir in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India		File:Matrimandir.JPG\|The Matrimandir in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India
			File:Matrimandir Auroville Dome.jpg\|The golden discs that build up the Matrimandir dome
	</gallery>		</gallery>

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	==External links==		==External links==
	~~{{Commons category\|Matrimandir}}~~
	*[http://www.auroville.org/contents/252 Visiting the Matrimandir]		*[http://www.auroville.org/contents/252 Visiting the Matrimandir]
	*[http://matacom.com Chronicles of the Inner Chamber] - by the 'Matrimandir Action Committee'		*[http://matacom.com Chronicles of the Inner Chamber] - by the 'Matrimandir Action Committee'
	* ~~{{Wikivoyage-inline}}~~		*

	{{Integral Yoga\|state=expanded}}		{{Integral Yoga\|state=expanded}}

->ClueBot NG: Reverting possible vandalism by 2409:4071:EA0:573F:F85D:B3F:75F9:9E4D to version by Serols. Report False Positive? Thanks, ClueBot NG. (4056194) (Bot)

2021-10-12T09:07:11Z

Reverting possible vandalism by 2409:4071:EA0:573F:F85D:B3F:75F9:9E4D to version by Serols. Report False Positive? Thanks, ClueBot NG. (4056194) (Bot)

← Older revision	Revision as of 14:37, 12 October 2021
(No difference)

>Johnpacklambert: /* External links */

2021-02-04T21:18:35Z

External links

New page

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2018}}
{{Infobox building
| name = Matrimandir
| native_name = '''Auroville Matri Mandir'''
| former_names =
| alternate_names =
| image = The Matrimandir in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Matrimandir
| map_type =
| map_alt =
| map_caption =
| altitude =
| building_type =
| architectural_style =
| structural_system =
| cost =
| client =
| owner =
| location =
| address =
| location_town = [[Auroville]], [[Tamil Nadu]]
| location_country = India
| coordinates = {{coord|12.007208|79.810658|display=inline,title}}
| groundbreaking_date = 21 February 1971
| completion_date = February 2008
| inauguration_date =
| renovation_date =
| height =
| diameter =
| floor_count =
| floor_area =
| main_contractor =
| architect = [[Mirra Alfassa|The Mother]] <br /> [[Roger Anger]]
| architecture_firm =
| structural_engineer =
| services_engineer =
| civil_engineer =
| awards =
| website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20050617084623/http://www.auroville.org/thecity/matrimandir/mm_main.htm Description of the Matrimandir from Auroville's website]
| references =
}}

The '''Matrimandir''' (Sanskrit for ''Temple of The Mother'') is an edifice of spiritual significance for practitioners of [[Integral yoga]], in the centre of [[Auroville]] established by [[Mirra Alfassa|The Mother]] of the [[Sri Aurobindo Ashram]]. It is called ''soul of the city'' and is situated in a large open space called ''Peace''. Matrimandir does not belong to any particular religion or section

==Structure and surroundings==
{{Sri Aurobindo}}

The Matrimandir took 37 years to build, from the laying of the foundation stone at sunrise on 21 February 1971 - the Mother's 93rd birthday - to its completion in May 2008. It is in the form of a huge sphere surrounded by twelve petals. The [[Geodesic dome]] is covered by golden discs and reflects sunlight, which gives the structure its characteristic radiance. Inside the central dome is a meditation hall known as the ''inner chamber'' - this contains the largest optically-perfect glass globe in the world. The Matrimandir, and its surrounding gardens in the central Peace Area, is open to the public by appointment.

The four main pillars that support the structure of Matrimandir, and carry the Inner Chamber, have been set at the four main directions of the compass. These four pillars are symbolic of the four aspects of the mother as described by [[Sri Aurobindo]], and are named after these four aspects.

{{cquote|''Four great Aspects of the Mother, four of her leading Powers and Personalities have stood in front in her guidance of this Universe and in her dealings with the terrestrial play''<ref name="q1">Aurobindo, Sri. ''The Mother'' p36-37 (Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust, 1987, {{ISBN|81-7058-059-5}})</ref>}}

{| class="wikitable"
| width=20% | '''Name''' || '''Symbolism'''
|-
||[[Ishwari|Maheshwari]] (south pillar)||"...her personality of calm wideness and comprehending wisdom and tranquil benignity and inexhaustible compassion and sovereign and surpassing majesty and all-ruling greatness".<ref name="q1" />
|-
||[[Mahakali]] (north pillar)||"...her power of splendid strength and irresistible passion, her warrior mood, her overwhelming will, her impetuous swiftness and world-shaking force".<ref name="q1" />
|-
||[[Mahalakshmi]] (east pillar)||"...vivid and sweet and wonderful with her deep secret of beauty and harmony and fine rhythm, her intricate and subtle opulence, her compelling attraction and captivating grace".<ref name="q1" />
|-
||[[Mahasaraswati]] (west pillar)||"...equipped with her close and profound capacity of intimate knowledge and careful flawless work and quiet and exact perfection in all things".<ref name="q1" />
|}

<gallery mode=packed heights="175px">
File:Matrimandir1.JPG|Matrimandir and the banyan tree, the centre of [[Auroville]]
File:Matrimandir.JPG|The Matrimandir in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Matrimandir}}
*[http://www.auroville.org/contents/252 Visiting the Matrimandir]
*[http://matacom.com Chronicles of the Inner Chamber] - by the 'Matrimandir Action Committee'
* {{Wikivoyage-inline}}

{{Integral Yoga|state=expanded}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Sri Aurobindo]]
[[Category:Meditation]]
[[Category:Tourism in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Visionary environments]]
[[Category:1971 establishments in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Auroville]]
[[Category:Geodesic domes]]

{{India-struct-stub}}