Matrimandir, Meditation structure in Auroville, India
The Matrimandir is a golden sphere at the center of Auroville covered with reflective brass discs that gleam in the sunlight. Inside, a meditation chamber features white marble walls and a crystal sphere that gathers light through an opening in the roof above.
Construction started in 1971 with the laying of the foundation stone and took roughly 36 years to complete. The building was created as the central vision for Auroville's planned community.
The building serves as the spiritual center of Auroville, drawing people from many backgrounds who gather there for quiet reflection. Visitors experience a sense of shared purpose as they move through the space in silence.
Visitors must first visit the Visitors Centre and watch an introductory film before entering the meditation area. The experience is best enjoyed in early morning hours when fewer people are present and the space feels quieter.
The crystal sphere inside the chamber sits positioned so that a ray of sunlight strikes it directly, scattering light throughout the space. This interplay of natural light and crystal creates a visually calm effect without any artificial lighting.
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