Sri Aurobindo Ashram is the main tourist attraction of Pondicherry. Sri Aurobindo was a strong freedom fighter of the pre-Gandhian era. He came to Pondicherry in 1910 following spiritual Adesh (voice or order). It was then a French territory where he remained for ever practicing Yoga. A French lady, Mirra known as the Mother later joined him. Thereafter, the number of his followers increased and thus the Ashram was set up.
Sri Aurobindo took his retirement and got secluded in 1926, Mother took over the entire responsibility of the Ashram. The Ashram started growing in leaps and bounds since then. Now, there are about 2000 inmates and Sadhakas practicing in action the integral or supra-mental yoga of Sri Aurobindo. Sri Aurobindo and the Mother`s samadhis are enshrined in the main Ashram building. It is kept open to public from 8.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m. with a break from 12.00 noon to 3 p.m.
The visitors arriving there in the Ashram by 9.00 a.m. can visit the room where Sri Aurobindo stayed and did his super spiritual work by taking special permission. The things used by Sri Aurobindo and a rare collection of beautiful artifacts can also be seen in the Ashram. The books of Sri Aurobindo can be bought from the reception counter of the Ashram. The pictures, calendars and diaries related to Aurobindo and the Mother can be also availed from here. Any kind of information, related to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram can be collected from here.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram runs many educational institutions. They also run the gymnasia and the playground activities and organise the cultural programmes and exhibitions every now and then. The visitors can also take breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Ashram dining hall by paying a small amount. The accommodation can also be availed at reasonable rates in the Ashram guest-houses scattered nearby. Most of them are filled by those reach early.
During some important days, which are observed in the Ashram, public are allowed to have darshan of Sri Aurobindo`s and the Mother`s rooms. On those days, thousands of devotees gather to have a glance.
The most important days of Sri Aurobindo Ashram are given here:
January 1st: Prosperity Day
February 21st: Mother`s Birthday
August 15th: Sri Aurobindo`s Birthday
November 17th: The Mother`s Samadhi Day
November 24th: Supramental Day
December 5th: Sri Aurobindo`s Samadhi Day
