Matrimandir

The name of the place means the Mother's Temple and is also known as the Auroville. The name was given after Rishi Aurobindo who believed that all human beings could overcome supernatural conciousness by rigorous meditation. It has a unique shape of a flattened sphere which is coated with golden discs and this is to represent that there are no ends and corners and that the whole world is round like a sphere here. The disadvantage is that not everyone get the permission to meditate here. This can also be taken as an advantage as you can go through the most peaceful experience due to less people here. As you start entering this place, you will have to remove your shoes and be in complete white socks. You will then have to ascend and descent steps to reach an inner chamber which again has two ramps and pillars which do not touch the ceiling. This is to give a feeling that meditation has no limit. Also the white marble is a symbol of peace here and the symbol of flower has 12 petals representing attributes of the Universal Mother. These are responsive, courage, progress, kindness, generosity, sincereity, peace, humility, gratitude, aspiration and perseverence.