Last August, I ventured to Auroville, an unplanned visit, prompted by the need to sort out visa-related work in Chennai. I hoped to get a spouse visa that would permit me to stay with my Malaysian wife for longer than a month. The pandemic had kept me in India for almost three years, and as soon as the international borders opened, I made up my mind to obtain a visa. The process was complicated, and I had to obtain a letter of reference from the Malaysian immigration department after visiting the country on a tourist visa. I anticipated that the process would be brief, but I was informed that it would take two weeks.
With time to kill, I decided to travel to Auroville, an experimental community that had always fascinated me. I chose Verite Guesthouse, an exquisite Auroville property, for my stay, where I experienced the rhythms of life in this alternative community. The bus dropped me off at Pondicherry, and from there, I took an autorickshaw to Auroville. The guesthouse was a stone's throw away from Matrimandir, the visitor's center, and other attractions.
My room was basic yet cozy, with two massive windows that offered stunning views and a ledge that could be used to sit or store personal effects. The property was massive, with a hall where yoga sessions were held every morning and evening. I was delighted to learn that breakfast was complimentary and included idli, sambhar, chutney, fruits, and herbal tea. Although my room did not have an attached bathroom, I didn't mind because the shared bathroom was clean. The highlight of my stay was the open shower without a ceiling, which provided the sensation of standing under a forest waterfall.
Fortune smiled upon me during my visit to Auroville, as they were commemorating Aurobindo Ghosh's 150th birth anniversary and India's 75th independence anniversary, and had organized several cultural events. Some were free, while others charged nominal fees. I attended a talk at Savitri Bhavan and listened intently to the wise words of a senior American resident of Auroville, who had known the Mother, as he spoke of the profound significance of flowers and their symbolic representation. The event was informative and opened my mind to new perspectives.
One memorable experience that has remained etched in my mind is the sound healing workshop that I attended at Unity Pavilion, organized by SVARAM. The workshop was an immersive experience, where we lay down in a circle with our eyes closed, while the skilled musicians played a unique blend of instruments. The instruments included percussion, didgeridoo, and others that were handcrafted in Auroville. As the musicians played, the sounds they created seemed to take me on a journey to different landscapes. At one moment, I was transported to the vastness of the desert, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin and the sand between my toes. In another moment, I found myself on the shoreline of an ocean, with the sound of waves crashing against the shore. Then, I was whisked away to the tranquility of the mountains, surrounded by lush greenery and fresh mountain air. The sounds seemed to have a magical effect, creating a sense of peace and relaxation within me.
One of the highlights of my trip was a visit to Matrimandir. During my previous visit, I had only seen the outside, but this time I wanted to explore the interior. As the sun rose on a Saturday morning, I eagerly made my way to Matrimandir, longing to explore its inner sanctum. Having expressed my desire to see the inside through an email, I was given the rare opportunity to enter. As I arrived, I was given a briefing on the history and significance of the Matrimandir, along with strict instructions on what was allowed and not allowed inside. We began our journey at the serene lotus pond, where we sat in a circle, surrounded by the peaceful stillness of the water. I was transported to a state of ethereal mysticism, my soul feeling lighter than ever before. Moving forward, we reached the inner chambers, where we sat in deep meditation for what felt like a fleeting moment, but was nearly half an hour in reality. The experience left me feeling spiritually awakened and eternally grateful.
While riding my rented bike through Auroville, I stumbled upon Buddha Garden, a lush and carefully tended haven run by an elderly English resident named Priya. Clipping microgreens with expert precision, a group of volunteers welcomed me to join them in their work. As the morning progressed, the sun grew stronger, but we continued undaunted, our efforts bearing fruit. Sharing a lovingly prepared breakfast, I formed close bonds with the volunteers, who spoke passionately of Auroville's beauty and encouraged me to explore its offerings. They recommended a play at the Matrimandir amphitheater. I was fortunate to attend that play on the last day in the evening. It transported me to another world of heavenly beings, enraptured by the performance and the august setting.
I was transported to a gastronomic paradise during my stay in Auroville. As I stepped out of my guesthouse, I was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked meals wafting from one of the finest restaurants in Auroville, Naturellement. The restaurant was a true gem with a stunning garden and a cozy indoor area to sit. The atmosphere was so inviting that I could have spent hours there, basking in the tranquility of the surroundings while savoring every bite of the fresh, wholesome, and nutritious food, accompanied by amazing smoothies that were a feast for the senses.
But that was not all! The Solar Kitchen was yet another delightful culinary experience. The food there was prepared using the power of the sun, and it was a sight to behold. Every day, they churned out 1000 lunches, with more than half of them being donated to schools. The flavorsome meals consisted of millets, pulses, and vegetables, which left me feeling nourished and energized.
On one of my days in Auroville, I visited Solitude Farm, a permaculture farm run by Krishna McKenzie. As I arrived early, I decided to try one of their smoothies, hesitantly opting for the Jackfruit smoothie. To my delight, it was delicious. I saw a group of city-dwelling Indians taking part in the permaculture course offered at the farm. While I waited for lunch, I sat on a beautiful swing made of a huge wooden plank with a wide base, watching the activity around me. The farm's outdoor cafe served a wholesome lunch of millets, vegetables, and lentils, complemented by the farm's fresh produce. The atmosphere was serene, and I felt in harmony with nature.
As a lover of all things bakery, I could not resist the temptation of the Auroville Bakery. The moment I walked in, the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked goodies greeted me, and I knew I was in for a treat. I indulged in the best croissants I have ever tasted, and each bite was a moment of sheer bliss.
As my stay in Auroville came to an end, I found myself reminiscing about the unforgettable culinary experiences I had. I carried with me the sweet memories of my time at Buddha Garden, the bonds of friendship that I had formed, and a deep sense of gratitude for the unforgettable experiences that I had been blessed to have. I had collected my visa after a day trip to Chennai and had come back to Auroville. But as I bid adieu to this magical place, I knew in my heart that I would come back again, not just for the enchanting surroundings but for the soul-satisfying culinary delights that had captured my heart and taste buds.