Yoga in Auroville, India
Auroville is an international community and Yoga centre located in the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu in India founded in the year 1968 by a French-Indian Yoga Teacher Mirra Alfassa, known fondly as The Mother. The Mother designed Auroville as an experimental township to promote human unity and spiritual growth all around the world.
Auroville stands as a global community where people of diverse backgrounds regardless of creed, nationality, or political affiliations, coexist in peaceful and progressive harmony. It serves the noble goal of achieving human unity amidst the richness of our differences. Auroville township is inspired by the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, who advocates the evolution of consciousness and the realization of human unity.
Auroville acclaims a diverse cultural landscape, wherein the residents are from different countries from all around the world hence bringing in their traditions, customs and languages. The community values sustainable living, eco-friendly practices and amalgamation of arts, culture and religion. Auroville promotes a collective and participatory approach to decision-making, with the Auroville Residents’ Assembly which is the active governing body for the community residents. The Matrimandir , is a golden spherical structure in the centre of Auroville, designed by French architect Roger Anger which is an edifice of spiritual significance for practitioners of integral yoga.
The beautiful township of Auroville is recognized in the world for its attention on yoga practices, meditation and spiritual growth on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother Mirra Alfassa. The strong foundation is set by Mother Mirra Alfassa emphasizing on the integral yoga and the evolution of consciousness along with spiritual upliftment. The various types of yoga classes and courses in Auroville include the Hatha, Iyengar, and Ashtanga Yoga, the various meditation programs, yoga workshops and yoga retreats conducted by its experienced teachers and practitioners all around the year. It also hosts spiritual gatherings, talks and events like the eight-day festival celebrating The Mother’s birth anniversary in February.