At the very centre of Auroville one finds the 'soul of the city', the Matrimandir, situated in a large open area called 'Peace', from where the township radiates outwards. The atmosphere is quiet and charged, and the area beautiful, even though work continues in the Gardens.
To visit the Matrimandir Viewing Point and the Inner Chamber please go tothispage.
The Mother on Matrimandir as a Symbol and Force
Matrimandir is here to teach people that it is not by escaping from the world while ignoring it, that they will realise the Divine in life. Matrimandir must be the symbol of this Truth. I don't want it to be made into a religion; with all my force I refuse. We don't want dogmas, principles, ritual, absolutely not, absolutely not.
Q.: Why do we build Matrimandir?
For the great majority of Indians there is no need for an explanation; they know from their background; it is for the Westerners and the Americans of whom one in a million is able to feel that it is necessary.
Q.: Will the Force be more specially concentrated in Matrimandir?
The new Force works everywhere, especially in this room. You feel it, don't you? There is here a density capable of performing miracles, but few are able to feel it, to perceive it. Sri Aurobindo and I have concentrated this Force on the whole town; it is palpable, perceptible as a very concrete perfume which penetrates, but one must be able to feel it, to receive it. But no miracles as people would like to see; for them to believe, they need material proofs without which they deny. Build Matrimandir; put in place my symbol and Sri Aurobindo’s and the suspended globe. I take it upon myself to make it into a very powerful centre. Only those who are capable will perceive it.
(Noted down by Roger Anger after a conversation, 07.71)
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And let it not become a religion, for heaven’s sake!
(Verbal, 31.12.69)
