Faith in Pondy was split largely between normal Hinduism, implanted Catholicism, a spot of Islam and the hippy a-religious idealism of Auroville and the Aurobindon ashram scene.
Founded in 1968 by French-Indian cultist Mirra Alfassa AKA The Mother, from an idea by creepy guru Sri Aurobindo, Auroville is your classic hippy idealist commune with no leaders, one vision, leave your troubles at the doorstep and your wallet in reception. Did Sexy Sadie and the Beatles teach us nothing?
Dwelt in mainly by white westerners, who seem to spend a lot of time thinking about pure, universal love and harmony and stuff, the initial aim was for a population of 50,000. 50 years on, there are currently about 2,500.
I'm not sure who does all the graft around here, what with all that meditation going on, but I only saw one white face among the Auroville welcoming area staff, and she was telling an Indian woman what to do. The general population live out of sight. Meeting them depends on your successful application to join their community.
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| The Auroville logo. Just don't mention 'Lost' |
The focal point of all this wondrousness is the Matrimandir, a huge golden lotus leaf-based building which first time visitors get to gaze at for free.
Constructed in beautifully landscaped grounds, again I'm wondering how many local villagers does it take to build Paradise from a barren patch of ground?
If you're interested in spending time here, you can come back tomorrow, maybe to be allowed into the Matrimandir, but only if you fulfil the criteria.
I'm guessing 'solvent' 'lost' and 'easily led' are in the top five.
Meanwhile back in town, proper old fashioned religion is on display in the shape of some fabulously kitsch Catholic churches and cathedrals. Neon Madonnas? Flashing Jesuses? You got it!
Thank God (and Saint Roch) for Indian Catholics.
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| Roch 'n' (bread) Roll: You Ain't Nothin But A Hound Dog, Love Knee Tender, etc |
Disney land. comes to mind carole
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