Yesterday,I'd been to Pondicherry or Paradise on Earth, if i might add.It was a very memorable experience.I'd like to post a travelogue here for your perusal.
Nested in the southern region of India between lush greens and the Bay of Bengal is the former French colony of Pondycherry aka puducherry.puducherry's beauty lies in its quiet existence and vibrant surrounding.For many people, puducherry is many things. To somebody looking for inner peace, it is the tranquil land that embodies spirituality.For people looking for adventure and fun ,the place is scintillatingly fresh and grand.
First we covered all the temples.We covered as many temples as we could but weren't able to visit Mayilam due to lack of time.After having stayed in a friend's place for about 2 hours,we went straight to Mother's Ashram(Aurobindo Ashram).I can't explain the feeling in mere words.It's something inexpressible.A brief note about the ashram;
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram located on rue de la Marine, is one of the most well known and wealthiest ashrams in India, with devotees from India and all over the world flocking to it for spiritual salvation. Its spiritual tenets represent a synthesis of yoga and modern science. It is open to the public daily between 08-1200 hrs and 1400-1800 hrs. Children below 3 years of age are not allowed into the ashram and photography is allowed only with permission of the ashram authorities.
The Ashram was set up in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo Ghose, one of India’s greatest philosopher-poets, who originally came to Pondy to escape persecution by the British. It was after arriving in puducherry, that he was drawn into the spiritual realm and discovered the power of yoga. His philosophy deeply rooted in yoga and his writings inspired a number of followers.
One of them was a Parisian mystic, painter and musician called Mirra Alfassa, who was so inspired by his philosophy that she stayed on in puducherry and was instrumental in establishment of the ashram. After Aurobindo’s death in 1950, the running of the Ashram was entrusted to his chief disciple 
and companion, Mirra Alfassa, (also known as ‘The Mother’). The idea of Auroville or the “City of Down” was conceived by ‘The Mother’. She died in 1973 at the age of 93.
The ashram’s influence can be felt in most of puducherry. The main ashram building is where the mortal remains of Aurobindo and the Mother are kept. Their ‘Samadhi’ or mausoleum, which is generally surrounded by supplicating devotees, is in the central courtyard under a frangipani tree and is covered daily with flowers.
Now we were led to the meditation hall where the bed used by Him was in display.In the serenr peaceful atmosphere we meditated for sometime and after that,went straight home.It takes about 4 and a half hours to reach chennai from Pondy.
The reason for my sparing so many details is I don't find enough words to write ,let alone post a lengthy travelogue.Now,I reckon it would be best if you can visit the place and experience tranquility.
Got these pics as an email forward.
