What is the Matrimandir?

The interviews attempt to shed light on questions such as what effect the Matrimandir has on the individuals visiting it, on humanity and on the planet. The author herself clearly felt the immense power of the Matrimandir and experienced different stages of intensity when she went close to it, entered it and entered the Inner Chamber. Other experiences are shared by the interviewees, many of whom state that it is the Matrimandir that makes Auroville what it is and they would not have stayed in Auroville if it wasn’t for the Matrimandir. Some interviewees also share their experiences when they were involved in the construction of the building and its gardens.

The interviews, writes Iris, “have given me the opportunity to live uplifting moments listening to the very deep, sincere and ‘lightful’ experiences of people in contact with the Matrimandir ... people talking about the beautiful part of their being, an intimate part that they may not often speak of in the outside world, the one which shines out from their depths.”

The 300-page book also has pages describing the various components of the Matrimandir, and carries excerpts from an interview with architect Roger Anger, from The Journal of the Matrimandir by Ruud Lohman, and selected chapters from Georges van Vrekhem’s books Beyond Man and The Mother and from Paulette Hadnagy’s book Matrimandir – Vision for an ever evolving concept.

What is the Matrimandir - the most mysterious monument of modern times. Available from Auroville bookshops and SABDA.

Price in India Rs 450.