Matrimandir Accesibility

Mother’s Message for the laying of the Matrimandir foundation-stone

“Let the Matrimandir be the living symbol of Auroville’s aspiration for the Divine.“

Bridging Access to the Inner Sanctum of Matrimandir: A Journey of Collaboration and Gratitude

In the heart of Auroville lie the beautiful Matrimandir Gardens, with the golden sphere of Matrimandir at the center, and within that, the vast, silent, circular marble meditation chamber. Visitors come from around the world to meditate in this space and immerse themselves in the profound stillness it offers.

Matrimandir was designed with great inspiration, through many conversations between Mirra Alfasa, the founder of Auroville and architect Roger Anger, and it was built over decades through the dedication of Aurovilians, local villagers, and the generosity of donors from around the world. However, when its design took shape in the 1970s, awareness around accessibility for people with diverse mobility needs was not as present as it is today. Over the years, Matrimandir workers have sometimes carried visitors up its staircases, but the broader accessibility challenges remained unresolved.

This February, conversations began between AVI USA and key members of the Matrimandir executive team to seek practical solutions. This collaboration was inspired by the heartfelt concern of RP Rama and his wife Daxa, who shared their personal story of helping family members with mobility challenges access the inner chamber.

RP Rama recalls:

“It all started with a birthday visit for Daxa in March with my sister Pushpa (Popi), who has knee problems and had to be transported in a wheelchair to the inner chamber. She imagined others facing similar pain trying to access this sacred space. I was thinking the same when I brought my Auntie Shanti, who at age 83 was also assisted in a wheelchair to the inner chamber. Since then, we have constantly thought about other seniors not being able to meditate there.”

“Why should seniors be deprived of this experience because of their physical challenges? That question kept growing. Finally, one idea gave birth to another to solve all the challenges. We were afraid the board and trustees wouldn’t want to alter the design just for aesthetics, but I am glad they supported the common cause.”

Rama shared the deeper personal motivation behind their generosity:

“Our contribution was in gratitude to the Divine for taking care of my son Hiren and my wife Daxa during a health issue. That was the driving force—how else can we thank the Divine except through our Seva?”

At AVI USA, bridging generous hearts with practical action is at the core of what we do. We are deeply grateful to the donors like RP Rama and Daxa who inspire us all through their seva. We also warmly acknowledge the Matrimandir executive team, who after many years of conversations, embraced the opportunity to collaborate and find workable solutions.

Here are the accessibility challenges we are helping to address together:

Garden pathways: The 250-meter walk from the Matrimandir office across a small bridge and through uneven garden paths will now be accessible with two newly purchased automatic wheelchairs. These chairs can be controlled either by the person in the chair or by an attendant.
First-level access: An automatic step-climbing wheelchair will assist visitors up the wide granite steps to the first level of Matrimandir.
Access to the second level (at the bottom of the ramp to the inner chamber): A custom chair lift is being developed to transport visitors up the elegant white marble spiral staircase. It will fold away discreetly when not in use, preserving the aesthetics of the space.
Ramp entry to the inner chamber: For the two small steps at the base of the ramp leading into the inner chamber, the team is researching a removable or permanent ramp extension to allow existing automatic wheelchairs to move smoothly from the second level onto the ramp.

The Matrimandir executive team shares their heartfelt thanks:

“This comes to you from all of us here with gratitude and thanks for your generous offering. Your contribution and support for Matrimandir is greatly appreciated. We are especially grateful to you for your encouragement to resolve the accessibility issues at Matrimandir. This issue has been pending for a long time now and you are giving us just the push we need to find a good solution now. Thank you so much.”

We at AVI USA are honored to serve as a bridge—connecting heartfelt intentions with practical outcomes—so that Matrimandir’s inner sanctum can be experienced by all, regardless of mobility.

If you have questions or comments or would like to curate a donation to one of project partners – please contact us at info@aviusa.org.