Take up 'One Idea...'

We do Hereby Resolve… | II MA English

Towards the fag end of the calendar year, on 21st December 2022, I had asked our II MA students to write down on the White Marker Board in class, ‘That one quality that they would resolve to work on, in the New Year?’

One idea or one idée fixe!

So what, pray, is an idée fixe?

Well, the term is a 19th-century French coinage, which owes its currency to the renowned French writer Honoré de Balzac who had first used the term in his 1830 novella titled, Gobseck. Idée fixe would hence connote to mean, an obsessive idea, a persistent preoccupation that dominates a person’s mind. Although the word has gathered a pejorative label over the years, many still continue to use it in its original, positive connotation as well.

In this regard, the collective responses we received in class [on each of our idée fixes], were quite inspiring, and gave a lot of cues and clues to everyone present to collectively emulate the resolves of each and every one of us.

As Swami Vivekananda rightly says,

Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life - think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.

So here goes ours…

ARCHANA: To be expressive.

B PREETHI: Listen and Observe People.

BASILEA: Ignoring unwanted comments.

CATHLIN: Stop procrastinating.

FANNY: To master the art of saying ‘no’.

GAYATHRI: Stop expecting anything in return, work on yourself, and try to increase your potential.

JEAN: To take things as they are. To accept things as they are.

JENISHA: Not to stress over simple things and to be happy.

KAVYA R: Stop responding to toxicity / Shun toxicity.

LIZA: Improve patience-level.

PINKY: Cherish/Value whoever values me.

PREESHA: Faith over Fear

PREETHI M: Never lose hope

PRINCY: Make time for what/who matters. Setting ‘Priorities’

SANDHYALAKSHMI: To be more productive, and not neglect the ‘little steps’.

SRUTHI: Productive ‘me-time’ regularly.

SUNYOGITA: Love myself. Invest in myself.

TAMILKANI: Do things that I like/love.

ABISHEKH: Spend time with my parents.

ALAN: Don’t be a prisoner of the past. It was a lesson, not a life sentence.

ELANITHI: Love all the simple things in life.

GANESH: Stop Overthinking.

GLADSON: Be on time (punctual).

SANKEY: Being helpful to others as much as I can.

SOLOMON: MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT. STOP WAVERING.

THE TEACHER: To try and read at least one good book every week! No excuses!

And well, here’s wishing us all godspeed in our idée fixes!

'We interviewed a native of that place - an elderly Shiva baktha, who gave us the history and the myth behind this Temple'

EXPERIENCING THE GLORIOUS PAST

Vivilia. D | I MA ENGLISH

As the famous quote says, "Architecture is the biggest unwritten document of History". On these lines, I wanted to choose something unique for my presentation, and so I chose one of the oldest Chola temples built over 1100 years ago, that is located quite near my home.

This temple has its own uniqueness. I thought of introducing this beautiful stately and elevated Temple to my well-being as I was amazed by seeing it.

The temple’s name is ‘Dheenupuriswarar Temple’. It was once called as ‘Sittraerinadhar Temple’. It is located in Madambakkam.

This temple was built by the Chola king ‘Sundara Chola (Parantaka Chola II)’, father of Raja Raja Chola I. The temple was built between 956-973 AD. The Cholas built their temples in their traditional way of Pallava Dynasty, Dravidian style. This temple is conserved and restored under the 'Archaeological Survey of India'.

My friends and myself – we went to this temple in my car. It was a very drizzling moist and chill evening. It felt like our travel was going from a suburb to a village. We were deceived by the Google timings of the temple and went an hour early before the temple could open. We parked our car and started to view the temple pond. It was so fresh and filled with trees around it.

We were quite astonished on seeing the location of the temple. We felt the fresh air from the huge trees and the pond. It made us to relax our mind from our hectic week-long work.

It was a bad day for me as I and my father met with a minor accident even though I was wounded physically, I somehow wanted to go to the temple and finish my documentary, but the climate and the fresh breeze changed my mindset and took me to me to the glorious past. The pond was so huge. We took some clips of the pond and entered the temple as a clock strike to 5.

It was a temple without ‘Gopuram’ (entrance of Hindu temple), it was so strange to see a temple without Gopuram.

The temple had a huge wooden entrance door which welcomed us. We entered the temple facing the huge Kodimaram (sacred pole) of the temple, it was under renovation.

Then we entered the 'Nuzhaivayal'(entrance). We were so amazed and confound by the sculptures in the pillars of the temple. A number of fine inscriptions and sculptures dating to Chola Dynasty are also preserved. 

We saw the sculptures of Lord Sarabeswara, Lord Vinayaka with Veena, Lord Muruga on his elephant holding his cock on one hand, Brahma  worshipping Lord Shiva, Lord Shiva sitting on the snake Vasuki, Lord Dakshinamurthy with his consort, Sri Hanuman  worshipping Raman, Brahma with his five faces, and also a 'kalvettu'( inscription). These sculptures were visual treat to our eyes. 

Then we saw a huge Olden temple bell hanged in sculptured karungal pillar (black stone).

Next we saw a 'Annadhanam Kudam’, it provided free food for poor people. It was offered by the devotees or by the temple. Then we went around the temple and we could find many unique sculptures. There were many 'Balipidam' (place to offer food for God) around the temple. 

We also saw Nandi and Elephant sculptures near the 'Nuzhaivuvayal'. We also saw the cornerstone with some inscription on it. Then we entered the temple's 'Mandappam' (hall). My friend said they usually the ‘Mandappam’ kept closed except the festival times, else it will be covered with the cloth.

Then we saw the 'Anaya Vizhaku'(traditional Pooja lamp covered at the top, which can be lit for longer hours) showcase in a glass Steel stand. Next was the place where 'Dheenu' (Cow) is worshiped, the reason behind this huge Temple.

We interviewed a native of that place he was an old Shiva bakthan, he gave us the history and the myth behind this Temple. It was King Shantanu Chola's ‘Asvamegham Yathra’; he sends his horse, by seeing ‘Kapila’ Maharishi's meditation it stopped.

This was misunderstood by the king and he brought his army to wage war against Sage Kapila. Kapila destroys his opponent with its meditational power after destroying meditates to Lord Shiva to give him 'saba vimoksha' (to relieve from his curse). He mistakenly holds Lord Shiva Lingam in his left hand Lord Shiva turns Kapila maharishi into an 'Karapasu' (a type of cow which is considered auspicious in Hindu religion, it took only medicinal plant and herbs for its meal , it is completely black in colour).

This Karapasu always pours its milk on a mounted soil. One day the Yadhavar sees this, in anger he hits the cow with the stone, the stone hit's on the cow and falls on the 'Suyambu Lingam'  mounted under the soil. The Karapasu cries out loud in pain and blood.

The pond turned into blood. Then Lord Shiva gives Kapila the 'saba Vimoksha'. Then he also said the worship of ‘Lord Sarbaswarar’ started when a blind sage from Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mailapur told the sithar's to worship Sarbeshwara, an unique and unseen Avatar of Lord Shiva, from then the temple is also famous for ‘Sarbeshwara Pooja’ on Sundays.

Then we entered the ‘Karuvarai’ (sanctum). It is the womb Chamber of the entire Temple and it was small in size. The Pujari was performing his Poojas for ‘Mulavar- Dheenupureswarar’ and ‘Thayar-Dhenukambal’.

The Suyambu Lingam (self manifested Lingam) is present inside the karuvarai. It is too small in size (6 inches tall and three finger size bottom). It bears the scar caused by the cow's rare leg and also the stone attack, one of the uniqueness of this temple.

‘The Main Sanctum’- Gajabrishtam (sitting of an elephant's hip position) in shape. It is also termed as apsidal, was also the uniqueness of this temple. We can also see others Sanathies (shrine) like Lord Vinayaga Perumal, Lord Muruga Perumal, Durgai Amman and Kala Bairavar.

We also saw old bronze lamps. We saw a beautiful creative architect of a pipe from Lord Dheenupuriswarar; the devotees get their blessings from their lord through the outlet pipe from the Karuvarai.

We came out of the sanctum, once more we went around the temple to see the 'ther vehicle' (the temple car). There were two ther vehicles one was old used during the kings time and the other one is present use.

The temple was very apt to the quote "Architecture should speak of its time and place but yearn for timelessness". I was stunned by the magnificent architecture of Chola Dynasty. I had no mind or heart to leave that majestic of the temple. We picked many pictures and memories. Our unexpected plan turned to be a heart filled and satisfied exploration with my buddies. This experience adds to my exploration in architecture of ancient India.

Seeing this guy, I learned that whatever position we may be in, we should always treat the people under us with love and care'

On Childhood Cartoons

Gladson S | II MA English

Introduction

Most of us would've had unforgettable memories with cartoons, at least in our childhood. Cartoons, more importantly, build up several moral and ethical values in children. If used correctly, cartoons can be used to enrich a large number of children with significant deals of knowledge.

These video comics can be quickly and effectively communicated to children due to the visual impact it gives. But this can also go the other way when some misuses these education methods. Cartoons are both sources of entertainment and education for children nowadays, at least until 10 years of age.

For children nowadays, access to cartoons and a wide range of cartoons is readily available. This emphasizes that there must be massive rules and regulations, and has to be taken care of with more importance, just like the big-screen movies released worldwide.

Though the cartoon industry does not have widespread acceptance like the cine industry or the anime industry, it has undoubtedly been a massive industry for the past 2 decades since it has gained tremendous momentum.

The cartoons are very different from anime as they target children under 8. Anime is nothing other than movies with the same videography effect as cartoons but have a widespread fanbase for their releases.

Cartoons have become vital for children's initial stages of education in the form of songs, poems, dramas, and even rhymes.

Jetix, Cartoon Network, Pogo, Disney XD and so on….

Some of the cartoons I watched during my childhood and cherish those memories are Tom & Jerry, Popeye the Sailor man, Looney tunes, pink panther, Richie Rich, Oswald, Kick Buttowski, and Noddy.

I would just give a small example of how the cartoons we watch during childhood influence our life even after decades we have stopped watching them. During my kindergarten days, I watched the cartoon Noddy every day after coming home. I loved how "Noddy," – the cartoon's main character, lived. He was pleased even though he had to live alone. But what kept him happy every day was his automobiles. Noddy loved his car more than anything in his world, and he needed nothing more to keep him living happily.

After about 15 years, I can relate my situation to his. I am a motorhead, and I believe entirely that it was Noddy who was one of the first influencers who helped me become who I am today. I'm grateful to Noddy for letting me perceive what it is so at such an early age that I could figure it out so quickly.

These are not just mere cartoons that parents allow children to watch just for the sake that they could be accessible for a small amount of time and relax until the child is entertained by it. Every individual activity a person does in the world has a cost.

When a child has opened a door in which access to cartoons is granted, it is not just mere entertainment that is given. Still, it is a channel through which precious information flows. And this should never be taken for granted as it influences their life in several ways. This could affect both good and bad habits.

It is the responsibility of the parents to filter out those contents which could be a bad influence on their children. It is a crucial age for children as they receive a lot and remember the things they learn through these channels for a long time.

Absolutely, all cartoons are not the same. Similarly, another cartoon, Kick Buttowski, is an example of how a child should not be.

But the problem is that children try to imitate cartoon characters, which they easily get influenced by as they do not have broad exposure to the open world. This happens at the cost that children cannot even identify bad influences.

For example, this cartoon called Kick Buttowski is a classic example of disrespectful speech that is easy for children to imitate, which I have directly witnessed.

On the other hand, almost all great institutions have started using cartoons to spread their ideas and perspectives.

Religious institutions, schools, peacekeeping forces, and even environmentalists have begun using the means of cartoons to educate the next generation earlier. This could be effective as they can quickly transfer what they need the next generation to receive.

Cartoons that taught me life values

There is this cartoon called Bandolero, the name of the hero who lives in a village ruled by a tyrant governor who taxes the people without considering their livelihood. Bandolero, with his band of friends, helps escape the clutches of the cruel official while enticing his daughter.

When I was a kid, I just watched this cartoon for the thrill, but when I browsed a little, I realized that the story's background is based on Spain. So, the cartoon is not just any cartoon.

But a vivid description of the people who underwent torture under a tyrant ruler. So, this cartoon was just their insight into the incidents. And seeing Bandolero stand up for all the people suffering under the tyrant governor inspired me to stand up for those who cannot.

Another cartoon that I still watch is Gloriavin Veedu. It follows the life of a village girl named Gloria, who moves to the city with her family. She looks a little out of place through her dress and behaviour when she mingles with her new neighbours.

At first, the neighbours didn't like them much. Later, once they know more about each other, the neighbours get along fine with Gloria and her family. Gloria's father is an inventor who never lets go of broken things.

He would always find a way to use them efficiently. From this cartoon, I learned that whatever place we hail from, we should never be ashamed of it. Each area has its own significance.

And secondly, The neighbours may be leading a very posh and decent life, but although out the series, we can see Gloria being happier than all the other characters in the series. This shows that whatever we may not have, our happiness depends only on us and not on material possessions.

The following cartoon that taught me life skills is Richie Rich. This is a 12-year-old boy who has a bank in his family name. His house is a big mansion over a surplus area with swimming pools, a tennis court, a research centre, and much more.

His family has a one billion Dollar note in their collection. His pocket money is a lot, and his dog's coat is decorated with the '$' symbol. The family has a personal maid to do their household chores and a scientist to ease their day-to-day life.

They have private planes, jets, yachts, etc. But this Richie is not proud and haughty about being this rich; he is very kind and caring to everyone. He is polite to elders, and he loves his friends very much. He obeys his parents and treats the maid and butler with compassion.

This sort of behaviour cannot be found in this generation's kids. But, seeing this guy, I learned that whatever position we may be in, we should always treat the people under us with love and care.

One more cartoon deserves its place here: Timon and Pumbaa. Timon and Pumbaa are the side characters of the movie franchise "The Lion King." This cartoon revolves around the story of a meerkat and a warthog named Timon and Pumbaa, respectively.

Timon is shrewd and lively, while Pumbaa is dumb; both are great friends. The series follows their daily life, where they have to find worms and insects for food in a comical way. They face many hardships that would test their friends, but they prevail.

This show taught me to stick with the people we love the most, whatever we might face. And the show is famous for one more dialogue: "Hakunama Tata," which means "No worries." When going through anything, one should remember that we should not fret whenever things do not go our way, but instead, we should stay calm and try to find a solution to the problem. This will always help us in the long run.

Conclusion

I would say that everything has a positive and negative side and includes the topic we are discussing now. Watching cartoons under adult supervision helps kids learn things quickly and retain them for a long time. We might think that watching cartoons may kill time and deplete creativity in children, but it is not like that.

It will take time for him to understand, but it will be beneficial as he can relate it to life once he grows up. Finding a quality cartoon to watch nowadays is the real problem. Most of the cartoons broadcasted today are worth nothing.

A child who watches cartoons has the edge over his peers as he gets exposed to the world through cartoons. If he watches a cartoon in English, he can quickly get hold of the foreign language.

'On the way back home, we didn't talk much unlike the onward journey as each of our minds were occupied with our new experience'

My Visit to Anna Centenary Library

M. Dhanavaishnavi | I MA English

It was the day, when my friends and I, had a rewarding day, spending a holiday fruitfully. Friday was declared as holiday and we did not want the day to wither away.

We decided to visit the Anna Centenary library which had been on our to-do list for quite some time.

We started our day early like going to college and boarded the suburban train from Tambaram to Guindy, and then a small ride in an auto from the railway station to the front gate of the Anna library.

This was my first-time visiting Anna Centenary Library after many years. The entrance vividly brought back the nostalgic memories.

The weather was so welcoming as the mild sun hid behind the drizzling clouds. We entered the abode of knowledge and wisdom with notepad and pen as companions.

The notebook in the entry door recorded people’s entry and we happily entered our names in the notebook. The noticeboard was the first thing that got the attention, it contained details of coaching classes happening for civil services exam and the private room for reading our own books.

Soon we found that the fourth floor was our destination where English literature books were awaiting the presence of readers.

We reserved the invitations of other sections of library for our next visit.

The elevator elevated us to the fourth floor and the whole view of avid readers with sound mind in the silent library prepared us for the better.

The vista was so welcoming and lot of books were stacked under different sections like books of the month and reader’s picks. This would be of great help for those who cannot arrive at a conclusion as to what to read.

The books were well-organized in arrangement so no one will end up rummaging. The seats were of various kinds as per the reader’s choice to make them comfortable; as we were a trio, we occupied a whole table. The beauty of nature can be witnessed from the corner seat and rightfully I placed myself there.

The consensus of our visit was to collect data for our class presentations. Every rack had an index in the front for identifying the books categorized as per the divisions.

We were able to find the required texts at ease without any difficulty. We were engaged with the texts for about three hours while gazing around at intervals and made notes as per our understanding. I was so happy to get hold of books that helped me in better understanding.

We didn't even notice the passage of time and I turned around to look at the others around me, and found that some were still reading, while some piled up more books and a few recessed. Reading and thinking really drains energy and we went out to have our lunch.

We strolled for a while and ended up in a restaurant, ate to our heart's content and had ice-cream on the way back. After lunch I didn't want to sit and read so, I acquainted myself with other sections such as contemporary literature, language and linguistics and so on. We decided to leave at around five in the evening.

On the way back home, we didn't talk much unlike the onward journey as each of our minds were occupied with our new experience.

I started my preparations for presentations the next day. It was at that time I realized the significance of visiting library and that internet sources are but a facet and learning is beyond that. I could precisely trace the difference in my approach to the text after reading from various sources.

The day was well spent and its effect is evident in us and we promised to visit again soon. Walter Savage Landor has rightly said that, “Nothing is pleasanter than exploring a Library” which is indeed true and I am looking forward to much more exploring!

Thank you.

"We were welcomed by beautiful yellow flowers..."

Report on my visit to Anna Centenary Library

Jaysudha. N | I MA English

This report is about my journey to the Anna Centenary Library on 14th Oct 2022.

Since graduation ceremony was taking place in our institution, 14th and 15th Oct were supposed to be holidays. So I along with my friends Vaishnavi and Snigdha we all planned to go to the library.

At 9 am we three reached Tambaram railway station and from there we took the train and reached Guindy station. Then from Guindy Railway station we took an Auto and reached Anna Centenary Library.

My visit to Anna Centenary Library is not new. From my childhood, I have visited Anna Centenary Library the most. Every Saturday we used to go to the library. We visited the library more frequently that even the staff in the library recognized us. After finishing high school this was my first time to visit Anna library.

The Roads were familiar yet unfamiliar to me, because of the changes that have taken place in the past few years.

The Sky was dark with gray clouds and it was drizzling.

Though we were drenched in the rain, still, we were welcomed by beautiful yellow flowers as you can see in the photo (below).

Then we went inside the library after signing our names in the book register.

We took an elevator and reached the English section. It was like a paradise filled with beautiful books.

"I don't have to look far to find treasures. I discover them every time I visit a library"

- Micheal Embry

The number of books in Anna Centenary Library equals to the amount of Happiness we had on that day.

I personally liked the way the books are arranged in the library. It was easy to find our choice of books. Because in every bookshelf we could find a A4 sized paper stuck in the sides of the bookshelf which denotes the kind of books arranged in the book shelves.

I even spent some time to read the various kinds of literature in English. We literature students are used to American literature, African literature, or any other regional literatures. But they had all kinds of literature which pricked my interest on the availability of the books they had in Anna Centenary Library.

Without even wasting a second we skimmed through the books section and found few books related to our presentations such as
Oxford's publication

"A short history of English literature"

"The Faerie queen by Green Roberts"

"English social and cultural history"

"The Cambridge history of early modern English literature"

"Theatrical convention and audience response".

While searching for the right books, at times we even sat on the floor and flipped through the books. Though some gave a weird stare on us, still, we three were busy in our own world and at that time we only cared about the presentations and the upcoming exams we are supposed to face.

Before reading the books, I looked around the people and saw some were preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, TNPSC, NET etc. On the other side there were a few students who were struggling to find the books related to their college assignments.

Seeing all these once again I realized that we are also one among the competitors competing with the rest of the world to get a decent or dream job.

Seeing everyone around me studying drives me to study so hard.

After taking all these huge books we read them till 12.30 pm and then went to have lunch nearby. We walked a few kilometers, found a pleasant restaurant, and ordered a schezwan fried rice, biriyani, and chicken 65.

The above photo is which I clicked inside the restaurant. While doing this assignment I went through my gallery to select few photos of me in Anna library. But sadly, I could not find one.

Life of a photographer is sad, because they will be the ones who click the picture and no one is there to click a picture of them.

After we ate our lunch, we went for ice cream and ate it on the way to the library. Drizzling weather with ice cream is indeed a perfect combination.

Then again, we went back to the library and resumed our studies for three more hours.
Time's the only thing that will never stop and it was time for us to part from the library.

At 3.30 pm we left the library and reached back to home at 6. Before going to sleep, I rewound the day again and slept with no regrets. 

I was mesmerized by the giant Ferrero-Rocher-like golden ball from afar...

My Green and Peaceful visit to Auroville

R. S.  Yasindhra | I MA English

My sister and I had been waiting to visit Pondicherry for a number of months, and so now when this trip happened, we were able to tick this on our bucket-list of places to visit! It was a one-day trip that we had planned. As the whole family accompanied us, we were all eager and excited to witness the beauty of Auroville.

Auroville is an experimental, Universal township situated in a unique corner of Tamil Nadu in South India close to Pondicherry, a former French colony. The purpose of Auroville is to realize the HUMAN UNITY.

The town was bought by Mirra Alfassa in 1968. It was then developed into this centre for spiritual and holistic learning, based on the principles of nature. Everybody, no matter what their caste, culture, gender, and religion is, is welcome here.

When I first reached here, I was quite pleased and even surprised by the space. Everything was spread out, and there were huge open spaces. Even though there were people, the place was exceedingly quiet. It was like everybody was talking in a low tone to maintain the serenity of the place.

After a while I realized it’s a place to stay and soak in the spirit of doing the things you really love. The climate there added to my happiness coinciding the northeast monsoon in late October. It remained breezy all day. Due to the season that most routes in Auroville are unpaved mud roads, Cycling wasn’t a practical option, I chose to walk.

My breakfast started with slow, vegan, organic food that Auroville is specially known for. We had to walk around 5 km approximately. But I can surely not regret walking that long as it did not make me tiring. On our way we saw a lot of plant species, some were medicinal that my mother knew much about, some were floral that was pleasing to my eyes and some unknown varieties which I came across for first time.

The walk, however, is quite rejuvenating, and you will feel blessed. Flowers are hanging from little pots, little cobbles paths and lush green trees that provide the needed shade. It is like walking through a Japanese garden. The walk led me more curious to reach the main attraction of Auroville – Matrimandir.

This viewing point is located about 1 km from the visitor center. While the distance is not too much, the heat can get quite overbearing in summers. So, if you are unable to walk then just grand on of these electric vehicles and they will take you to the point. There are no charges for this ride. 

Finally, I reached the viewing point. The place is quite tranquil. I was mesmerized by the giant Ferrero-Rocher-like golden ball from afar. The building almost feels like it is from a whole another world. It is quite an architectural marvel. This is a golden orb located right in the centre of Auroville and is often called the soul of the city. This orb symbolizes the practice of Yoga. The entire place and the orb took about 37 years to construct. Shri Aurobindo was also a pioneer and founder of Auroville.

To my disappointment, outsiders can only visit in matrimandir with a prior booking which often gets full two days advance. Have read and heard about the experiential feel inside. It is a bit like being in a spacecraft themed on the colour white. The ceiling, walls, pillars, carpets, cushions everything is white. A single ray of sunlight streams throught the roof upon a crystal that sits in the centre of meditation area. While I did not have the privilege to sit and meditate, I have heard that if you meditate here, then you can feel the blood in your body vibrate with a different kind of energy.

Auroville is a place for people who are looking to open their minds and try something new. There is always something happening here, and you will never run out of things to do. When you are visiting Auroville, scroll through the events and attend the ones you can. All of these events will not only make you try something new but you can also make new friends and indulge in a wholesome atmosphere. It was quite liberating for me. From yoga classes to pottery, there are several events, so pick the ones you like and have fun.

One of my favourite activities to do in Auroville is to walk on the beach. The Auroville beach is a stunning golden and black beach and you will fall in love with it. This serene beach captured my heart on the very first day. The soft crashing waves, the little rocks and the entire sea in front of me, gave me ample time to sit and introspect. The beach is quiet and away from the hustle-bustle. It is quite a beautiful feeling to just walk or sit in isolation with only the waves to keep you company.

Auroville has a great many places where you can stay. While there are no five-star hotels, Auroville is filled with homestays and guest houses. Both of them are viable options, and you can choose whichever you prefer.

You need to take an appointment from the visitor office if you want to see Matrimandir from the inside. You need to take the appointment about two days prior, so make sure you plan accordingly.

Auroville is quite a different and beautiful town. It has its way to get the best out of you and make you a better person. After my trip, I felt as if all of my burdens and worries had been magically lifted. I felt calmer and more in control of my life and emotions. 

Auroville is also quite a picturesque place. You can come here just to take a break and try something different. I was really enchanted with everything about this inspiring community and really wished that I had more than one day so that I could stay here and learn more about this special part of the world and contribute in some way. 

One day in Auroville definitely wasn’t enough to really feel what this place is all about but it was certainly enough to inspire me to come back and discover the place for more than a day.