**Q: Who founded Auroville?** **A:** Auroville was founded by Mirra Alfassa, known as "The Mother," who was the spiritual collaborator of Indian philosopher and yogi Sri Aurobindo.
**Q: What is the Matrimandir?** **A:** It is a massive golden sphere at the center of Auroville, serving as a place for silent concentration and meditation, not tied to any religion.
**Q: Can anyone go inside the Matrimandir?** **A:** Yes, but access requires advanced booking and an orientation process, as it is a place for serious, silent concentration, not a standard tourist attraction.
**Q: Do people in Auroville use money?** **A:** While the ideal is a money-less society, currently an internal financial network (the Aurocard or centralized accounts) is used by residents. Cash is used by tourists and for external trade.
**Q: Who owns the land and houses?** **A:** No individual owns property. The land and all buildings are owned by the Auroville Foundation, which is overseen by the Government of India.
**Q: Can anyone join Auroville?** **A:** Yes, people from all over the world can apply to join. The process takes over a year, involving a "Newcomer" phase to ensure mutual compatibility with the community's ideals.
**Q: Is Auroville a religious community?** **A:** No. Auroville is explicitly non-religious. It is based on spiritual evolution and human unity, but formal religions and politics are kept out of community governance.
**Q: Where is Auroville located?** **A:** It is located in South India, mostly in the state of Tamil Nadu, very close to the coastal city and Union Territory of Puducherry (Pondicherry).
**Q: Is it safe for tourists?** **A:** Yes, it is very safe. Visitors are advised to be cautious when driving two-wheelers on dirt roads and to carry a flashlight at night.
**Q: How do people make a living in Auroville?** **A:** Residents work in various community services, commercial units (like incense or clothing manufacturing), architecture, agriculture, or education. They receive a "maintenance" allowance to cover basic living costs.
**Q: Are there cars in Auroville?** **A:** Cars exist but are restricted in the inner areas to minimize noise and pollution. Most travel is done via bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters.
**Q: Do they pay taxes?** **A:** The commercial units of Auroville and the Auroville Foundation comply with Indian tax laws, paying standard national and state taxes.
**Q: Is Auroville an independent country?** **A:** No. Auroville is part of the Republic of India and operates under Indian law, specifically the Auroville Foundation Act of 1988.
**Q: What is Sadhana Forest?** **A:** It is a well-known volunteer community within Auroville focused on reforestation, water conservation, and sustainable, vegan living.
**Q: How do children get educated there?** **A:** Auroville has its own schools focusing on "Free Progress"—a holistic, child-centric educational philosophy that minimizes competitive exams.
**Q: Are tourists allowed to stay in Auroville?** **A:** Yes, there are many community guesthouses. Tourists are encouraged to stay for a few days to experience the lifestyle and volunteer.
**Q: What is the main language spoken?** **A:** English is the most widely spoken language, followed closely by Tamil and French.
**Q: Does Auroville have its own police force?** **A:** No, it relies on the local Indian police (Tamil Nadu police) for major crimes, but has an internal safety team (ASST) for community disputes and security patrols.
**Q: Can you drink alcohol or smoke in Auroville?** **A:** The consumption of alcohol and recreational drugs is officially discouraged and not sold within the community, aligning with the spiritual principles of the town.
**Q: Why was the land chosen?** **A:** The Mother chose the specific barren plateau outside Pondicherry to physically manifest the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and to engage in the challenge of restoring a dying ecosystem.
