Pondicherry (or Puducherry – as it is recently renamed)- rightly epitomizes poise, peace and profundity. Located around 140 kms south of Chennai, Pondicherry has been famous for very many reasons. In pre-historic era, it was called ‘Vedapuri’- seat of knowledge, by Rishi Agasthya. The Vedapurishwara temple still stands today as its testimony. For almost half a century there was a power struggle between French and English over this small fishing village. Ultimately in 1816, the French got total control of this land and during the 138 years of French governance it gradually transformed into a town – wonderfully planned. The headquarters of the Sri Aurobindo Ashrama – a world renowned organization that teaches Yoga, Spirituality and unity of different Cultures are also housed here.
Pondicherry has French, Tamil and Mohameddan colonies which are clearly discreet in terms of layout of the roads, architecture of the buildings and people living in them. We stayed in one of the guest houses in the French colony that is run by Sri Aurobindo Ashrama.
‘New Guest House’ is a 2 storey white and grey building that reflects serenity at the very first sight. Its 12 minutes walking distance from the Pondicherry beach gives an added advantage. The guest house has around 30 rooms. Each room is very thoughtfully named e.g Integrity, Humility, Friendliness, Passion etc. We stayed in ‘Modesty’.
The degree of cleanliness maintained in the guest house is remarkable. Not only all the rooms and the adjoining toilets are cleaned everyday, the aisle, staircases and even each pillar of the staircase is cleaned with utmost devoutness.
The well equipped kitchen would easily put many domestic kitchens to shame in term of hygiene. The spacious and clean Dining Hall has marble-top tables. The Mother’s picture with a benevolent smile oversees everybody who partakes food in the Dining Hall. Next to the Dining Hall is the courtyard that has been very elegantly decorated with an artificial hillock, a fountain, a fish pond and an undivided map of India, Pakistan and Burma. All the guest children gather around the fish pond and watch the movements of the many colored fish with equal admiration and amazement.
The guest house also has a Meditation Room befitting the place. All the activities performed by the staff, are done truly with the idea of “Work is Worship”.
The punctuality of the staff is amazing. While they are friendly, cheerful and informative – they maintain a strict discipline in attire and attitude.
The whole show is managed by a very able manager- whose conviction on the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo is as strong as his knowledge of computers and technical gadgets. It is beyond anybody’s comprehension how does he manage to run the whole show so effectively with such an unthinkably low room rent – Rs. 100 per day ! Like me, many other guests also think that they have misheard when he tells the room rent. The food available here is equally cheap. It is quite evident that all the guests are charmed by the simplicity and hospitality of the staff and hence want to come back here again. Quite understandably it is very difficult to get a room here. I was lucky enough to get our bookings done 2 months in advance ! The manager was kind enough to arrange for a pick up and drop too for us at the airport. The best time to visit this place is between October and Feb. The climate is pleasant throughout.
This is one of the right places to cleanse one’s mind and soul. The whole place is vibrant with spiritual fervour. I wish I could prolong our week-long stay there.
Contact Details :
New Guest House
64, Rue Romain Rolland
Pondicherry – 605001
Ph : 0413-2221553
Email: newgh@sriaurobindoashram.org