Mirra Richard, later known as Mother, and Aurobindo s companion from 1920 until his death in 1950. The main courtyard of the Ashram is sanctified by the samadhi of the two, next to each other, and is now a place of pilgrimage and prayer for devotees. To this town comprising 14 communes and over 50 settlements spread across an area of some 8 sq. Parts of the City of Dawn as it is sometimes called, are still in various stages of development. From Chennai, buses and taxis for Pondicherry are readily available.
Buses run at frequent intervals.
Taxi rates have to be negotiated. Taxis can also be hired. Rates are negotiable since they are not metered. In addition, the Aurobindo Ashram has a number of guest houses where modest but neat and inexpensive accommodation is available. The Ashram also runs a community kitchen and dining hall - a unique feature of Pondicherry where visitors from all parts of the world come to partake of meals and then lend a hand in the cleaning of plates and other kitchenware.