Does ‘certain number of metres’ mean anything greater than a mathematical notation?
An exhibition that opened in Puducherry on Sunday explores the significance of precise measurements mentioned on the original plans drawn by the Mother for Matri Mandir. ‘The Future Realisation’, presented by the Aeon Centre of Cosmology, establishes the links between the “supramental gnosis of the Mother and the Vedic Age”. In simpler terms, the exhibition unveils the Mother’s vision of a sacred architectural form, tracing its roots to ancient Vedic wisdom.
Patrizia Norelli-Bachelet, the director of the Centre, says the exhibit is unique as it deals with a specialised field-sacred architecture. By their effort, the Centre hopes to reveal an aspect of the Mother’s genius, that has been overlooked.
“It comes as a surprise to most people, even to her devotees ,”says Ms. Norelli-Bachelet, of the vision of sacred architecture.
The exhibit highlights the importance of symbolism in the Mother’s original plan, but elaborates on specific measurements and the significance of numbers in the Mother’s and Sri Aurobindo’s symbol (like the number of petals and leaves).
“Why did she want this measurement and what does it mean,” is the initial question that is raised and answered. Twelve pillars, the inner chamber and the ascending stairway, some gleaned from the Mother’s original floor plan which drew up with an engineer and others from descriptions in her talks, are part of the exhibit.
There is also a correlation between the chamber and the Pyramid of Giza. In the words of the catalogue for the show, “Measure creates the bridge between higher realms and the earth dimension”.
For visitors who have little idea of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, the exhibition maybe overwhelming at first sight but Lori Tompkins, secretary at Aeon Group, who assists visitors around the gallery, adds clear insights.
While some of the details in the original plan drawn by the mother for Auroville were adhered to, not all measurements were precisely replicated in the structure, points out Ms. Tompkins.
The final outcome is thus not an exact materialisation of the vision, but one which was inspired by the vision.
The final part of the exhibit also traces the symbol of Capricorn on the image of undivided India or Akhand Bharat, along with the astrological proposition of Cparicorn as the ruler of India. Another image shows a longitude running between two points— the source of the Ganga and Puducherry. “There was a reason why Aurobindo landed in Puducherry. The alignment is not random but symbolical of a descent of knowledge,”explains Ms. Tompkins.
Understanding the resonance of Vedic knowledge in the Mother’s vision, can help in applying Vedic knowledge in everyday life. This in turn may culminate in helping people know what they can grow into— the future realisation, is the crux of the show which is on at Aurodhan Gallery, Rue Francois Martin, Kuruchikuppam till February 27 from 9.30 a.m.
