Sri Aurobindo Ashram Baroda

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Sri Aurobindo came to Baroda in 1892 and lived here for 13 years. "During this period he also joined a revolutionary society and took a leading role in secret preparations for an uprising against the British Government in India."

Sri Aurobindo lived in Baroda from 1893 to 1906. He spent the last six years of his stay in this home. As a follower of Maharishi Aurobindo am fortunate to visit his abode. "In 1906, soon after the Partition of Bengal, Sri Aurobindo quit his post in Baroda and went to Calcutta, where he soon became one of the leaders of the Nationalist movement."

It is a oasis of peace, very well maintained. Think this is the first room as walked up on the first floor. "Sri Aurobindo had begun the practice of Yoga in 1905 in Baroda. In 1908 he had the first of several fundamental spiritual realisations."

In this big room is where devotees offer pranams to Sri Aurobindo and Mother. Spent some time here meditating. Missing seeing a swing on which Sri Aurobindo sat for three days. To read Sri Krishna and Sri Aurobindo Click here

A close up. "During Sri Aurobindo''s stay here Lokmanya Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Sister Nivedita, Sakharam Ganesh Dueskar amongst others visited here." Sri Aurobindo also drafted speeches for Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III. The Maharaja supported the education of Dr Ambedkar, first with a scholarship of Rs 50/ per month and funding education in the U.S. (wholly or partly) is not known.

Side view of ashram. On left is where the relics of Sri Aurobindo are enshrined. The ashram has a library and shop. To visit Maitrimandir Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram Click here

View of place where relics are enshrined. Relics of Sri Aurobindo were given by the Mother. To read about Sri Aurobindo life in Baroda Click here

Clock - just below and right are shops, left is a masjid.

Sursagar Lake. It was rebuilt in the 18th century. Several underground gates have been constructed to empty the lake before it overflows; the excess water is channeled into the Vishwamitri river which flows through the city. Next to the lake is the M.S. department of music. Pal Ashit says that Pandit Jasraj and Shreya Ghoshal amongst other passed out from there. Probably that explains why name starts with SUR

Entrance to the Walled City. Great place to shop.

"The "Nyaya Mandir", means Temple of Justice, is a piece of Byzantine architecture in India. Today it is home to the District Court of Vadodara city. The central hall has a statue of Chimnabai, wife of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III." The statue reflects the Maharaja''s admiration "for her-the mild, charitable, amiable woman, the devoted mother and loving wife."

As you walk into walled city straight is a round about where Hindus and Muslims worship inside the same structure.

Dome of the Maharaja Sayajirao University that was founded in 1890. It is supposed to be the second largest dome in India after Bijapur. It is a very reputed university. To visit their site Click here

View of Lakshmi Vilas Palace. Baroda is a great place to visit keep 1 to 2 days. To see pics of palace including wedding by night Click here

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