The Matrimandir is the centrepiece of a 'universal city in the making' called Auroville founded with approval from UNESCO and the Indian Government in 1968 by followers of Sri Aurobindo. It's an ambitious project which endeavours to create "a universal township where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities". It's certainly not without its controversies, and there are presently about 1700 people living there of whom about one third are Indian. Auroville is a long way from completion of the envisaged city of 50,000 people. For more information go to www.auroville.org.