Reaching 50 feels like a milestone, though according to the Indian almanac of human years, the true turning point comes at 61, with Sashtiapthapoorthi marking the completion of a full life cycle. This milestone reflects the countless ritus (seasons) and the waxing and waning of the moon experienced over a lifetime.
Yet, we’re often more influenced by the Western notion of diamond jubilees. As I step into my 50th year, I realize that life is less about conforming to these external markers and more about living from the eccentric centres of the Anahata Chakra—the heart centre.
This year, my journey led me to Puducherry to visit The Mother and Sri Aurobindo’s Ashram and to learn the basics of handmade pottery. With accommodations confirmed at Kariappa House and pottery lessons planned, my brother and I set off for this artistic adventure.
A Stopover at Mamallapuram
Before reaching Puducherry, we made an unexpected stop at Mamallapuram. My brother had some work related to temple architecture, and as the hub of South Indian temple artistry, Mamallapuram turned out to be a delightful surprise.
The sculpting community here is vibrant, their creations thriving in both artistic significance and economic value. I was mesmerized by the idols of Shiva, Ganesha, Murugan, and Ambal, each capturing an emotional range that felt alive.
While my brother conversed with the head sculptor, I found myself lost in the artworks around me. It brought back memories of my freshman-year General Art course, where I had studied basic drawing using the iconic image of Lord Nataraja—the deity of dance and performing arts.
The Lord Nataraja: A Fusion of Memories
Seeing Lord Nataraja’s bronze idol in person was a profoundly moving experience. The sculptor explained the significance of the pose, which symbolizes cosmic creation and destruction. This moment was not just about art but also about understanding the deeper unification of beliefs in Hinduism.
The Dravidian cultural landscape prominently features two streams of thought: Shaivism (devotees of Shiva) and Vaishnavism (devotees of Vishnu). The great Tamil writer Kalki (Ramaswamy Aiyer Krishnamurthy) beautifully portrayed the Nayanmars and Alwars—the saints of these traditions—through his literary works. Even in translation, his words shine like a lighthouse, guiding human sentiments with an unparalleled charm. Lost in art and literature, I found myself slipping in and out of consciousness, deeply absorbed by the beauty surrounding me.
Staying in Puducherry: Kariappa House
Kariappa House welcomed us with its vintage charm. The staff ensured a comfortable stay, catering to our meals and even assisting with a Swiggy order when I struggled with the app. Their small, thoughtful gestures—like low-spice sambar and soft idlis for my upset stomach—added to the experience.
Even before we set out on this journey, I had some tummy issues. Despite being unwell, I found solace in this trip and in their book collection. I revisited Richard Bach’s Illusions, which I ensured to finish before we checked out. Occasionally, I wandered around the serene garden, connecting with nature on a deeper level.
Walking the Promenade
My brother, a fan of walking, took me for a stretch along Puducherry’s famous promenade. While he preferred a brisk pace, I moved at a tortoise’s speed, soaking in the surroundings. I’m not one to rush; I prefer slow, meandering walks that allow me to savour every detail.
Pairing a go-getter with someone who ambles can test patience, but it also offers opportunities for intellectual understanding. I cherish nature walks as moments to reflect and absorb the inherent goodness around me.
Pottery with Ranjita Bora
The highlight of the trip was the pottery sessions at Ranjita’s studio called Enso Creative Space. As an Assamese artist settled in Puducherry, Ranjita brought together all her diverse cultural roots and expertise to her teaching. Her instructions were clear and meticulous, allowing both my brother and me to create clay idols under her guidance.
While my brother engaged in animated conversations about politics and other lighter topics, I enjoyed the quietness, often tuning in and out of their discussion. Ranjita appreciated my introverted nature and created an encouraging space for me to explore my artistic side.
Even as I battled a tummy bug during the sessions, the act of working with clay was deeply therapeutic. However, I had to skip the second session due to discomfort, leaving my brother to continue on his own.
A Visit to Auroville
Before heading back to Chennai, we visited Auroville and saw the iconic Matrimandir, still under construction as per The Mother’s vision. Surrounded by vibrant flora, Auroville felt like a botanist’s paradise—an oasis of beauty and tranquillity.
We rounded off the day with some refreshing juices and a visit to a family friend before finally settling down at home with comforting curd rice for the night-time repast.
Fond Memories and Reflections
This trip wasn’t just about souvenirs but about the emotional imprints it left behind. The quiet moments, the art, the conversations, and even the silence were treasures I’ll cherish. Next time, I’d love to plan a longer stay in Puducherry, immersing myself in its beauty and serenity.
Ai Source: Proofread and Grammar Corrected by ChatGPT
Extras
Itinerant Storyteller 