MATHIOLI SANNIDHI MEDITATION CENTER
Mathioli Sannidhi is a consecrated space in which the silent sacred presence of Her Holiness PujyaSri Mathioli Saraswathy (Avatar of Sri Akhilandeshwari), is experienced.
The term Mathioli indicates SELF EFFULGENCE, also known as CHIT, or the Pure Consciousness, that shines forth as "I AM". When you walk into the Sannidhi, the very presence of unmanifest Mathioli breathes 'God Consciousness' into you.
ABOUT
PUJYASRI MATHIOLI SARASWATHY AMMA
PujyaSri Mathioli Saraswathy (1940-2018), endearingly known to many as Sri Acca or Sri Amma, was the founder of Nandalala Seva Samithi Trust in Chennai, India. A prolific author, culinary artist, and horticultural expert, Sri Amma dedicated her life to serving children, devotees, and poor communities, establishing numerous organizations, each with the purpose of serving people’s mental, physical, and spiritual needs. It was HER divine vision and compassionate grace that facilitated the establishment of HTAV and the Mathioli Meditation Center.
Sri Amma’s life story was captured in a biopic film directed by Bombay Gnanam. Part one and two of the four segment film is now available online.
WE WELCOME ALL to experience profound peace, bliss, and love in Mathioli Sannidhi.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
Mathioli Meditation Center is a place of tranquility, where devotees feel compelled to quieten their minds and practice meditating. We welcome you to visit our center to experience this calmness.
Please contact Dana at (310) 902-0614 to schedule your visit during temple hours (8am-12pm & 4pm-8pm daily).
The temple relies on volunteer staff to manage the meditation center. We request at least one to two days advance notice so that we can arrange for a volunteer to meet you at the center when you arrive. Please note that the center remains locked for security reasons when it is not in use.
If you would like to set up a regular time to use the meditation center, we are happy to work with you. If you would like to schedule a group visit with 10 or more people, let us know. We are happy to accommodate larger group visits with enough notice.
CONDUCTING CLASSES
HTAV occasionally organizes short duration meditation center classes in partnership with teachers and affiliated institutions. We invite you to consider hosting meditation retreats and classes at HTAV. The meditation center can comfortably seat about 30 individuals. If needed, lectures for larger groups can take place in the Social Hall.
We do not have a fixed fee for renting the meditation center, as this is determined on a case by case basis. If you are interested in proposing rental use of the meditation center, please submit a proposal to MathioliSannidhi@gmail.com outlining your background and credentials, the purpose for which you want to rent the center, your proposed schedule (dates & times), number of expected participants, and course fees, if any, that participants will incur. If fees are involved, the temple typically requires that a percentage of the fees be donated to HTAV. The proposal approval process can take several weeks or more depending on the time of year, so please submit your requests well in advance of your booking dates.
ARCHITECTURE
Mathioli Sannidhi was designed by Cyrus Subawalla of CSA Partners Ltd, an award-winning architect, who specializes in architecture related to sacred spaces. In 2009, when Cyrus and the HTAV construction committee first visited the site, they observed a mound on the site. Reflecting on the blessings of a ‘primordial mound’, Cyrus recalled how the temple site plans unfolded: “The temple would have an east-west orientation and occupy the north end of the site. The profane functions, namely the social hall and administrative wing would occupy the east side. The chapels would occupy the south.
Most importantly the ‘primordial mound’ would root the west side, completing the creation of a courtyard space.A ‘primordial mound’ philosophically creates a connection between heaven and earth, while protecting those within. This concept has been revered since time immemorial in numerous cultures around the world”.
In 2019, when Dr. C. Pathmarajah and Dr. Anil Kumar wished to build an abode dedicated to Pujya Sri Mathioli Saraswathy Amma, they were elated because there was only one place that served the power of her presence, and only one form that in our humble minds captured Her love – the already existing “mound”. According to Cyrus, “We designed the proposed dedicated space in the shape of a ‘womb’ and placed it gently within the mound. The womb for us symbolizes the fount of all creation, something that is pure, nurturing and forever forgiving. This ‘womb’ space and volume was detailed with significant precision and exactitude, attempting our best to do justice to Her Grace. The structure has a NW orientation with views of the main temple and a Magnolia tree planted by Sri Amma in the landscape beyond".
The meditator’s direct line of contact is with the Akhilandeswari Sannidhi inside the temple, preceded by the tree planted by Sri Amma in 2015, with branches that have taken shape as a ‘V’, reminiscent of Lord Vishnu’s Tilak. A majestic bronze portrait relief of Sri Amma, specifically designed for the Sannidhi and completed by Holly Young, hangs inside, inviting and blessing the meditator to be in pleasant contact with the five elements and to be absorbed in the bliss of being with Mother Nature.
Each of the five elements of nature are carefully considered in the design of Mathioli Sannidhi. Light (fire) graces the space throughout the year during the morning hours, mother earth ensconces the volume on three sides; water, which shall be in a fountain, lies at her feet, and air, both natural and mechanical, is built into the curvature of the womb shape. Most importantly the calm, minimal interiors and the faceted glass provide a space of repose, with infinite views to the landscape beyond; one that represents mother nature as a tableau of focus during meditation.
MEDITATION CENTER GUIDELINES
To ensure a pleasant experience, please adhere to the following guidelines during your visit:
PLEASE SIGN-IN!
Please ‘sign-in’ to the meditation center using this form each time you visit.
This data is highly valuable for us.
SILENCE PLEASE
Please maintain perfect silence while inside the center.
DRESS RESPECTFULLY
Please dress in respectful attire that would enhance meditation for yourself and others.
USE A LOW VOLUME
Earpods may be used at a low volume.
KEEP THE CENTER CLEAN
Please do your part to keep the meditation center clean.
NO FOOTWEAR INSIDE
Please remove your shoes before entering the meditation center.
SILENCE YOUR CELLPHONES
Cellphones must be silenced, preferably placed out of sight.
BRING YOUR OWN CUSHION
Yoga mats and cushions are not provided. Please bring your own.
NO FOOD OR DRINKS
Please leave all food and drinks outside of the center.
KEEP YOURSELF CLEAN
Walk in with a clean mind and body!
JAI NANDALALA! MATHIOLI CHARANAM!
MEDITATION RESOURCES
Learn to Meditate with a Master Part 1
Learn to Meditate with a Master Part 2
