About the Library

To read my books is not difficult because they are written in the simplest language, almost the spoken language. To draw profit from them, it is enough to read with attention and concentration and an attitude of inner goodwill with the desire to receive and to live what is taught – The Mother

I write not for the orthodox nor for those who have discovered a new orthodoxy Samaj or panth, nor for the unbeliever, I write for those who acknowledge reason but do not identify reason with Western materialism ; who are sceptics but not unbelievers ; who admitting the claims of modern thought , still believe in India , her mission and her gospel , her immortal life and her eternal rebirth – Sri Aurobindo

The library is well-equipped with the books of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, as well as the books written on them and their teachings by Sadhaks, eminent scholars, and authors. The Mother said, " There are very few who want to understand life, its purpose, and its goals. For them, Sri Aurobindo's book is the best reading of all." For over 80 years, this Library has been striving to make those books and study materials available to all aspirants, seekers, and researchers. This invaluable collection is a beacon of light to its readers. We hope with certitude, it will keep being a source of light for them.

The collection mainly consists of books, periodicals, journals, magazines, and newspaper clippings. As of February 2023, the number of books is about 5200, and the number of periodicals is about 580.

All the issues of the magazines and journals that are archived here:

• Bartika (A Bengali journal)
• Sri Aurobindo Mandir Annual (An English annual journal)
• Bulletin of Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education (A bilingual journal in English and French)
• Mother India (An English journal)
• Advent (An English journal)
• Sri Aurobindo: Archives & Research (A well-researched journal published twice in a year between 1977 to 1994)

Many Bengali readers complain that Sri Aurobindo's works are voluminous and written in English, making them difficult for the general population to read. To assuage such complaints, Pathamandir started publishing ‘Bartika’ from the year 1941.

Its special feature is the Bengali translation of Sri Aurobindo's major works that have not been published before. In this way, Sri Aurobindo's literature has become accessible to Bengalis in their vernacular language. Since its first issue amidst all the necessary changes, Bartika maintains the essence of the ideals of the writing of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.

The works and writings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother call forth the innermost unexpressed true self to be expressed and bloomed. It talks about the sunlit future, its perfection, and purity, and acclaims it to be the true and complete reality than the present incomplete scenario. Pathamandir aspires to keep undertaking the responsibility of effectively making all those writing and work available to the readers and aspirants with the grace of The Mother and Sri Aurobindo.