You would agree with me that the cosmopolitan city of Mumbai is a confluence of varied cultures and traditions. One such example of its contrasting beauty is the “Global Vipassana Pagoda” that introduces you to a flip side of the city, where you experience something so serene and immaculate.
The “Global Vipassana Pagoda” located in Mumbai is a Buddhist meditation shrine and now a major tourist attraction point. It depicts the truth about the life of Gautam Buddha and brings us closer to his philosophies and teachings. Pagoda was inaugurated by Pratibha Patil, then President of India in 2009. It is located on an island in Arabian Sea adjacent to the very famous Esselworld (amusement park) in the western suburbs of Mumbai.
It is the world’s largest unsupported dome stone structure built with an aim to last for a 1000 years. The massive complex spreads over 13 acres and houses the bone relics of Lord Buddha (donated by government of Srilanka), Vipassana meditation centre, two smaller pagodas (60 ft height), library, an art gallery, book and souvenir shop, Ashoka pillar (similar to the one at Sarnath), bodhi tree and a food court. No wonder it is declared as one of the “Seven Wonders of Maharashtra” by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC)! (No entrance fee required to visit)
Construction and architecture:
The architecture comprises of Burmese design as an expression of gratitude towards the country of Myanmar for preserving the practice of Vipassana (mindfulness of breathing, of thoughts, feelings and actions to gain insight into the true nature of reality). The shape of the pagoda has close resemblance to the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar.
The pagoda consists of three sub-domes. The first and largest dome contains bone relics of Gautama Buddha in the central locking stone built without any supporting pillars. The height of Pagoda is 96.12 meters, largest hollow stone monument in the world (as tall as a 30 storey building). The inside of the pagoda is a hollow area that serves as a large meditation hall with an area covering more than 65,000sq.ft. that can easily accommodate over 8000 people. Approximately 2.5 million tons of stone brought from Rajasthan has been used in its construction. Golden paint used is donated by Thailand and the teakwood flooring, doors, Buddha statute, bell are donated by Myanmar.
As you step near the entrance, the arch of the grand Myanmar Gate with intricate Burmese design and two lion statues on both its sides welcome you to Pagoda. The marble Buddha statue is carved from a single rock and is 21.5 feet high and weighs nearly 80 MT. The staircase is made of white stone that maintains cool temperature during summers and gets warm during winters. The staircase is flanked by Myanmar bell (8 feet high) on one side and a huge gong on the other. The peak of the pagoda is adored by crystal umbrella and Dhamma flag while the spire is covered in real gold. The complex also houses the world’s largest collection of paintings that depict Buddha’s important life events. I was awestruck by the veracity of these lifelike paintings. The meditation centre offers 10 day Vipassana courses and are booked weeks in advance. You can also acquaint yourself to a quick 15 minute Anapana meditation technique in the north pagoda that teaches you to focus on breathing.
I have been visiting this place soon after its inauguration in 2009 and believe me every time I visit it has something new to offer. You can now imagine the grandeur and magnitude of this place.
Let’s dig into some history:
Pagoda aka Stupa are multi-tiered structures common in Asian countries where Buddhism is followed. It was originally a mound erected as a memorial to a great leader where sacred relics could be kept. In Sanskrit the term is Chaitya and in Pali it is Cetiya or Thupa. One of these is thought to be still standing at Kushinagar, marking the spot where the Buddha’s body was cremated. Traditional accounts credit that Emperor Asoka had built 84,000 stupas all over his kingdom and the best preserved of the Asokan stupas is at Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh (Central India)..
Vipassana is an ancient Indian meditation technique and it was rediscovered 2500 years ago by Gautam Buddha. It means “to see things as they really are“; it is a logical process of mental purification through self-observation. It enables us to experience peace and harmony by purifying the mind, freeing it from suffering and the deep-seated causes of suffering. Life becomes characterized by increased awareness, non-delusion, self-control and peace.
How to reach Global Vipassana Pagoda:
The Global Vipassana Pagoda can be reached overland by car, as well by ferry. I personally recommend the sea route as the calmness of the sea and the distant view of Pagoda from the shore tune and transcend you for an altogether different experience. And if you are a millennial like me you will be surprised to find that the Esselworld ferries playlist still comprises of late 90’s songs like yaara-o-yaara, Kuch na kaho, Made in India etc. and will certainly walk you down the memory lane of your school picnic days to Esselworld.
Road route: If you are travelling from Western Express Highway or Gujarat (NH8) get down to Mira-Bhayandar road and the signages will guide you to reach Pagoda/Esselworld.
Sea route: (a) Gorai creek– If you are travelling from Borivali station head to Gorai creek (10 to 15 minutes ride from station) and ask for an Esselworld ferry. It takes around 15-20 minutes to reach the Pagoda (depending upon the tide) and the frequency of ferries is every 20 minutes.
or (b) Marve creek- If you are travelling from Malad station head to Marve creek (30 minutes ride from station) and ask for an Esselworld ferry. The return fare for the ferry is Rs. 50/- per person. It takes around 25-30 minutes to reach the Pagoda (depending upon the tide) and the frequency of ferries is every 30 minutes.
The Global Vipassana Pagoda is indeed a 21st century architectural marvel of peace and harmony and I look forward to the day when it will be declared as the 8th Wonder of the World! Now, many of you would know why I call myself “Pagodas unofficial ambassador”.
Kind regards,
Miss Shooting Star ♥♥♥
Miss Shooting Star 