Trip to Global Vipassana Pagoda ( or, Golden Pagoda, Mumbai)

Human will is superior to all things, this was what was going on in my mind after seeing the work of art that is golden pagoda. A structure constructed out of gratitude to Buddha and his teachings,it is a modern day marvel. The structure is build so that it stands the test of time for atleast a thousand years. Imagine the sheer magnificance of dream, and it's implementation.

This symbol of peace and harmony was inaugerated by the president of India in february 2009. Though the work is still not complete, it's grandeur is something worth seeing. Situated at Gorai Island in mumbai, beside the esselworld and water kingdom, this monument is build out of stones, each weighing about 600 - 700kgs,coming from the quarry's of Jodhpur (Rajasthan). The idea of interlocking stone pieces was suggested by Mr. Chandubhai Sompura, and the work started in earnest in 2000.

For reaching the center one has to get down at Borivali station, situated on the western line of local railways. The local railway on the western line has got a train every few minutes. After getting down one should come out on the west side. From here you can either take a bus ( Rs 5 ticket) or auto ( Rs 22) to Gorai Bay. From Gorai bay one has to take a ferry. The services are run by Esselworld and a round trip ticket costs Rs 35. The ferry trip takes 15-20 minutes to reach the island. One can see the pagoda from the gorai bay itself. After alighting at the island one can walk down to the pagoda following the signages placed there.

The view of Pagoda from the ferry

The entrance

The walking space in front of Pagoda. It has been designed to handle 10,000 people.

The center of the Global Vipassana Pagoda contains the world's largest stone dome built without any supporting pillars. The height of the dome is approximately 29 metres, while the height of the building is 96.12 meters, which is twice the size of the previously largest hollow stone monument in the world, the Gol Gumbaz Dome in Bijapur, India. External diameter of the largest section of the dome is 97.46m and the shorter sections is 94.82m. Internal diamter of the dome is 85.15m.The inside of the pagoda is hollow and serves as a very large meditation hall with an area covering more than 6000 m² (65,000 ft²). The massive inner dome seats over 8000 people enabling them to practice the non-sectarian Vipassana meditation as taught by Mr S.N. Goenka and now being practiced in over 100 countries [ Wikipedia ]

The main dome and north (smaller) pagoda

The central hall

It's massive : supposed to seat 8000 people.

The entrance to the dome

The doors were carved in Myanmar and contain scenes of Buddha's life

Me in front of one of the entrances

The side doors

The whole wall contains sayings like these

The best thing about this place is that it claims allegiance to no religion. It is merely a center for people to learn meditation. The technique taught by S N Goenka is based on the Buddhist philosophy of Vipassana. This technique is gradually gaining  momentum and it has been taught by Mr Gokenka for the past three decades, in form of 10 day residential courses, for free. It is currently been taught in over 100 countries. Maybe this was why the Mahabodhi society chose to give the bone relics of Buddha to be kept here at the top of dome.

The north pagoda is almost complete and work has started on the south pagoda. When completed the whole complex will be a sight to watch, it's place in history books confirmed.

The north pagoda

Finishing touches being applied

The dome of north pagoda

A replica of sarnath pillar to symbolise that Dharma will go in all four directions

The trip to the golden pagoda was worth the time and trouble. Though incomplete, it's magnificence and splendor are something to watch and feel. I can't wait to see it completed! And for anyone willing to explore mumbai, a visit to this place is a must. As Goenka ji says, " Bhavatu sabb mangalam".

The view from the ferry while coming back.