The Global Vipassana Pagoda is a Meditation Hall in Gorai, on the North-west side of Mumbai. It was inaugurated by the then-President of India, Pratibha Patil, in 2009.
Vipassana is an Art of Living – The technique of Vipassana meditation taught by Acharya S.N. Goenka is practiced here.
People from all religious faiths and castes can learn and benefit from Vipassana. There is no conversion into any organized religion.
Vipassana eradicates mental defilements such as anger, hatred, ill will, fear, ego, and greed which make us miserable. It helps us develop selfless love, compassion, and goodwill and enables us to live happy and harmonious life.
There are many Vipassana centers in India and around the world. There are no fees for Vipassana courses or lodge and board. At the end of the course, if one develops the violation to help others, one may donate towards the expenses of future courses.
Those who have taken the ten-day course in this tradition may meditate in the Grand Meditation hall under the relics of the Buddha at the Global Vipassana Pagoda.
The center of Global Vipassana Pagoda has the world’s largest dome made of stone and built without any supporting pillars.
Its height is approximately 29 meters, and the structure’s height is 96.12 meters. The pagoda’s interior is hollow, with a vast meditation ground of over 65,000 ft.
Structures in Global Vipasanna Pagoda
Gate to Myanmar
- A massive entrance arch leads to the Global Vipassana Pagoda complex from the MMRDA road, currently under construction.
- Seven tiers will rise from the arch’s roof to the top.
- Additionally, two side entrances will serve as associate entrances.
- Intricate Burmese designs are used.
Statue of Buddha
- A single marble rock was used in carving the Buddha statue, which weighs nearly 80 tons and stands 21.5 feet tall.
- In this carving, the Buddha is seated in a meditative position.
- White marble is painted over the statue, giving it a more lifelike appearance.
- Buddha is seated on a 3′ high seat contiguous with the rest of the statue.
- Additionally, four scenes from the Buddha’s life are carved into the front part of the seat: Birth of the Buddha, Enlightenment of the Buddha, Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion and Passing away of the Buddha.
- In making the throne behind the statue, exquisite designs have been made with intricate artwork.
- There is an RCC umbrella over the statue and bells similar to those over the Main Pagoda umbrella.
Tower of Bells
- Bell towers are open structures designed in traditional Burmese architecture.
- It was cast in Myanmar and imported to India by the people of Myanmar.
- The weight is approximately 14 MT, and the height is about 8′.
- Four 14′ tall ‘deva’- like sculptures surround the bell on the RCC pillars that hold up the rod and the bell.
- Intricate designs reflecting Burmese culture cover the entire tower.
Tower of Gong
- A mirror image of the Bell Tower is the Gong Tower.
- The tower will have a massive circular Gong instead of a bell.
Facts about Global Vipasanna Pagoda
- In gratitude to Myanmar for preserving Vipassana Meditation in its pristine purity, when lost in India, it has been designed as a replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda of Yangon, Myanmar.
- Here are the genuine relics of Buddha.
- Asia’s largest stone monument.
- Interlocking stones are used to construct the monument, eliminating the need for pillars.
- It contains the largest pillar-less stone dome in the world, more than thrice the size of the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur (90 feet in diameter).
- Its centerpiece is a vast meditation hall with a diameter of 280 feet and a seating capacity of 8000 people.
- It is almost as tall as a 30-storey building at 325 feet.
- A total of 2.5 million tons of stone were used in the construction.
- The monument was completed in 3.87 million man-days.
- A foundation stone was laid in October 1997, and construction was completed in November 2008.
- Vipassana meditators and devotees from around the world supported the construction work selflessly.
- For the next 1000 years, it will serve as a beacon of peace and harmony.
The enormous inner dome can accommodate seats for over 8,000 people. Here Add to dictionary meditation is taught ten days Vipassana meditation conducted free of charge.
Days and Timings
Open on all days from 9 am to 7 pm.
- Monday
- 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Thursday
- 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Friday
- 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday
- 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Sunday
- 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
How to Reach
Global Vipassana Pagoda is accessible from Malad Marve Beach, and there are boats from here to and fro.
1. Follow the Google Map Navigator if traveling by car.
2. Public Transport – Use the Western Railway train and get off at Malad Station. Cross the bridge to the Westside. You can take an auto-rickshaw to Marve Beach (Around Rs. 150) or the BEST public transport, Bus number 272; the last stop is Marve Beach. From here, you will get a Ferry Boat (30 min frequency), and the ticket cost is Rs.50. The Ferry will take you directly to Global Pagoda in around 20min.
