Gorai Pagoda- A Glimpse Of Bangkok In Aamchi Mumbai
The Global Vipassana Pagoda, Mumbai’s expression of gratitude to the Buddha, has carved a space for itself as one of the city’s prime architectural and cultural highlights within a relatively short period of time. Less than a decade old, the breathtakingly beautiful pagoda contains the world’s largest stone dome built without any supporting pillars. The dome is twice the size of the dome of the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur, which was previously the largest hollow stone monument in the world.
Inaugurated in 2009 by Pratibha Patil, who was then prime minister of India, the Global Vipassana Pagoda took over eight years to build. While planning for its construction began in 1997, actual work on the primary structure started in 2000 and came to an end by 2008. However, the pagoda complex is still under construction to this day, with additional structures expected to be completed in the near future.
Vipassana is a technique of meditation re-discovered by Gautam Buddha. The technique remained alive for about 500 years in India, and then-after gradually lost. It was preserved in Burma(Myanmar), and so are the gates of the Vipassana centers named the Myanmar Gate. Know more about Vipassana meditation here.
Though there are steps directly from Myanmar gate to Pagoda, the entry is closed and you need to walk through the road next to the main entrance. At the ground level are the huge Bell tower and Gong Tower which attract most of the kids.
You can walk around the pagoda or spend some time with family, its very well maintained. There is another small pagoda to the north, were an audio recording is played for 10mins and anybody can sit and meditate in batches for free.
Also are statues of Akash devi and devatha and a Ashoka Pillar on this level. There is also food plaza, were you get veg snacks.
Inaugurated in 2009 by Pratibha Patil, who was then prime minister of India, the Global Vipassana Pagoda took over eight years to build. While planning for its construction began in 1997, actual work on the primary structure started in 2000 and came to an end by 2008. However, the pagoda complex is still under construction to this day, with additional structures expected to be completed in the near future.
The entry gate/Myanmar Gate is a Red structure, with golden decors and dragons on either side of the gate.
Though there are steps directly from Myanmar gate to Pagoda, the entry is closed and you need to walk through the road next to the main entrance. At the ground level are the huge Bell tower and Gong Tower which attract most of the kids.
On 2nd level is the main Pagoda, world's biggest piller-less stone structure dome. Visitors can have a walk through the Pagoda from gate 7.
You can walk around the pagoda or spend some time with family, its very well maintained. There is another small pagoda to the north, were an audio recording is played for 10mins and anybody can sit and meditate in batches for free.
On the 1st level is a painting gallery, depicting Gautam Buddha's life. Also is a library and a souvenir shop, where you can shop Burmese items, books on Buddha's life and Vipassana meditation.
As you exit the 1st floor, there is a beautiful statute of Gautam Buddha in a garden, where you can sit and relax, just before leaving the Vipassana center.
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