After my awesome experience at the Prince of Wales Museum it was time for some solace. So I set foot towards the famous meditation hall located near Gorai at the North- West of Mumbai, which is known as the Global Vipassana Pagoda. Constructions of this monument begin in the year 2000 and were completed after a time span of 8 years in 2008. It was inaugurated on 8th February 2009 by the former President of India, Pratibha Patil and has been the epitome of peace and harmony since then.
This Pagoda has been dedicated to Gautama Buddha and the community of monks who propagate his philosophy of peace and love. It has been built in Burmese style which is symbolism for gratitude towards Myanmar, which has preserved the Vipassana culture and practices till date.
The architects have constructed this meditation hall imitating the Shwedagon Pagoda located in Yangon, at Myanmar. A very notable feature in the construction style of this monument is the efficient blending of ancient as well as modern Indian technology, which has laid its foundations strong enough to last for a thousand years.
This Pagoda has been dedicated to Gautama Buddha and the community of monks who propagate his philosophy of peace and love. It has been built in Burmese style which is symbolism for gratitude towards Myanmar, which has preserved the Vipassana culture and practices till date.
The architects have constructed this meditation hall imitating the Shwedagon Pagoda located in Yangon, at Myanmar. A very notable feature in the construction style of this monument is the efficient blending of ancient as well as modern Indian technology, which has laid its foundations strong enough to last for a thousand years.
The structural system of the Global Vipassana Pagoda is a stone dome which is self-supporting with stones that interlock with each other, hence giving it a very firm foundation. This monument comprises of the world’s largest stone dome which is located centrally to the structure.
I was awestruck to discover that this mega structure is built without any pillars for support. This structure is twice the size of the Gol Gumbaz Dome located in Bijapur. The dome is approximately 29 meters high which makes the whole building to appear to reach the sky at a height of 96.12 meters.
I was awestruck to discover that this mega structure is built without any pillars for support. This structure is twice the size of the Gol Gumbaz Dome located in Bijapur. The dome is approximately 29 meters high which makes the whole building to appear to reach the sky at a height of 96.12 meters.
The interior portion of the Pagoda is hollow and covers an area of more than 6000 square meters which is spacious enough to seat more than 8000 people. This meditation hall offers a ten day free Vipassana mediation course at the meditation centre which is incorporated in the Pagoda complex. I was quite keen to attend at least one meditation session and was fortunate enough to get an opportunity. The feeling of peace and comfort that I got was indescribable. I felt as if I was freed from all my worries and stress. Definitely it was a magical experience.