The Global Vipassana Pagoda is a Medition Hall near Gorai, Mumbai, it has been built out of gratitude to Sayagyi U Ba Khin (1899 - 1971), Vipassana teacher, who was instrumental in Vipassana returning to India, the country of its origin.
The center of the Global Vipassana Pagoda contains the world's largest stone dome built without any supporting pillars. Its traditional Burmese design is an expression of gratitude towards the country of Myanmar for preserving the practice of Vipassana.
[Main Gate]
Honouring the Buddha - Following the instructions in the last discourse of the Enlightened One, the genuine Buddha relics are enshrined at the top of a large central hall where about 8,000 Vipassana students can sit and meditate jointly, getting advantage of the powerful vibrations emanating from the relics.
View from the Entrance
[Midview from stairs]
[Front view from main Entrance]
The Pagoda also have an informative gallery exhibiting the actual historical life of the Buddha, and the benefit of the practice of Vipassana derived during his lifetime.
An inaugural one-day meditation course was held at the pagoda on 21 December 2008, with Mr S.N. Goenka in attendance as the teacher. Ten-day vipassana meditation courses are held free of charge at the Dhamma Pattana meditation centre that is part of the Global Vipassana Pagoda complex.
Timings and Fees and Travelling options:
There is no entry fee or charge to see the Global Vipassana Pagoda. There is no charge for the tour guides at Global Vipassana Pagoda. Timings, Monday to Sunday, 9 am - 7 pm.
You can reach to this place by using any of the modes.
Flight- Mumbai International/Domestic Airport, The Pagoda is about 42 km from the Domestic Airport Terminal.
Road - Reach Mira-Bhayandar, the pagoda is about 16 kms.
Rail- Reach to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, The Pagoda is about 46 km from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.30 kms from Bandra Terminus. From Borivali station, you can come towards Gorai Creek (Khadi)
At the Gorai Creek, you will have to take a boat to the other side of the creek. Take the Esselworld Ferry Service, costing Rs. 50 for a return trip. There are alternative routes to reach the Pagoda, including an Esselworld Ferry service from Marve Beach, which is reached via Malad Station on the Western Railway Mumbai Suburban Line.