Vipassana Global Pagoda
Global Vipassana Pagoda
A reflection of the Golden Pagoda shimmers in the water as you look out from the ferry boat which takes you across to a palm fringed peninsula bordering Gorai creek, in the North-west of Mumbai, edged by the dark Arabian Sea.
Global Vipassana Pagoda consists of three sub–domes, in the first and largest dome bone relics of Gautama Buddha are enshrined, placed within the central locking stone on October 29th 2006. These relics were originally found in the Bhattiprolu, Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, South India.
The massive inner dome seats over 8000 people and it is spectacular sight and achievement as it is also the world’s largest stone dome built without supporting pillars at a height of approximately 29 metres. Planning of the construction began in 1997, while actual building work started in 2000 taking eight years to complete.
Spending an afternoon walking around the complex one major difference is that the Shewedagon Pagoda is a far busier place where a continual stream of worshippers and tourists descend. In contrast the ambience of the Vipassana Pagoda is more tranquil, the location being a contributing factor as it sits in harmony within the beauty of the natural environment surrounding it opposed to the Golden Pagoda in Myanmar situated in the heart of a bustling city.
The Pagoda and meditation halls serve as a monument of peace and harmony built to a traditional Burmese design in an expression of gratitude towards the country of Myanmar for preserving the practice of Vipassana. Having previously travelled across Myanmar I instantly recognised that the structure was a copy of the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda (Golden Pagoda) that I had visited in Yangon.
Whether you visit for a short time or spend up to 10 days on a residential meditation retreat you will leave the Global Vipassana Pagoda with a calmness and a feeling of inner peace.
Liz Barry
Address
145 Gwynedd Avenue
Townhill,
Swansea SA1 6LJ,
South Wales, UK
Phone number
00 44 7961892890
lbarryphotos@gmail.com