Global Vipassana Pagoda, Mumbai - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 65 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Global Vipassana Pagoda is a meditation hall near Gorai, in the north western part of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It is one of the famous places to visit near Mumbai.

The Global Vipassana Pagoda was officially opened on February 8, 2009, by Pratibha Patil, the former President of India, in the presence of esteemed guests from around the globe. Situated on a peninsula between Gorai Creek and the Arabian Sea, this monument symbolizes peace and aims to spread the teachings of compassion and non-violence as advocated by the Buddha, while also promoting the practice of Vipassana meditation. In 2013, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) recognized the Global Vipassana Pagoda as one of the 'Seven Wonders of Maharashtra.'

The design of the pagoda is inspired by Myanmar's Shwedagon Pagoda. At its center lies the world's largest stone dome, constructed without any supporting pillars. The dome's foundation is made of basalt, while the dome itself is crafted from sandstone sourced from Rajasthan. The dome reaches a height of approximately 29 meters, and the overall structure stands at 96 meters, making it twice the height of the previously largest hollow stone monument, the Gol Gumbaz Dome in Bijapur, Karnataka, India.

Above the first dome are the second and third domes, along with an auxiliary dome adjacent to the second. The pinnacle of the pagoda is embellished with a large crystal, and the spire is coated in real gold, while the rest of the pagoda is finished with gold paint. The spire is topped with a unique ornamental umbrella piece, a gift from the Burmese. The main entrance features wooden doors that are intricately hand-carved in Myanmar.

Within the central dome are the relics of the Buddha, originally discovered in Bhattiprolu, located in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. These relics were donated by the Mahabodhi Society of India and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka for preservation at the Global Vipassana Pagoda. The expansive, pillar-less dome encompasses a meditation hall capable of accommodating approximately 8,000 individuals, making it the largest meditation hall in the world.

There's an art gallery dedicated to the life of the Buddha and his teaching. Twenty-minute meditation classes are held daily. Additionally, the Dhamma Pattana meditation center, which is part of the Global Vipassana Pagoda complex, offers complimentary 10-day Vipassana meditation courses on-site.

Timings: 9 AM - 7 PM

Entry: Free

Note: Identity Proof is mandatory for foreign visitors. (Passport/ driving licence/ certificate from respective embassy)