GLOBAL VIPASSANA PAGODA

The Global Vipassana Pagoda is a meditation hall constructed in northwest Mumbai. It was first established in February 2009 and was inaugurated by the former President of India – Pratibha Patil. It was an ensemble to spread the teachings of Budhha, particularly about gratitude. To further perpetuate the purpose, there are monks residing and practicing the teachings of Budhha and have devoted their lives for the same.

The architecture of the center has been laid out in Burmese style in honor of Myanmar, a country that has preserved the practice of Vipassana. The dome of Pagoda mimics the Shwedagon Pagoda or Golden Pagoda in Myanmar. The world’s largest stone dome built without any supporting pillars with a height of approximately 29 meters (concerning the height of the building that is 96.12 meters) was built within the periphery of Pagoda in Mumbai. Mr. S. N. Goenka practices meditation and teaching of Budhha in the massive inner dome of Pagoda that can inhabit about 8000 people.

The pioneering values ascertained by Pagoda and its members revolve around Gautama Budhha’s universal teachings of eradication of suffering, and to educate whoever visits, about the sacrifices and life of Budhha, perpetrate his teachings and provide a spiritually liberating environment with relaxing spaces for meditation.

In order to make their sessions renowned worldwide, Pagoda has scheduled ten days of Vipassana meditation courses, free of cost that are held at the meditation center. The guest houses constructed inside the campus make for a homely and comfortable stay for those seeking spiritual enlightenment.

Around the meditation center is a statue of Budhha carved out of a single stone of white marble and painted over to give it a more lifelike appearance. Budhha is seated on a rectangular platform about three feet high that showcases four scenes from Budhha’s life – Birth, Enlightenment, setting the wheel of dhamma in motion, and death of Budhha.

Also, the Gong Tower and Bell Tower in the premises are massive structures reflecting the Burmese architecture with their intricate designs.

How To Reach

From Mumbai Airport:



Mumbai is well-connected when it comes to public transportation or commuting via roads. You can get a taxi or an auto from the airport to Gorai, where the center is located. It is advisable to get a taxi as they are cheaper and due to the meter-system, you do not have to haggle. Other than that, you can also hire an Ola or an Uber to directly drop you at Global Vipassana Pagoda. The local buses and trains also offer many routes connecting Pagoda to the airport. 

Best Time To Visit

One can visit Pagoda at any time of the year with no jurisdictions or restrictions abound to it. However, here is a season-wise description of the climate of Mumbai in order to help you plan your trip to Pagoda in accordance with your preference:

In winters (October – February) - Followed by the unpredictably harsh monsoon showers, winters come with a tag of less humid and hot climate. In fact, you need not pack warm sweaters and jackets during your visit/stay at Pagoda as the temperature rarely drops below 20 degrees Celsius. The heat is not an obstacle, thus making sightseeing easy.

In summers (March-May) - Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius. If you are planning your visit to Pagoda during winters, then do keep in mind to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and cotton clothing to lay you off the heat.

In monsoon (June – September) - Mumbai receives constant rainfall during monsoon with humidity in the atmosphere. If you are planning your visit to Pagoda during monsoon and spend time only within the complex, then the rains should not be much of a bother. There is plenty you can do within the campus to keep yourself occupied.

Other Essential Information

Location: Near Essel World, Next to Esselworld, Gorai Village, Mumbai – 400091, India

Timings: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM -7:00 PM (Last entry at 6:30 PM)

Price: There is no entry fee required to visit Pagoda. Furthermore, there is no charge for tour guides to escort you around. 

Dos/Don’ts at Global Vipassana Pagoda:

During your visit to Pagoda, there are several things you must keep in mind. This is to respect the culture and lifestyle of Pagoda.

-Alcohol Prohibited: Visitors are prohibited from consuming any form of substance within the monument complex. This includes alcohol, tobacco, beedi, pan-masala, pan, mawa, or chewing tobacco.

-Staying seated during courses: There are separately assigned areas for men and women in the Mini-Anapana course. They must remain seated on their seats for the entire duration of the course, i.e., 20 minutes.

-Remain silent during meditation: During meditation and when in the middle of the Mini-Anapana course, visitors are to remain silent and not disturb those around them.

-Follow instructions: During the Mini-Anapana course, Shri S. N. Goenka Ji’s recorded instructions will be played. The visitors are expected to listen to the instructions carefully and follow them.

-No chanting: During a meditation at Mini-Anapana, visitors are required to only focus on their natural breath rather than chant a mantra or imagine a figurine. 

-No use of mobiles: During meditations and after the embarking of other courses, visitors are to either switch their mobile phones off or keep them on silent to keep others from the hindrance of the meditation process.