Global Vipassana Pagoda
Global Vipassana Pagoda
4.5
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
The Global Vipassana Pagoda is a Meditation Hall near Gorai, North-west of Mumbai, India. The Pagoda was inaugurated by Pratibha Patil, then President of India on 8 February 2009.[1] It is built on donated land on a peninsula between Gorai creek and the Arabian Sea. The pagoda is to serve as a monument of peace and harmony. The Global Vipassana Pagoda has been built out of gratitude to the Buddha, his teaching and the community of monks practicing his teaching. Its traditional Burmese design is an expression of gratitude towards the country of Myanmar for preserving the practice of Vipassana. The shape of the pagoda is a copy of the Shwedagon Pagoda (Golden Pagoda) in Yangon, Myanmar. It was built combining ancient Indian and modern technology to enable it to last for a thousand years. The center of the Global Vipassana Pagoda contains the world's largest stone dome built without any supporting pillars. The height of the dome is approximately 29 metres, while the height of the building is 96.12 meters, which is twice the size of the previously largest hollow stone monument in the world, the Gol Gumbaz Dome in Bijapur, India. External diameter of the largest section of the dome is 97.46m and the shorter sections is 94.82m. Internal diameter of the dome is 85.15m.[4] The inside of the pagoda is hollow and serves as a very large meditation hall with an area covering more than 6000 m2 (65,000 ft2). The massive inner dome seats over 8000 people enabling them to practice the non-sectarian Vipassana meditation as taught by Mr S.N. Goenka and now being practiced in over 100 countries. 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. The aim of the pagoda complex is, among others, to express gratitude to Gautama Buddha for dispensing what followers believe is a universal teaching for the eradication of suffering, to educate the public about the life and teaching of the Buddha, and to provide a place for the practice of meditation. 10-day vipassana meditation courses are held free of charge at the meditation centre that is part of the Global Vipassana Pagoda complex.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Neighbourhood: Gorai
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
805 reviews
Excellent
476
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278
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40
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5
Priyanka |Food & LIFESTYLE|
Mumbai, India264 contributions
Aug 2019
This place is infrastructurally so EYE PLEASING and beautifully structured..
The speciality of this monument is this is standing tall without any pillars holding on.
There is seperate room for experiencing meditation with audio guide, also there are many photogenic environmental scenic beauty.
People visit here for 15 day meditation course and stay there and meditate in the pagoda, it is equipped with AC and complete calm and serenity.
There are Food Stalls where you get limited snacks also you get ICE CREAMS.
It's a combination of great architectural with peace of mind.
The speciality of this monument is this is standing tall without any pillars holding on.
There is seperate room for experiencing meditation with audio guide, also there are many photogenic environmental scenic beauty.
People visit here for 15 day meditation course and stay there and meditate in the pagoda, it is equipped with AC and complete calm and serenity.
There are Food Stalls where you get limited snacks also you get ICE CREAMS.
It's a combination of great architectural with peace of mind.
Written 15 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abhi J
Mumbai, India8 contributions
Jul 2019
One of Mumbai’s unique attractions is the Global Vipassana Pagoda. This monument is a tribute to the philosophies of Lord Gautama Budda and draws in thousands of visitors annually. The Global Vippassana Pagoda is considered as a landmark of peace and the abode of tranquility.
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daisytells
Sydney, Australia80 contributions
Feb 2020
The travel info to come to the Global Vipassana Pagoda is very helpful and clear and I took the train from Churchgate, tuk tuk to Gorai Creek and ferry over to Esselworld and walked to the pagoda. As an old student (done 10 day courses) I was allowed to enter the large pagoda and mediate inside (30 minutes minimum). It was so peaceful. If you have not done a 10 day course, you can do a 10 minute guided introduction to mediation (anapana) in a hall to one side. The shop sells lovely souvenirs and information CD's and DVDs and books and the library has many resources. The teachings on the outside walls are reminders of the importance of non-sectarianism that is affecting many people in the world today. A small cafe sells masala chai/ snacks and water.
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shraddha Bhowad
Bengaluru, India113 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
A majestic place. Being a Vipashyee myself, I know how much I yearn to meditate inside the meditation chamber in here. It is said to be a construction marvel, since the entire pagoda is build on 'no pillars'. The location itself is very amusing since Essel World is right besides it. A place where adrenaline is in full flow, and the other place, which teaches you how to control it. Side to side. Curious, isn't it? 😊
Not much to watch as the insides and most of the premises is prohibited to the tourists. Facilities are satisfactory here. There's a small souvenir shop at the exit (you can't miss it, since the exit is through the shop itself). After clicking numerous photos, you will be out in half an hour. A word of advice -. Please don't go in the full sun, especially around 11-2. There's no shade and you will burn yourselves.
Must visit once and see it for yourselves kind of place!
Not much to watch as the insides and most of the premises is prohibited to the tourists. Facilities are satisfactory here. There's a small souvenir shop at the exit (you can't miss it, since the exit is through the shop itself). After clicking numerous photos, you will be out in half an hour. A word of advice -. Please don't go in the full sun, especially around 11-2. There's no shade and you will burn yourselves.
Must visit once and see it for yourselves kind of place!
Written 23 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Santosh-N-Thorat
Ambarnath, India707 contributions
Dec 2021
Visited this simple and quite place with my family in the month of December 2021.
We started very early morning from Ambernath. After reaching Borivali station took a bus to reach the Gorai creek.
From Gorai creek you can take ferry and reach opposite side. From there either you can start walking for 25 mins or hire an auto-rickshaw.
It seems most of the people come here to spend there leisure time. Only few people visit this place to stay and complete 15 day meditation course.
Separate room is available for experiencing meditation with audio tape.
Two Vegetarian canteens are available to have snacks and meals. Washrooms are neat and clean.
You can continuously hear the sound of recorded verse. Some people found this sound annoying.
I recommend to visit this place once.
We started very early morning from Ambernath. After reaching Borivali station took a bus to reach the Gorai creek.
From Gorai creek you can take ferry and reach opposite side. From there either you can start walking for 25 mins or hire an auto-rickshaw.
It seems most of the people come here to spend there leisure time. Only few people visit this place to stay and complete 15 day meditation course.
Separate room is available for experiencing meditation with audio tape.
Two Vegetarian canteens are available to have snacks and meals. Washrooms are neat and clean.
You can continuously hear the sound of recorded verse. Some people found this sound annoying.
I recommend to visit this place once.
Written 15 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FeedMe
Helsinki, Finland119 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
We planned a weekend day trip to the Pakoda with a friend and were surprised as to how different the vibe was as soon as we reached the parking area gates.
The walk to the Pagoda was beautiful, with trees and fields. Some cars were parked on the roadside, so I assume you can reach the compound by car if you negotiate with the watchmen. Once we reached the compound we took some time to sit on the grass in the shade and cool down.
The Pakoda itself was relatively ascetic compared to my friend’s expectations, without any deities, mounts or bells found in Hindu temples. I was impressed by the sheer size of the dome from inside, as well as the peace that radiated all around the area.
We enjoyed some chole and ice cream at the cafeteria after exploring the compound and clicking pictures with randomers.
After the day trip we felt rejuvenated as if we’d been on a short holiday. Definitely worth a visit if you want to chill and see a bit of nature outside of the hectic city.
The walk to the Pagoda was beautiful, with trees and fields. Some cars were parked on the roadside, so I assume you can reach the compound by car if you negotiate with the watchmen. Once we reached the compound we took some time to sit on the grass in the shade and cool down.
The Pakoda itself was relatively ascetic compared to my friend’s expectations, without any deities, mounts or bells found in Hindu temples. I was impressed by the sheer size of the dome from inside, as well as the peace that radiated all around the area.
We enjoyed some chole and ice cream at the cafeteria after exploring the compound and clicking pictures with randomers.
After the day trip we felt rejuvenated as if we’d been on a short holiday. Definitely worth a visit if you want to chill and see a bit of nature outside of the hectic city.
Written 6 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BalkrishnaShroff
Mumbai, India26,168 contributions
Dec 2024 • Friends
It is located in the northern part of Mumbai about 45 km away from downtown. It is declared as 'One of The Seven Wonders of Maharashtra" by Maharashtra Tourism Board. The entire 16 acres complex was built by donation from large hearted people. It was built as a gratitude to great Vipassana teacher Sayagyi Ba Khin from Burma, who brought back the teachings of Buddha to its original country.
The main meditation dome hall without a pillar is the largest in the world where 8000 people can meditate at a time. One has to see it to believe it. It is a great place to learn the practice of Vipassana and teachings of Buddha. They conduct the ten day course for interested people with accommodation which is totally free.
This center also has got many other facilities like library, museum, auditorium and guest house for meditators. There is also a food court where hygienic food at very reasonable is served to daily visitors. It is a great place for the health of mind and soul.
Lastly the entire credit for the construction of Global Vipassana Pagoda goes to late Satyanarayan Goenka ji, a great philanthropist and Vipassana teacher.
The main meditation dome hall without a pillar is the largest in the world where 8000 people can meditate at a time. One has to see it to believe it. It is a great place to learn the practice of Vipassana and teachings of Buddha. They conduct the ten day course for interested people with accommodation which is totally free.
This center also has got many other facilities like library, museum, auditorium and guest house for meditators. There is also a food court where hygienic food at very reasonable is served to daily visitors. It is a great place for the health of mind and soul.
Lastly the entire credit for the construction of Global Vipassana Pagoda goes to late Satyanarayan Goenka ji, a great philanthropist and Vipassana teacher.
Written 3 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ManishChiranewal
Amritsar, India205 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
You would want to visit this place as a tourist only. As a local you wouldn't want to come here twice until and unless you are related to Buddhism.
Reachable by jetty from Gorai as well as a longer motorable road is available.
One you reach there, you need to park your vehicle away from the temple.
The temple is a magnificent structure played in golden colour.
You go up a flight of steps and reach the main pagoda. You are not allowed to go inside the pagoda because of upasnna. It is an Engineering marvel that such a big dome is not supported on pillars. The upasna place also has the relics of Lord Buddha.
Please be prepared for lots of walking. You will enjoy the cleanliness, good horticulture, shlokas written on the walls and the hymns which are also produced in a loyd speaker.
There is a very big statue of Lord Buddha.
Two places to eat, washrooms are clean.
While leaving you can go through a souvenier shop and buy artefacts, books etc.
Donation can be given in the temple. A two hour trip is enough. Worth visiting atleast once.
Reachable by jetty from Gorai as well as a longer motorable road is available.
One you reach there, you need to park your vehicle away from the temple.
The temple is a magnificent structure played in golden colour.
You go up a flight of steps and reach the main pagoda. You are not allowed to go inside the pagoda because of upasnna. It is an Engineering marvel that such a big dome is not supported on pillars. The upasna place also has the relics of Lord Buddha.
Please be prepared for lots of walking. You will enjoy the cleanliness, good horticulture, shlokas written on the walls and the hymns which are also produced in a loyd speaker.
There is a very big statue of Lord Buddha.
Two places to eat, washrooms are clean.
While leaving you can go through a souvenier shop and buy artefacts, books etc.
Donation can be given in the temple. A two hour trip is enough. Worth visiting atleast once.
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashiq Dosani (Addy)
Vasai, India18 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
I had been to this place long back before covid. I have never visited such calm and peaceful place before. They have so many sitting places available where you can just sit and calm yourself. They have an amazing chamber (i don't know what they call it) which is in the centre of this place where i saw people in meditating. After speaking to some people there i got to know that they sit here for hours and hours to find inner peace.
They have got food stalls installed too where you get food at reasonable price and quality is also very good. So many good places to capture.
I just enjoyed being there during my visit.
P.s- i don't the protocols post covid so before visiting you must inquire and then go. I am sure you will like the place.
They have got food stalls installed too where you get food at reasonable price and quality is also very good. So many good places to capture.
I just enjoyed being there during my visit.
P.s- i don't the protocols post covid so before visiting you must inquire and then go. I am sure you will like the place.
Written 5 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jojo
Navi Mumbai, India2,867 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
Re opened after pandemic.Symbolic of Universal Message of Peace , standing tall this large meditation center with biggest stone monument, having largest pillar less dome keeping sacred bone relics of Lord Buddha..Popular among international tourist for nirvana. Properly maintained. Positive environment having meditation, gallery, painting, garden, stalls etc enchanting peace . Refreshment facilities were available.
Written 20 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mansi Patil
Mumbai, India
Can I carry good from home inside pagoda ?? Is the home food allowed inside pagoda ??
Written 26 November 2023
Entry inside the main pagoda might be restricted as people will be meditating.
But you can pack food and carry inside as far as I know. There are good food stalls, though.
Written 27 November 2023
Yes, the place is child friendly
Written 26 July 2023
Car parking is available at dharma keth vipasana Hyderabad
Written 2 September 2022
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