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A unique Pagoda about 325 feet high, is emerging in Mumbai, India. It's the first of its kind in the world. It's being developed in memory of Sayagyi U Ba Khin.
This Grand Pagoda aims to create greater awareness of Vipassana, the meditation technique now rapidly spreading in over 100 countries, in cultures as diverse as Russia, Iran, Cuba, Germany, Japan, USA. Vipassana is the scientific, non-sectarian self-observation technique re-discovered by Gotama the Buddha, who used it to attain Enlightenment. It's now spreading in its purest form, in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Knin, as taught by S.N. Goenka.
This Pagoda will also enshrine the genuine Buddha relics, at the centre of a large hall that can enable 10,000 Vipassana students to meditate together. Around the hall, Information Galleries will depict historical facts about the Buddha's life, and his true teachings.
This Grand Pagoda is a powerful symbol greeting the new millennium, a celebration of Vipassana again arising in the world after being lost to humanity for centuries.
Why the Grand Pagoda
Dhamma Pattana is located in Gorai village, a North East suburb of Mumbai, the principal financial and business capital of India. It is adjacent to Esselworld, a fun park and an important tourist centre.
Getting to the site
(It takes about 1 to 2 hours to reach from the Airport and Railway Stations)
To get to the site, alight on the west side of Borivli or Malad stations on the Western Railway suburban network. From there you can take a bus, rickshaw or taxi to the respective jetty (indicated by green arrows on map with detailed information below). Ferry across to the jetty outside Esselworld.
1.From Borivli Station: Take the Bus for the Gorai jetty from Chandavarkar Road opposite the station. Get off the bus at the last stop and buy a return ferry ticket for Esselworld at the jetty. A rickshaw ride from Borivali station will take upto 15 minutes. The ferry takes about 15 minutes to cross the creek.
2.From Malad Station: Walk out towards the main S V Road but not all the way. Board Bus headed for Marve creek / Esselworld jetty. Get off at the last stop (Marve creek) and buy return fery ticket at the Esselworld counter. Ensure you are sitting in the Esselworld launch since the BEST ferry DOES NOT take you to Esselworld. The ferry takes about 20 minutes
3.Driving down: Take the Western Express Highway passing through Borivli and head towards Bhayander. Cross the municipal limits of Mumbai and take a left at the Mira-Bhayander junction leaving the highway. There are clear directions all the way to Esselworld adjoining the Dhamma Pattan site. This has not been indicated in the map.
After landing at EsselWorld from the ferry, there is a ten minute walk up the Dhamma Pattana.
