Article on Global Pagoda for Build-Today: June 2010

Global Pagoda

The Realm of Peace…

‘Civilizations are often identified by their surviving historic architectural achievements’.

Architecture is both the process and the product of designing and constructing spaces that reflect functional, aesthetic and environmental considerations. Architecture requires the use of materials, technology, textures, light, and shadow.

Many an Architectural works are perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art. These works are what we recognize as iconic. Significant iconic works in the past stand as inspiration also to the modern times. When the clients envision the structure to be a replica of historical monuments, architects use the modern design and techniques to maintain the same character as well as make it more functional and sustainable. One iconic structure thus inspires the generation of a new icon. But how do we maintain the original structure, merge the modern philosophy and requirements, and yet make it harmonious??

Mumbai based architect, Mr Pervez Dumasia answers this with the majestic Global Pagoda which is located on the peninsula between Gorai creek and Arabian Sea in North Mumbai.When his client, Acharya S.N Goenka assigned him the job of replicating the grand Shwedagon Pagoda, he knew at the back of his mind that this structure would have to be dealt differently. He believes in the philosophy that no two structures should identically imitate each other. Taking inspiration from his personal favorite architects with distinguished works, he kept the external surface of the original pagoda same, and took up the challenge of replacing the solid infill of original Swedagon Pagoda by hollow space. He designed three vertically stacked domes. The lowest dome is presently the largest stone dome of height 29mts. The function of the dome is to hold 8000 seated persons for vipassana.

Vipassana is a meditation technique, one of the many techniques preached by Gautama Buddha. As he was against idol worship, Buddha’s followers constructed stupas and pagodas, as an architectural tribute. Only few great pagodas enshrine his relics such as Shwedagon pagoda in Burma. His preaching spread far and wide, which were lost over a period of five centuries. However, in Myanmar it was preserved by generations of dedicated teachers and disciples, where vipassana is still practiced in its original form. Lately Mr. Sayagyi U Ba Khin practiced this vipassana in Myanmar. His disciple Shri S.N Goenka proposed the Global Pagoda to be a replica of Shwedagon Pagoda to commemorate his teacher.

Started in 1998, it took about 12 years for Global Vipassana Pagoda to be completed. It was inaugurated by contemporary President of India, Smt. Prathiba Patil on Feb. 8^th 2009.

The Global Vipassana Pagoda is built on the land given as danna (donation). In addition to the main Pagoda, the complex consists of two smaller pagodas along the north-south direction. Hundred meditation cells and residential facilities are provided for the senior citizens. A 35ft long exhibition gallery at the base and an administrative block is constructed around the Pagoda. To acknowledge the contribution of Emperor Asoka for spreading Buddhism in India, symbols relating to him like the dhamma chakra and Asoka sthamba mark their presence in the complex.