Basic construction of the Global Vipassana Pagoda is now complete. It took 11 years to build, and apart from the cost of land, about Rs. 800 million (US$16.8 million) have been spent in the construction of the Pagoda.
90 million man hours, over three million tonnes of Jaipur and Basalt stones (sourced over a 1,000 kms away from the project site) and 3000 truck loads of sand have gone into the construction of the Global Pagoda.
Many Vipassana students and yet-to-be students from India and around the world have personally contributed to the Global Pagoda, and gained boundless merits.
The Global Vipassana Pagoda is unique among the historical monuments in the world. Such a meditation hall for over 8,000 Vipassana students to work hard together to purify the mind, and share merits thereby gained with all beings, does not exist anywhere in the world.
It is essential that the inspiring size of the Pagoda should be matched by its elegant, pleasing surroundings. Facilities have to be provided for the convenience and comfort of each of the thousands of visitors already visiting the Global Pagoda every week.
Developmental projects are continuing in the second phase of the Global Pagoda construction. Therefore, all connected with the spread of Dhamma in their individual capacity, as well as all Vipassana centres, may avail themselves of the rare opportunity to earn merits by participating in the remaining beautification projects of the Pagoda.
Important remaining projects are:
1. External finishes to the Global Vipassana Pagoda
Putting up ornamental designs on the Pagoda, decorating the canopy, canopy pillars, inspiring Dhamma verses (dohas) on the Pagoda walls, and golden painting of the Pagoda. The 70-feet Parikrama path (around the Pagoda) will be laid with a special kind of marble, donated from Burma, whose temperature will change according to the weather - being cooler on hot days, and warmer on cold days, to ease walking barefoot.
Work has started on painting the Global Pagoda with gold paint donated from Thailand.
Estimated cost of completion of these projects is Rs. 20 million (US$ 420,000).
2. Landscaping around the Global Vipassana Pagoda
Landscaping the outer areas of the Pagoda, building parks and roads, laying water lines etc. will require about Rs. 25 million (US $ 530,000).
3. Art Gallery and Welcome Hall
An Art Gallery on the Buddha’s life and a Welcome Hall will be built at an estimated cost of Rs. 20 million (US $420,000). The Art Gallery will house a collection of intricately created paintings on significant events in the life of Gotama the Buddha. The paintings by leading artists in Burma, Thailand and India will comprise the single largest thematic collection of paintings in the world.
4. Small Pagoda - South of the Global Vipassana Pagoda
This small pagoda will be connected to Dhamma Pattana Vipassana Centre with a cell complex spread over four stories. 108 cells are ready, and will be in use in another two months. The construction of each cell in this air-conditioned Pagoda is estimated at Rs. 150,000 (US $3,200). The smaller pagoda on the north side is ready.
5. Construction of Guest Houses
Guest houses are essential to ensure the comfort of visitors to the Global Vipassana Pagoda. The cost of each twin-sharing room in these guest houses has been estimated at Rs. 600,000 (US $ 12,600). A Burma Guest House is already being built with dana (donation) from Burma.
A towering 'Burma Gate' is being built at the outer entrance to the Global Pagoda.
The Global Pagoda is in an area facing water scarcity. To ensure water self-sufficiency, 1.5 million-litres rain-water harvesting tanks are already functioning. Additional 600,000-litres under ground tanks are being added.
All are welcome to share the merits of the above and other projects.
1. Donations by cheque/draft favoring: ‘Global Vipassana Foundation’ payable at Mumbai can be sent to the following address: Kamlesh Vikamsey, Khimji Kunverji & Co., Sir P. M. Road , Fort, Mumbai 400 001. India Tel: 91-22-2266-2550.
2. Donations through Core Banking: Donations to "Global Vipassana Foundation" can now be remitted from anywhere in India through any branch of the Bank of India under core banking system. Global Vipassana Foundation, Bank of India, Stock Exchange Branch, Fort, Mumbai 400023. S.B. A/c No. 008610100011244 MICR No. 400013051. IFSC Code: BKID0000086
3. Donations from outside India through SWIFT transfer Name of the Bank: Bank of India. S.B. A/c. No.: 008610100011250. Address: Stock Exchange Branch, Jejeebhoy Towers, Dalal Street, Fort, Mumbai -400 023, India
The Bank has instructed the following for remittance: From USA – Union Bank of California International - New York has account code BOFCUS33NYK for transferring the funds to Bank of India to Mumbai (Bombay) Treasury Branch – US # Account No. 912002201121 and further transferring this sum to Bank of India – Stock Exchange Branch. Their Swift Code Number is BKIDINBBABLD. Instruction may be given to transfer this sum to Global Vipassana Foundation S.B. A/c No. 008610100011250.
Please send copy to kamlesh@kkc.in with name and contact details so that the receipt can be sent to you.
4. Online donation facility: Please visit:
