X-posted from my thread in the international forum (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=19814756)

==========================================================


Global Vipassana Pagoda -- Dharavi Island, Gorai, Mumbai


http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/1151/04mf6.jpg

Since I'm lazy, I'll just let wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Pagoda) do most of the work explaining the background to this wonderful project that breaks all sorts of records: the largest stupa, largest manmade dome, and largest rock cave in the world:

The Global Pagoda is a monument being built as part of the Esselworld Amusement Park on Dharavi Island near the city of Bombay, India. The Global Pagoda is being built by Satyanarayan Goenka, leader of a New Age, neo-Buddhist sect, although Mr. Goenka himself remains a Hindu. Its traditional Burmese design is an expression of gratitude towards the country of Myanmar for preserving the practice of Vipassana.

It is being built combining ancient Indian and modern technology to enable it to last for at least 2000 years. The center of the Global Pagoda contains the world's largest stone dome built without any supporting pillars. The planned 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.[1]

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 widely being practiced in over 100 countries, including in many prisons such as Asia's largest prison, Tihar Jail, New Delhi, India.

Relics of Gautama the Buddha, purportedly genuine, were enshrined in the central locking stone of the dome on October 29, 2006, making it the world's largest structure containing the bone relics of the Buddha.

The aim of the pagoda complex is, among others, to express gratitude to Gautama Buddha for dispensing for 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.

The Global Pagoda complex is still under construction with plans to include a museum depicting the life and teaching of Gautama Buddha that is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The Global Pagoda's educational displays will communicate the Buddha's universal teaching as a path towards real happiness.http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/5343/01ev5.jpg http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/2451/02tv6.jpg http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/4254/03jc1.jpg

The height of the pagoda will be 96.12m, to put that in perspective, that's nearly the height of a 30-storey building!


Here's an article explaining about the project:

State-of-the-art pagoda in city (http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=205044)
Monument set to become one of country’s major tourist attractions

Mumbai, October 12: The work for the World Vipassana Foundation’s pagoda, a replica of Myanmar’s Shwedagon pagoda, is in full swing. It will be completed by December next year. The pagoda, a dream project of S N Goyanka, who has taught vipassana to thousands of people in India and other countries, is situated near Gorai’s Essel World area.

The ceremony of placing sacred relics of Gautam Buddha in pagoda will be done by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on October 29. This unique pagoda will be about 325 feet high.

The Maha Bodhi Association of India has donated sacred relics of Gautam Buddha to be enshrined in the pagoda. Buddhists in Myanmar have also donated materials for the pagoda. It includes 850 marble rocks with the size of one cubic meter each for flooring the pagoda compound; 150,000 square feet of parquet for laying the floor of the cave; timber for crafting Myanmar decorations and 90 door frames; the sacred gold umbrella; stone Buddha statues including 28 2.5 feet high vipassana-practising Buddha statues in various mudras (postures); 18-feet high Buddha statue in sitting position; eight 5.5-feet high standing Buddha statues and donations totaling to $23 million will be spent in building this pagoda. The pagoda will contain a 280-feet diameter cave with no supporting columns. It will be the largest rock cave in the world. Unlike other pagodas, it will not be a solid brick structure, but with a spacious cave in which thousands of yogis can practice vipassana at the same time.

According to the World Vipassana Foundation, the pagoda will be a vehicle for the spread of Buddha’s teachings that emphatically opposes any sectarian, casteism and religious dogmas. His teachings have already proved to be an ideal bridge for peace, tolerance and harmony across all the communal and regional divides splintering India today.

The strongly secular nature of vipassana is further proved by its acceptance amongst people of all religions, nations, sects and socio-cultural backgrounds. Vipassana courses are taking root in even some of the staunchly sectarian countries. This monument will be an added focus of attraction to visitors and tourists worldwide, who visit our ancient country for its rich cultural traditions and its magnificent knowledge in the spiritual field. The sheer size, grandeur and architectural style of the pagoda itself will be sufficient to gain its entry into tourist maps. Even the tourists, who visit the pagoda, as merely another monument for sight seeing, will get great opportunity to receive the true teachings of the enlightened one, understand their benefits and may be inspired to follow the practical path of vipassana.--------==--=--==---------

Renderings of the pagoda:

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/223/03nk8.jpg

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/7025/01oh0.jpg

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/1925/02kg8.jpg

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/7389/05yp1.jpg


--------==--=--==---------

Construction progress:

First, some construction views from Google Earth:
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/6955/imesselplatue01wc7.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/7050/imglobalpagodagoogleearcl5.jpg


Some construction photos from last year Ray Tomes @ flickr:

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/3860/40559393095b7168a00oij9.jpg
^ A smaller pagoda at the entrance to the complex

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/5307/4121912392e5f18242cone0.jpg

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/1035/4055938788ea19081dbocu3.jpg

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/340/412191113c7c0953ef8oct9.jpg

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/7573/412191029edf5813223opm2.jpg


From zphoto @ flickr:

Before the dome was enclosed...
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/8582/03qz8.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/1332/02nw4.jpg

After...
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/9508/01gq0.jpg

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/8192/364142078a0b95f0687c9985bp.jpg

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/4462/36414245977430636f6ca521sg.jpg

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/603/3641431187bd4bffc84c3335au.jpg


Heading inside the stupa:
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/8113/01gc2.jpg

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/3015/02dv8.jpg

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/1558/03la2.jpg

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/3625/04xw8.jpg

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/4711/05cs7.jpg

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/8923/06ru4.jpg


Some of the marble and gold inlaid murals that will adorn the walls of the structure...
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/4379/07st9.jpg

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/7757/08yt8.jpg

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/710/09bu5.jpg

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/3405/10sv6.jpg

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/7691/11xb3.jpg

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/8070/12he0.jpg

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/3337/13sg0.jpg


Some of the large, colorful paintings that will also go on the walls...
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/3207/14gj9.jpg

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/1069/364146350542c715f1dabe24hq.jpg

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/3285/364146864cbac018d9dab1f0sp.jpg

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/8008/15lr3.jpg

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/1417/3641458443bf3885698b0a42nm.jpg

Cheers,
Jai

Great!

Images and text Copyright wobblyturkey
UPDATE: April 9

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/2744/62245465lb7.jpg

Without a doubt the highlight of my recent holiday in India was when I was given permission to visit the site of the Global Pagoda which is being constructed in Mumbai. I even had the opportunity to meditate in the main Pagoda while the workers were on their lunchbreak.

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/2240/77934102vp7.jpg


http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/3382/38606794ml3.jpg

The Pagoda is being constructed, in the words of Mr SN Goenka, to be "an ideal bridge for peace, tolerence and harmony across all the communal and regional devides splintering India as well as the world today. The Global Pagoda will be a vehicle for the spread of the Buddha's true teaching that emphatically opposes any dogma based on sect, cast and religion".

Small Pagoda
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/1456/60011328wm7.jpg

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/3439/43407423mi0.jpg


For me, it was like being able to visit the site of the Great pyramids in Egypt, or the Taj Mahal, during their construction.


http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/8348/81383432om3.jpg

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/4392/76120540tu2.jpg


For more information on the Global Pagoda you can visit www.glogalpagoda.org and for information on Vipassana meditation you can visit www.dhamma.org.

May all beings be happy.

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/7971/30611236jm1.jpg




more images --> http://flickr.com/photos/51241911@N00/sets/72157604638089995/

Amazing structure.Does any one know what type of stone this is?

Amazing structure.Does any one know what type of stone this is?
http://www.globalpagoda.org/test/Theproject.aspx
1. Basalt Stone
a. Rubble Stone
b. Ashlar Stone

A couple of years back when I was in India I went to an amusement park and from one of the giant eides we could see a HUGEEEE dome being built ... now I know what that was!!

Wow. amazing.

1) This thing is amazing. I can't believe it actually got made. This is like the 5th enormous religious structure in India that people have tried to make, and this is the only one to actually get made.

2) how far is this "gorai" from mumbai city?

this was sposed to be completed by december 2007...im guessing spring 2009 now?

wait, wtf this thing is being built as part of EsselWorld AMUSEMENT park? that changes things a lot...

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&q=Gorai,+Navi+Mumbai,+Thane,+Maharashtra,+India&ie=UTF8&cd=2&geocode=0,19.233322,72.797470&ll=19.230851,72.806461&spn=0.014101,0.019312&t=h&z=16&lci=lmc:panoramio,lmc:wikipedia_en

wait, wtf this thing is being built as part of EsselWorld AMUSEMENT park? that changes things a lot...

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&q=Gorai,+Navi+Mumbai,+Thane,+Maharashtra,+India&ie=UTF8&cd=2&geocode=0,19.233322,72.797470&ll=19.230851,72.806461&spn=0.014101,0.019312&t=h&z=16&lci=lmc:panoramio,lmc:wikipedia_en
No, its not.

2) how far is this "gorai" from mumbai city?


Gorai (lies across the Manori creek, west of Borivali west) is located a good hour and a half (or more, depending on traffic along the dreaded Andheri - borivali section of the WEH) from south Bombay.

wait, wtf this thing is being built as part of EsselWorld AMUSEMENT park? that changes things a lot...

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&q=Gorai,+Navi+Mumbai,+Thane,+Maharashtra,+India&ie=UTF8&cd=2&geocode=0,19.233322,72.797470&ll=19.230851,72.806461&spn=0.014101,0.019312&t=h&z=16&lci=lmc:panoramio,lmc:wikipedia_en

No...it's just near Essel World

wow what a beautiful Temple in an island! is the location is dangerous? if an earthquake occur theres a possibility the temple may ruin or break down into pieces! hopefully may not happen in the future! good luck India!

at present, looks like an INVERTED ICE CREAM CONE.

Here's another rendering that better shows off the massive scale of the structure, from Shapoorji Pallonji, who apparently had a hand in its design:
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/9420/01he1.jpg

thanks for the updates guys....

construction is going steadily...

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa176/indrajal/Construction/newimage28.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa176/indrajal/Construction/newimage1.jpg

source: www.globalpagoda.org

^^ Looking great! It's materialising spectacularly


A couple of years back when I was in India I went to an amusement park and from one of the giant eides we could see a HUGEEEE dome being built ... now I know what that was!!

Kanishka. Like the name choice.

:applause:

Thanks, Indrajal, for a great update.

Fantastic,somebody update the international thread also

thanks guys...

i also updated the intl thread.

its kinda surprising that it is the grandest monument construction project at present in India but still its very hard to get updates on it.

So the idea of bulding this is two fold.
One; as a place for practicing meditators -like my lapsed self- to use and two:also as a way of attracting new people.
Does it work? A q? Anyone from this site been attracted to finding out more about Vipassana meditation?

photo copyright suma

http://img378.imageshack.us/img378/6403/mumbaistupsumiij0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Sun, do you know how recent is the structure??
The picture looks awesome man!!!

Nice pic Sun!

Great update, Sun

Sun, do you know how recent is the structure??
The picture looks awesome man!!!

Not sure

Looks like it has topped off!

photo copyright manoor's view

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/7013/globalpagodamanoorsvieweo4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Almost there... I am so much glad that even though these idiotic newspapers haven't been giving updates about this massive structure and there hasn't been any delay on this project.

Thanks Suncity for giving updates.

YaY!Its topped off!

Great updates Sun!

great updates everyone. Its good to see that Mumbai's architectural growth is not limited to steel and glass skyscrapers.

For a second I thought it said 96FL over 96m.
But 96 m for a pagoda is rather impressive.

nice fine sun. its very hard to find any updates on this project. looks like media abandoned it completely.

great updates sun!

some old and new from
http://www.pattana.dhamma.org/photos2.shtml

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa176/indrajal/Construction/gp4.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa176/indrajal/Construction/gp6.jpg

December 14
Copyright Shikha
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/898/global2ma1.jpg

Just terrific!

Cool!

Topped out guys! Not Topped off LOL!

Looking good.

The media only reports bad news.

a beuty
:cheers::cheers::cheers::nuts::nuts::nuts:

Here are some more pics of the structure, copyright Sapna Patel. Although much still remains to be constructed, meditation classes have already started

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/8423/sapnapatel3302zg7.jpg

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/3192/sapnapatel3303he5.jpg

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/7875/sapnapatel3304oo6.jpg

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/2/sapnapatel3305sz1.jpg

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/2470/sapnapatel3306si3.jpg

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/7421/sapnapatel3307ah3.jpg

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/2981/sapnapatel3308hc4.jpg

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/3120/sapnapatel3309zb5.jpg

Nice updates jai.
I think its too early to start meditation classes in the temple, i would let it complete first.
The work is going at snail slow rate but the administration is eager to start it.
anyways, hope it gets finished soon.

Yeah, construction is stil progress and people are already using the building.

Hope it gets finished soon in gold.

Yep .'Us' Vipassana meditators an enthusiastic / driven bunch...

Two aerial views

photos copyright Reza

1)
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/4950/pagaodaaerial2rezawa1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

2)
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/2042/pagodaerialrezaiw7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Ultimate shots!!!

It will look great when its gold!

Nice updates!

did they do away with the smaller two/three more stupas on the side??? I just see one here...

did they have to cut so many trees to set up the pagoda? they could have probably meditated in the forest.

anyways - a new landmark for mumbai and a new place to take tourists.

^^
My thoughts exactly! I don't think the tree-felling for the pagoda will be the last. Once a greater number of devotees start flocking there in the future, they will need more space for facilities to support the influx.
All those trees we see around the pagoda in the aerial picture might not be there ten or even 5 years from now.
I hope they prove me wrong.

http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/Web/HTMumbai/Article/2009/02/05/003/05_02_2009_003_004.jpg

Source: Hindustan Times

^ ^ Wait what!!
it is no where close to be finished yet...

Sunday? Isn't the crane still up?

"As a tourist project, the regulation is not applicable".

That's a glaring loophole isn't it? In any case, its a religious building, not a tourist project, though the developers may have registered it that way to get approval.

I won't be surprised if the owners of essel world had the original hand in adding an exclusionary clause for "tourist projects".

Or perhaps the "tourist project" exception was meant to allow smaller constructions in order to provide tourist facilities, not new tourist magnets.

The tower has been under construction for quite some time. I found an article from as far as 1998 about this.

http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19980714/19550634.html

:nuts:


______________________________

'Gorai Pagoda is illegal'

http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/feb/050209-News-Mumbai-Gorai-Uttan-locals-Global-Vipasana-centre-No-Development-Zone-Asia-Largest-Pagoda.htm

The Dharavi Beth Bacchao Samiti, a representative body of locals opposing the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) being planned by the Maharashtra government in the Gorai-Uttan belt, has alleged that Global Vipasana Pagoda built by the Global Vipasana Foundation in Gorai is illegal.

The Vipasana Pagoda will house the relics of the Buddha. The Essel World management has donated the land for the Pagoda that will be inaugurated by President Pratibha Patil on February 8.

"In response to our Right to Information Act (RTI) application, the BMC revealed that the Pagoda has been built in a No Development Zone, and it has also violated Coastal Regulation Zone rules. The SEZ will displace a large number of poor people who have no means of livelihood. We met the president and brought the irregularities surrounding the Pagoda to her notice," said Lourdes D'Souza, secretary of the Dharavi Beth Bacchao Samiti.

However, Nayan Shah, trustee of the Global Vipasana Foundation, said the BMC's response to the RTI is based on the Development Plan prepared in 1987 and approved in 1991. The response, Shah said, ignores the specific development permitted by the Urban Development Department of the state government that permit activities conducive to the development of tourism.

"The development permission was granted by the BMC after considering all the applicable laws for development, including the CRZ Act, The Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act and the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act. Moreover, the government has declared that Gorai, Manori and Uttan are part of a Tourism Development Zone," Shah added.

Looks like there is a "communal" angle to this as well.

Apparently there is a NGO called the Catholic "secular" Forum which is certified by Australia and New Zealand (but why?).

The Catholic Secular Forum (CSF) is India's only ISO 9001:2000 certified community NGO certified by JAS-ANZ - The Joint Accreditation Service of Australia & News Zealand. It has been audited for "undertaking community development programmes for human rights, social service, medical aid, education, charity and relief" and awarded this internationally recognized quality management system standard.

http://www.thecsf.org/csf_now.html

This is what they are claiming:

Its time for us to brace ourselves for yet another attack on the final Christian bastion in Mumbai. The land of our forefathers - the sons of the soil is soon to be swarming with Vipassana followers. Most of us read with concern the article by Manoj R Nair in the Mumbai Mirror (4-1-09) of how Esselworld has managed to build the largest pagoda in South Asia, threatening the communal harmony in the area.

Looks like this ISO certified organization needs some lessons in "secularism". The statement - "The land of our forefathers - the sons of the soil is soon to be swarming with Vipassana followers" is so CHEAP.

I guess "environment" has become a tool for opposing anything nowadays (rightly or wrongly). It gives more respectability and media attention. You want to stop a building construction, you go on media and claim environment is being damaged. You want to stop a factory and you claim environment is being damaged. But you never hear any of these pseudo environmentalists talking the real cause of environmental degradation - unchecked population growth. Because that becomes "politically incorrect" and against "religious sensistivities" and "God's wishes".

I guess "environment" has become a tool for opposing anything nowadays (rightly or wrongly). It gives more respectability and media attention. You want to stop a building construction, you go on media and claim environment is being damaged. You want to stop a factory and you claim environment is being damaged. But you never hear any of these pseudo environmentalists talking the real cause of environmental degradation - unchecked population growth. Because that becomes "politically incorrect" and against "religious sensistivities" and "God's wishes".

So, its legal rite? Or is it in the semi-legal gray-area that so many buildings in Mumbai usually are.

So, its legal rite? Or is it in the semi-legal gray-area that so many buildings in Mumbai usually are.

If some people think that this is "illegal" they should petition the courts.

http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/Web/HTMumbai/Article/2009/02/08/005/08_02_2009_005_006.jpg

Source: Hindustan Times

Idiot fellows.
So many christian people practice vipassana.
There was even a reteat run for catholic preists..
And ive heared the tape of them afterwards.
It got them closer , they said , to their god.
Many people in india , particularly those in places of power understand that vipassana is secular.
It is one of the requirements to get a job in some gov positions in maharastra now.
Its paracticed in jails all over the world by cons AND screws .
Kiran bedi changed Tihar through it.
If some foolish christians in mumbai feel left out then they better get with the program.They're, as usual, just after some ££££ to keep quiet.

Religious idiot fellows.

Cant wait to see it , well it has been built with 'my money' after all.
cheers D

the pagoda was inaugurated in a high profile ceremony in Gorai today where the guests included the Hon. President of India Pratibha Patil, sharad pawar, robert and priyanka vadera, chhagan bhujbal, subhas chandra of Zee Tv etc. i was there on official duty and took a few snaps with my mobile. didnt carry my digicam as i wasnt sure abt the security protocol (although quite a number of others had carried their digicams along with them.) will upload the pics later this evening.

Idiot fellows.

Cant wait to see it , well it has been built with 'my money' after all.
cheers D

Nowadays - "environment", "secularism", "human rights" have become buzzwords for every kind of NGO that wants to oppose something. In reality many of these NGOs are just fronts for people who neither care for the environment nor for secularism or human rights. They just use those buzzwords to get attention and cover up their own shady backgrounds.

Those who oppose anything in the name of the "environment" are probably cutting down trees in their own backyard and adding illegal extensions to their houses to rent out and not pay taxes on the rent.

Then there are the "secular" fronts whose only job is opposing and insulting Hinduism. Most of these secular fronts are as bad as the right wing Hindu mobs. Secularism in India has been badly mauled by these pseudo secular and right wing groups.

And several of the "human rights" groups are just fronts for violent terror groups. These champions of human rights condemn any armed action against the groups they represent, but when their own criminal cadres indulge in violence, they go on every TV channel giving us the excuse of "root cause" theory. And many of these dubious personalities also end up getting "international" awards too.

the pagoda was inaugurated in a high profile ceremony in Gorai today where the guests included the Hon. President of India Pratibha Patil, sharad pawar, robert and priyanka vadera, chhagan bhujbal, subhas chandra of Zee Tv etc. i was there on official duty and took a few snaps with my mobile. didnt carry my digicam as i wasnt sure abt the security protocol (although quite a number of others had carried their digicams along with them.) will upload the pics later this evening.

Looking forward to the pics.

photos taken on 08.02.2009 (inauguration)

front view of the pagoda
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/9185/dsc00160lj3.jpg

side view

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/6358/dsc00161zp0.jpg

ceiling

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/4093/08022009390ph5.jpg

two pagodas in a single frame

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/3246/dsc00163vu3.jpg

interior of the smaller pagoda

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/9889/dsc00164qp9.jpg

interior of the larger pagoda
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/1341/08022009391rz6.jpg

ceiling of the smaller pagoda

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/8973/dsc00165to2.jpg

some tidbits

1. the ashoka chakra at the vertex of the larger dome itself is more than 10 feet in diameter, this will give u a rough idea of the size of the larger dome

2. the diameter of the dome was 280 feet (85 meters). for every note played by the orchestra (police band playing the national anthem), we could hear a echo from the opposite wall after half a second. (sound travels at 330 m/sec)

Awesome Kalyan! Thanks for all the efforts to document Mumbai construction!

Great pics, gents
cheers.
Spot on sun.

A cool aerial photo

photo copyright Toren

<--scroll if needed-->
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/8339/goraivipasannatorenswi8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I just hope that they don't develop anything in future in those green patches. The Pagoda looks good ...

^ ^ Totally agree with that. But knowing india i hope they dont start building shops , chai wallas etc etc. btw are they going to build a parking lot too?

pic by PrimusDMello
http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/3173/primusdmellotd7.jpg

great arial pic sun

wicked arial.
where DO you find 'em?

Any new development attracts favourable and unfavourable attention. But one needs to see whom and why is it favouring. Most often it is seen that the poor are expected to sacrifice their land, livelihood, homes in the name of development of the society at large. However, exceptions are made for the rich and exemptions given while the poor remain deprived of even the basic privilege.
The Pagoda at Gorai is an architectural marvel and no one can deny this fact. I feel proud of this structural wonder myself. But is it all that it takes to excite us. It is a well established fact that the Pagoda no matter how good the intention of building it, is by the law of our land 'ILLEGAL'. And the law is the same for the rich and the poor. I can't imagine that the President of our country came to inaugrate this landmark. Where is the sense of morality?
If this land could be used by the rich then why were the masses, the poor stopped from constructing their houses on it by imposing CRZ norms? This clearly smells of political alignment and approving of Capitalist free will.
Does the management and owners of this Global Pagoda want us to believe that they have constructed this religious site to initiate and encourage Peace in the world? Why did they have to built it in the vicinity of a tourist SEZ (which also has a controversy of its own). Of course they mean business and this form of business is called Religious Tourism. A form of Tourism that generates the highest revenue in a religious country like India. This is well planned to accomodate the faith principles of every religion. Higher the number of people visiting, higher the revenue (donations) generated.
For the middleclass the standard/class of their locality has gone up because there is a site of such importance in their area. But what about the damned poor regardless of which religion they belong to? How many jobs have been created for them because of this venture? And what type of jobs? Will they be made sweepers, made to clean toilets ultimately? Is the revenue generated used for the infrastructural development of the locals? I don't think so and a case to point is a very recent one of a baby falling off a mother's hands when travelling in a rickshaw because of the bad condition of the road leading to the villages in Gorai. The locals had been agitating for years for atleast decent roads but their protest fell on deaf ears of the administration who were more than willing to lay new road to the pagoda because the President was coming to inaugrate the structure. Why do you not think the locals will feel unwanted and left out in the development of their land they have been living for generations?

It is easy appreciate the photographs but more difficult to accept the real picture. Remove the lense from the camera of your conscience and face the truth. I SUPPORT PEACE BUT NOT THE BUSINESS OF PEACE.

Any new development attracts favourable and unfavourable attention. But one needs to see whom and why is it favouring. Most often it is seen that the poor are expected to sacrifice their land, livelihood, homes in the name of development of the society at large. However, exceptions are made for the rich and exemptions given while the poor remain deprived of even the basic privilege.
The Pagoda at Gorai is an architectural marvel and no one can deny this fact. I feel proud of this structural wonder myself. But is it all that it takes to excite us. It is a well established fact that the Pagoda no matter how good the intention of building it, is by the law of our land 'ILLEGAL'. And the law is the same for the rich and the poor. I can't imagine that the President of our country came to inaugrate this landmark. Where is the sense of morality?
If this land could be used by the rich then why were the masses, the poor stopped from constructing their houses on it by imposing CRZ norms? This clearly smells of political alignment and approving of Capitalist free will.
Does the management and owners of this Global Pagoda want us to believe that they have constructed this religious site to initiate and encourage Peace in the world? Why did they have to built it in the vicinity of a tourist SEZ (which also has a controversy of its own). Of course they mean business and this form of business is called Religious Tourism. A form of Tourism that generates the highest revenue in a religious country like India. This is well planned to accomodate the faith principles of every religion. Higher the number of people visiting, higher the revenue (donations) generated.
For the middleclass the standard/class of their locality has gone up because there is a site of such importance in their area. But what about the damned poor regardless of which religion they belong to? How many jobs have been created for them because of this venture? And what type of jobs? Will they be made sweepers, made to clean toilets ultimately? Is the revenue generated used for the infrastructural development of the locals? I don't think so and a case to point is a very recent one of a baby falling off a mother's hands when travelling in a rickshaw because of the bad condition of the road leading to the villages in Gorai. The locals had been agitating for years for atleast decent roads but their protest fell on deaf ears of the administration who were more than willing to lay new road to the pagoda because the President was coming to inaugrate the structure. Why do you not think the locals will feel unwanted and left out in the development of their land they have been living for generations?

It is easy appreciate the photographs but more difficult to accept the real picture. Remove the lense from the camera of your conscience and face the truth. I SUPPORT PEACE BUT NOT THE BUSINESS OF PEACE.

1) First of all let the courts decide whether it is illegal or legal. And if it is illegal what needs to be done with it.

There have been many conflicting news reports. One of the articles (http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1227845) also alleges this

The pagoda's launch has drawn its share of motivated controversy with Edwin Britto, a self-appointed busybody, alleging violations of "various laws and acts of the land", including the coastal regulatory zone (CRZ). A routine check with the authorities shows all requisite permission has been obtained and no laws have been violated.

So the best thing for detractors of this project is go to the courts and get justice.

Let this not turn out like the Nano fiasco, where the courts ruled that land acquistion was legal and the so called pro poor activists continued their politics of violence to throw out the Tatas (now what? all the poor farmers are left poorer and the so called pro poor activists have gone on to newer pastures trying to stop other "capitalist" projects in the name of poverty and environment).

2) The 11 acres of land was donated by a big time capitalist. If anyone else is claiming ownership of the land, then they should challenge it in the courts.

3) What's wrong with religious tourism? As long as the people who run this centre don't catch hold of people and force them to convert to their religion or teachings, it is fine.

4) The fact that the local adminstration is useless (as they usually are all across India), is a separate issue. If they cannot build proper roads (tell me a local administration in India which can build a proper footpath), then it is not the fault of the Global Pagoda.

5) And what about the poor? Did the project promise to uplift the poor or employ them in any written undertaking? There is no law that enforces social responsibilty on such ventures. Social responsibilty is voluntary. The question as to how will the poor benefit is a question that the government needs to answer.

6) If the locals are feeling left out, they also need to ask the question as to whether they are creating barriers around themselves by claiming to be the original people and others as outsiders. Or is it just a bogey that is being raised by "activists" to get support for their personal or political motivations?

7) As far as the "poor" being not allowed to build houses because of CRZ, it would be good to see some concrete examples of such denials.

I've never read such a condensed pile of self-righteous, disassociate, rambling drivel in my life. I'd waste my time to reply to it had I not the fear it would collapse in on itself under the sheer weight of idiocy and create a black hole of whiny, limp wristed self-flaggelation, sucking in all and sunder.

You, Sir, are a better man than I, Sun.

Any new development attracts favourable and unfavourable attention. But one needs to see whom and why is it favouring. Most often it is seen that the poor are expected to sacrifice their land, livelihood, homes in the name of development of the society at large. However, exceptions are made for the rich and exemptions given while the poor remain deprived of even the basic privilege.
The Pagoda at Gorai is an architectural marvel and no one can deny this fact. I feel proud of this structural wonder myself. But is it all that it takes to excite us. It is a well established fact that the Pagoda no matter how good the intention of building it, is by the law of our land 'ILLEGAL'. And the law is the same for the rich and the poor. I can't imagine that the President of our country came to inaugrate this landmark. Where is the sense of morality?
If this land could be used by the rich then why were the masses, the poor stopped from constructing their houses on it by imposing CRZ norms? This clearly smells of political alignment and approving of Capitalist free will.
Does the management and owners of this Global Pagoda want us to believe that they have constructed this religious site to initiate and encourage Peace in the world? Why did they have to built it in the vicinity of a tourist SEZ (which also has a controversy of its own). Of course they mean business and this form of business is called Religious Tourism. A form of Tourism that generates the highest revenue in a religious country like India. This is well planned to accomodate the faith principles of every religion. Higher the number of people visiting, higher the revenue (donations) generated. blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah blah blah blah whine blah blah whine blah blah blah blah blah blah whine blah It is easy appreciate the photographs but more difficult to accept the real picture. Remove the lense from the camera of your conscience and face the truth. I SUPPORT PEACE BUT NOT THE BUSINESS OF PEACE.

Any new development attracts favourable and unfavourable attention. But one needs to see whom and why is it favouring. Most often it is seen that the poor are expected to sacrifice their land, livelihood, homes in the name of development of the society at large. However, exceptions are made for the rich and exemptions given while the poor remain deprived of even the basic privilege.
The Pagoda at Gorai is an architectural marvel and no one can deny this fact. I feel proud of this structural wonder myself. But is it all that it takes to excite us. It is a well established fact that the Pagoda no matter how good the intention of building it, is by the law of our land 'ILLEGAL'. And the law is the same for the rich and the poor. I can't imagine that the President of our country came to inaugrate this landmark. Where is the sense of morality?
If this land could be used by the rich then why were the masses, the poor stopped from constructing their houses on it by imposing CRZ norms? This clearly smells of political alignment and approving of Capitalist free will.
Does the management and owners of this Global Pagoda want us to believe that they have constructed this religious site to initiate and encourage Peace in the world? Why did they have to built it in the vicinity of a tourist SEZ (which also has a controversy of its own). Of course they mean business and this form of business is called Religious Tourism. A form of Tourism that generates the highest revenue in a religious country like India. This is well planned to accomodate the faith principles of every religion. Higher the number of people visiting, higher the revenue (donations) generated.
For the middleclass the standard/class of their locality has gone up because there is a site of such importance in their area. But what about the damned poor regardless of which religion they belong to? How many jobs have been created for them because of this venture? And what type of jobs? Will they be made sweepers, made to clean toilets ultimately? Is the revenue generated used for the infrastructural development of the locals? I don't think so and a case to point is a very recent one of a baby falling off a mother's hands when travelling in a rickshaw because of the bad condition of the road leading to the villages in Gorai. The locals had been agitating for years for atleast decent roads but their protest fell on deaf ears of the administration who were more than willing to lay new road to the pagoda because the President was coming to inaugrate the structure. Why do you not think the locals will feel unwanted and left out in the development of their land they have been living for generations?

It is easy appreciate the photographs but more difficult to accept the real picture. Remove the lense from the camera of your conscience and face the truth. I SUPPORT PEACE BUT NOT THE BUSINESS OF PEACE.

that was the biggest fart on this forum...... ever......

there are so many logical inaccuracies i would get tired just pointing them out. :nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts:

no wonder India will not develop - with such anti-development activists (who want development for themselves by the way), nothing can survive..

It seems to me that my short write up has ruffled a few feathers. I would be glad if a few more would be ruffled and then we can say that the party has begun. Well that is what truth does. No matter how much one tries to shove it under the carpet it rises like a towering phoenix. But it will be easy to accept it if you give up your biases and get in touch with reality. My write up was all but based on the truth and there is nothing neither irrational nor sentimental about it. You can check each one of them. I would reply to the points raised by Suncity, merely for the reason that he seemed to have taken a lot of time to at least express him/her self decently.

1) First of all let the courts decide whether it is illegal or legal…………..
If you are open to the facts then read a studied article by Priya Shah at this link: http://www.priyashah.com/crz.htm
This will give you an idea how the government which is supposed to implement the laws, are in connivance with those who break the law.
Not all truth is found only in the courts of justice. There is truth even outside those corridors which can be seen with bare eyes. Values whether they are peace, truth, justice are to be practiced first before they epitomized in illegal structures for business purposes.

2) The 11 acres of land was donated by a big time capitalist. If anyone else is claiming ownership of the land, then they should challenge it in the courts.
I never questioned the ownership of the land. I was questioning the use that has been permitted of the land. In the courts one needs good, expensive lawyers, which only the rich capitalist can afford.

3) What's wrong with religious tourism? As long as the people who run this centre don't catch hold of people and force them to convert to their religion or teachings, it is fine.
Religion concerns faith – an affective element of any human being. Tourism concerns business. Religious Tourism is a business of faith……..and as mentioned a business of peace as is the case of the Gorai Pagoda. Of course, I would like to experience and encourage the promotion of peace through Vipasana. But why use illegal means? The end does not justify the means.

4) The fact that the local adminstration is useless (as they usually are all across India), is a separate issue. If they cannot build proper roads (tell me a local administration in India which can build a proper footpath), then it is not the fault of the Global Pagoda.
I did not speak of the local administration. I spoke of the government. After all both have the same government. The bias against the locals and the red carpet for the capitalist is what I oppose. Building of proper roads is the prerogative of the government. Roads just like water, electricity are not luxuries but essentials. Is the government even incapable of providing the basic necessities of the poor, while acts with lightning efficiency to pamper capitalist demands.

5) And what about the poor? Did the project promise to uplift the poor or employ them in any written undertaking? There is no law that enforces social responsibilty on such ventures. Social responsibilty is voluntary. The question as to how will the poor benefit is a question that the government needs to answer.
Ventures such as these thrive on the resources that would have been used otherwise by the locals. Ventures such as these are aimed to boost the real estate demand in the area. All corporates have a social responsibility because they survive because of the society. When they become irresponsible then we see incidents like the recession we are facing in our times, like the case of Satyam Computers. ‘Social Responsibility’ is not voluntary, but as the term indicates ‘a responsibility’ and responsibilities are never voluntary.


6) If the locals are feeling left out, they also need to ask the question as to whether they are creating barriers around themselves by claiming to be the original people and others as outsiders. Or is it just a bogey that is being raised by "activists" to get support for their personal or political motivations?
Is it the locals who are creating the barriers or is the corporates who would not like to see the strategic involvement of the locals? No one can deny the fact that the locals were, are and will be the originals of the lands. They would of course feel that they have got a raw deal if they do not see benefits of the development in their locality coming their way. Political motivations can be tamed if concrete developmental steps are taken to benefit the common people.


7) As far as the "poor" being not allowed to build houses because of CRZ, it would be good to see some concrete examples of such denials.
Are you suggesting that there were structures on the land on which the pagoda is built and that these structures (if there were) were declared authorized by the respective authorities? The pagoda is announced and proclaimed as legally authorized, but as per CRZ norms even an idiot would know that the rules have been bent to suit the pockets of many. Couldn’t the owners find one site on which the structure could be built without breaking any rules, since it is being built for a higher cause? To check one the rules with regards to the latest CRZ, check the following link:
http://www.nls.ac.in/CEERA/ceerafeb04/html/documents/coastalupto2001.htm

All this is hard to accept but stretch your research a little bit further and you will find that facts speak for themselves. You might feel that I support the ‘Son of Soil’ agenda but I don’t. You might think that I support ‘Communalism’ but I don’t. You might wonder if I am a ‘Politician’ but I am not. You might assume that I am a ‘Local’ but I am not. I am a citizen of this great country of ours, and my viewpoint is from a neutral perspective. Take it or leave it. But I can never find peace at the pagoda which has been laid on the foundations of CORRUPTION.

You know what your problem is? - you are barking up the wrong tree.

You cannot go to a pav bhaji stall and ask for pani puri.

We are contributors in a forum (called skyscrapercity by the way if you didnt notice) who appreciate the architectural wonders of new constructions. It is not our job to check the legal antecedents of anything.

And it is our right to enjoy such architecture - we are not compelled to stop discussing a project.

And, if people are unhappy with the govt, go change the govt - dont shout as us as if we are responsible for building the pagoda.

But what about the damned poor regardless of which religion they belong to? How many jobs have been created for them because of this venture? And what type of jobs? Will they be made sweepers, made to clean toilets ultimately?

This is what i hate the most about you btw - not what you were fighting for.

You just have no dignity of labor - are sweepers and toilet cleaners not human beings?

It seems to me that my short write up has ruffled a few feathers. I would be glad if a few more would be ruffled and then we can say that the party has begun. Well that is what truth does. No matter how much one tries to shove it under the carpet it rises like a towering phoenix. But it will be easy to accept it if you give up your biases and get in touch with reality. My write up was all but based on the truth and there is nothing neither irrational nor sentimental about it. You can check each one of them. I would reply to the points raised by Suncity, merely for the reason that he seemed to have taken a lot of time to at least express him/her self decently..................



You are most welcome to your view points. I have my own views. At least I am honest enough to say they are my own views - whether they are wrong or right, rational or irrational. Everybody is entitled to think that they are on the side of truth. You are welcome to agree or disagree with my views.

Global Vipassana Pagoda by jubindave, on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jubindave/3364407986/)http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3473/3364407986_fc4fd41c0c_b.jpg

Global Vipassana Pagoda by jubindave, on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jubindave/3364408486/)http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3364408486_a615e433a2_b.jpg

Global Vipassana Pagoda by jubindave, on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jubindave/3364410512/)http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3637/3364410512_2c21abfdeb_b.jpg

Global Vipassana Pagoda by jubindave, on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jubindave/3363590405/)http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3363590405_de7d427788_b.jpg

Global Vipassana Pagoda by jubindave, on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jubindave/3364413648/)http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3475/3364413648_2c15d8aa2a_b.jpg

Global Vipassana Pagoda by jubindave, on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jubindave/3364416166/)http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3632/3364416166_b5d958d22b_b.jpg

More here Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jubindave/sets/72157615434038683/):

Excellent Updates...

Thanks..

mods, should this thread be changed to 'T/O'?

Ok, 'I heared you'
Who donated the land?
And was he/she a vipassana meditator?.
The rules of the organisation only accept donations from people who have attended meditation courses.
Illegal?
I know not the ins and outs of thos case. Buy my guess is that it has now been deemed illegal becuase someone has not been paid off.
The organisation does not pay bribes.
Religious tourism?
Oh dear.
I think you should do a little bit more research.
It is built as a meditation centre.It has 100's of cells that vipassana meditatiors can use.
Its not a buisness or job creation scheme.
Rich or poor everyone is welcomed to attend a meditation course.
It is BY DONATION ONLY.
My self and many others have attented courses and on occasion, not paid an anna.
I suggest you do some practical resarch.
Apply to do a ten day retreat at the vippassana centre nearest to you.there are many centres all over India
Not for the faint hearted, its good stuff mate.
eeeh oop
D

dreadathecontrols - I agree with you. I did one day retreat without paying any fees (of cousre I made the donation). They do charge for some of their retreats but they also offer Donation Only retreats frequently. It was a nice experience.

Nice pics Jubin. The work on this project is going as slow as it gets. plus the finishing is horrible too.
hope they finish painting it soon.

Nice pics Jubin. The work on this project is going as slow as it gets. plus the finishing is horrible too.
hope they finish painting it soon.

thanks. it is slow going. there are very few people working at the site that i saw. also the centre has begun. so maybe that is why it is 'quiet'. i don't think they will be painting the stones, but that is just me.

great pictures buddy.

Great updates Jubin! Still waiting to see some gold.

great pictures buddy.

Great updates Jubin! Still waiting to see some gold.

thanks all. the 'small' pagoda is golden. see the pix i posted. i hope they don't make the big one gold, looks good in stone, imho.

I actually think it looks fine in gold... I don't see anything wrong with it...

X-posting | IU posted this in the cityscapes thread

It can been seen in the background

Copyright Ranjit Pal
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/4579/38263998397eb546738co.jpg

Amazing Picture, Great Update

wow, I was wondering what that structure was in the background

would love to see a close up night pic

What is the point in dedicating a thread to this ugly concrete heap?

I want a closer look of the Pagoda at night.

What is the point in dedicating a thread to this ugly concrete heap?

+1 for excellent culture tall_dreams. you sure know what you're talking about :)

What is the point in dedicating a thread to this ugly concrete heap?

Damn dude, you're batting like what, 0 for 10 in terms of good taste in building design. That takes talent. Kudos.

What is the point in dedicating a thread to this ugly concrete heap?

fyi, its the largest pagoda in the world. Ugly concrete heap? Almost every things ugly according to you. What was the point of joining this forum when most of your comments are on how ugly you think things look.

Jeez just stop responding to such comments. One guy says something stupid and 10 people quote the message.

Guys take it easy. It looks like I have upset many of my friends here. Please don't assume that I do not appreciate culture or something like that.I am very much proud of our Indian culture. But at the same time it may well be true that a building which is supposed to represent our culture may not please me as far as its design is concerned especially when seen in context of modern skyscrapers. Here I must emphasise on this part. Perhaps if I were on a tour and have come across this structure I would have found it more appealing. I am new here and I found it odd to see it in the skyscrapers section. Having said all that I should have thought twice before writing a word like ugly given that the thread seems to be very popular.
All my comments have not been negative and those were negative I felt very strongly about it for instance Planet Godrej, I really think it is one of the ugliest buildings around and nothing is going to change my mind even if it means antagonising some of my friends. If you think this forum should be filled with only praises and there should be no criticism( self criticism, I would say , because when I criticise a building or a project I am criticising my own people and country and thus myself) then I would happily refrain from saying anything negative and others should do so too. Perhaps then we could believe that everything in India is red as cherry and all its new skyscraper an architectural marvel.

I felt funny that a structure built in the 21th century should resemble something that would have been built centuries ago. They could have added a touch of modernism to it.

What is the point in dedicating a thread to this ugly concrete heap?

that is made of stone.

I felt funny that a structure built in the 21th century should resemble something that would have been built centuries ago. They could have added a touch of modernism to it.

nah.. i think we need more new old/historical buildings. :lol: we didnt care about the ones we had, so lets build more for our kids

that is made of stone. if you dont like it then dont post in this forum.

Illusionist, I think the boy has explained himself very modestly and politely in Post#102. Now, let bygones be bygones & as a senior Pro simply forgive & forget. In the end, we are all entitled to our respective opinions that can differ starkly from the rest. But, what good is a discussion if everybody thinks alike. Though, I do believe that when it comes to cultural centres or places of Worship, one must show his disagreement with some class and in an elantic manner.

^ ^ I didnt read his disclaimer . i assumed him to another todscreen. i will fix my post

I felt funny that a structure built in the 21th century should resemble something that would have been built centuries ago. They could have added a touch of modernism to it.

I hate it when people try to give modern "touches" to traditional architecture. It usually ends up looking really tacky.

Here's a really old update from April or March this year but should be posted here. btw, apparently the will be no gold as said in this thread.

Copyright ocean2012
http://i47.tinypic.com/o9ilh4.jpg

Another pic

Oct 23?
Copyright Babul Bhatt | Now in Delhi
http://i45.tinypic.com/sbhstv.jpg

Ok, that source was wrong there will be painted gold. Here another pic, don't know the date taken (maybe in Oct)

Copyright Abhijit
http://i48.tinypic.com/29mrk0l.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/1yk5tk.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/2qxyr7p.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/9jg4jt.jpg

amazing!!

This is just amazing. First the shine of Golden Temple in Amritsar in the pond and now the shine of the Golden Pagoda in the lake. Simply Amazing. Loving it.

Is this going to painted gold or are they going to use gold leaf or something like that?

^^ paint . i dont think they can afford gold leaf for this huge structure considering the prices of the gold now days.

This is ugly

and hmm I heard poster has a point.

There are issues about the legality of this structure. As Sun said let them goto the courts and if its illegal then tear it down. Infact there will be many young aspiring lawyers who will take this case on. Let the construction be suspended till then. thats what i would encourage the villagers to do. From what i have read the case should be in their favour, the builder has built first without asking for the proper permissions.

You mean they wake up one day and suddenly they realize that someone is trespassing their land and they will only file the case after the structure has almost been built? Why does this always happen in India?

You mean they wake up one day and suddenly they realize that someone is trespassing their land and they will only file the case after the structure has almost been built? Why does this always happen in India?

cause we have a weak judiciary.

Take the suberban railways in mumbai Thane to Kurla line 5-6. They had to demolish 20 illegal buildings. Some of them brand new and 10-12 stories tall.


One of the reason mumbai has haphazard planning is cause

(a) the builders built first illegally and then decided to make it legit. Many times other government branches even occupy these buildings.

(b) the admin took too much money and oked everything leading to horrible planning.

In this case i understand the builder just started building and after building under the name for not hurting religious sentiment got this made legal. Fine the gov can ok it. ie the government wont bring any action against them.but in such cases if this case ever reaches the supreme court, the verdict will go only in one way and thats in favour of the villagers. the reason being supreme court functions independently from the the government.

for eg i remember in delhi a supreme court judge over turned a gov decision to keep a slum.

people also need to realise that the mainstream media can be bought in this country. Just because the capitalist pays them to print something sympathetic to his cause does not mean the high or supreme courts are going to base their decisions on a newspaper article

Cladding complete:

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/3256/4294124543b9818f5082o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44558398@N07/4294124543/sizes/o/

The pictures are taken from the same spot and mirrored. Looks nice at night.

Looks great.

Nice. The cladding is not complete yet, still more to go at the bottom.

^ ^ There is no cladding, just paint.
BTW check this album out.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=shahpriteshp&target=ALBUM&id=5441299864804128593

Photo Credits: Pritesh (http://picasaweb.google.com/shahpriteshp)

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_3a1RyKcXVS0/S4NjCMca82I/AAAAAAAACzk/ikAJoOCEev0/DSCN1700.JPG.

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Photo credits : Pritesh
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in mid-february...

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what a gorgeous temple!

Indeed!

wrong thread sorry....delete mods

photo copyright Bharathi

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/6514/mumbaipagodabharathi.jpg (http://img28.imageshack.us/i/mumbaipagodabharathi.jpg/)



from mumbai thread

July 1
Copyright Ryan Brookes
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Respect!!! :bow:

Looks amazing!

To me it looks horrible.It absolutely destroys the whole beauty of the place.:ohno:

^yeah

during night its brilliant when lit up! but during day time some thing somewhere is missing! what do u guys think?

Any ways india need these kinda icons to show case its growing stature!

Cheers!

cc ganuullu

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/541/50461912562dacd65626b.jpg

To me it looks horrible.It absolutely destroys the whole beauty of the place.:ohno:

I disagree with you. I do. oh yes i do.

looks stunning............

Its gorgeous and above all.. it will inspire people in more ways than one.

That is pretty awesome.

I think what would also be great is a revival of Indian Buddhist architecture, or perhaps a fusion of Indian Hindu/Buddhist architecture.

It looks great no doubt but I also question the location.

Is the area known locally for Buddism?

delete

Isn't this just magestic? But what the heck is that infront, rollercoaster at Essel World?

November 29
Copyright Sachin Suresh Jadhav
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/6383/52168546637a5715d32db.jpg

yes its next to an ammusent park.
ive been there and its bloody noisey and intrusive if one was on a course there.
As meditator -from the goenka organisation- i cannot see either the point of it or understand the location.
its a folly beautiful but pointles.

Essel world still is operative?

Essel world still is operative?

Yup, esselworld and water kingdom both

yes it is. and bloody noisy . . . .

cc epaper TOI

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