Lord Buddha's relics enshrined in Pagoda

Mumbai, Oct 31: About 2,000 years after Lord Buddha's mortal remains have been enshrined in a pagoda built at Gorai in North Mumbai, thousands of devotees attended the service.

The last time such an event took place was during the reign of the Emperor Ashoka when the relics of the Buddha were enshrined in many Stupas all over his kingdom.

Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna presided over the historic occasion on Sunday. The Global Pagoda, constructed by the Global Vipassana Foundation, is described as the Eighth Wonder in the world, according to a release here today.

Global Vipassana Foundation President Subhash Chandra Goyal presented a painting of the Global Pagoda to Mr Krishna in presence of Union Minister for Civil Aviation Praful Patel and former Railways Minister Ram Naik on the occasion.

Renowned Vipassana Master Pujya Satya Narayanji Goenka blessed the ten thousand strong gathering and emphasised the universal significance of Vipassana meditation for the welfare of mankind during his sermon.

The Global Vipassana Pagoda is the world's largest dome ever constructed by mankind. It is made of stone and unsupported by any pillar. It is being built using the ancient architectural techniques used in the building of Stupas during Emperor Ashoka's reign.

The Pagoda will be over two times the size of the Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur in Karnataka, which is presently the largest dome structure in the world, the release added.

UNI