23 June 2013

Dhamma Giri- A Photo Essay

Continued from here
Dhamma Giri
Dhamma Giri, came to us as a big surprise. I was browsing for a day's trip from Mumbai, and came across Dhamma Giri meditation center in Igatpuri. We had been to Buddhist Monastry in Madikeri and felt this would be something similar. But instead this is a meditation center and nothing to do with any religious practices.
Dhamma giri is one of the World's largest meditation centers, dedicated to the teaching of Vipassana Meditation as taught my S.N Goenka. You can find more information on the center and meditation courses on their site http://www.giri.dhamma.org/..
Very narrow road reaches you to the Myanmar Gate. There is parking for visitor vehicles.. The guard at the gate guided us to the visitor's hall. Another person at the visitor's hall asked us to register with name and in-time... Then asked to go-through the paintings related to Lord Buddha's life and attend a 15 mins video session..The gallery has great collection of paintings.. After watching the video, we were guided to the main center, which is at the foot hill and almost half a km from the Myanmar gate. You can drive to this place in your vehicle.. There is a beautiful park on the way, and the whole place is scenic and beautiful. After nearing the center, a guide takes you through a detailed tour of the place and the meditation courses..The marvelous architecture and colorful walls takes you to a different world...
Dhamma Giri
Myanmar Gate

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Visitors Hall and Painting Gallery

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Painting of Lord Buddha's life

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The road heading to the center

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The Park on the way to the meditation center
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The Meditation Center

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Another view of Meditation Center
   
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The Bell, which guides the students with their schedule
Travel Tips:
  • Location: Igatpuri is 120 kms from Mumbai and 45km from Nasik
  • How to reach:
    • By Train: Igatpuri has a railway station and trains playing between Mumbai and Nasik stop here.
    • By Road: 
      • Driving directions: Igatpuri is on NH3.
      • Buses playing between Mumbai and Nasik stop at Igatpuri, auto-rickshaw play between center and Igatpuri town.
    • By Air: Nearest airport Nasik's Ozar Airport which is 65kms from Igatpuri. But Mumbai airport at 135km has better connectivity
  • Accommodation: There is accommodation facility at the center if  you are registering for meditation course.. As a visitor, you can find decent lodges in Igatpuri at nominal rates.

24 comments:

  1. What a beautiful place! Lovely shots.

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  2. great info and beautiful photos

    thanks

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  3. You cannot help but feel calm by the buildings and surrounding scenery.

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  4. Beautiful account! pictures looking amazing to visit.

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  5. Great tour!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  6. Looks stunning! :-)

    http://tinajoathome.com/

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  7. Never heard of this. Looks like a good peaceful place.

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  8. @tinajo: Thanks
    @Jim: Thank you
    @Indrani: Yes it is... Even their courses sounded interesting..
    Thanks, Rekha...

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  9. Beautifully captured.
    Have you been to a similar one in Gorai? If not, You must!

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  10. What a beautiful place and lovely captures.

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  11. simply serene !! awesome captures Meghana !! :)

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  12. @magiceye: got to know from few of my frnds only after posting this post.. Will have to visit...
    Thank you Mridula and mysay

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  13. Lovely Place and Very Good Capture...

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  14. Wow ths place is so beautiful.Looks more like a temple than a meditation center.

    Check out my blog too,its on travel and adventure
    http://www.ankionthemove.com/

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  15. Well the sky wasn't with you that day, but it is still a very pleasant visit... Thanks for the charming sharing.

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  16. Wow, what a gorgeous place! The park is lovely. Wonderful captures and tour!

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  17. Thank you all...
    @Ankita: thats a very nice blog, am following it....

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  18. The place is swathed in bliss and peace. Nice capture.

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