The mangroves of Marve creek form the perfect frame for the golden-hued Global Vipassana Pagoda across the waters in Gorai.At night, it looks almost ethereal... gleaming with soft lights that seem to reflect the stars.
If the newspapers are excited about it being one of Asia's largest pagodas (325' high), what I find even more fascinating is that in this modern age, here is a massive structure built of stone and lime mortar. That's right, no iron or cement used!
And even more amazing? The fact that the centre of the pagoda also has the world's largest stone dome built without any supporting pillars.
Imagine meditating under that!
(Post-script : I just wanted to add this photo of the pagoda taken from the other side of the backwaters, near Gorai)
