The Millennium Park & Vishwa Shanti Stupa
The gleaming white dome with a glittering gold spire, caught my attention as I drove through the streets of Delhi. The Vishwa Shanti Stupa is located in East of Delhi beside the Ring Road. It soared high above the trees, reminding passerbys of world peace.
It stood 28 meters high in the Millennium Indraprastha Park. The Dalai Lama inaugurated this Buddhist Pagoda as a symbol of Universal Peace in 2007. Several such Stupas are located all over the world with the oldest one in India built in 4th century BC.
It’s a short walk from the Indraprastha Metro Station and a 20 minutes drive from the Delhi-Ghaziabad border.
To reach the white marble monument, one must walk through the park. I parked my car for free under shielding trees. I strolled in, imbibing the scenic landscape that lay ahead. The gratuitous entry brought a liberating feeling within me. Breathtaking landscape of the IP Park had brightly coloured flowers dancing with the wind. The 85 acres elongated park was abreasted with lush green mounds. Locals sat in the grass and on benches, softly chattering under the sun. The Japanese landscaping was beautifully maintained. The instant placidity that arose, shut out the bustling city’s restlessness. Hexagonal gazebos, fountain, amphitheater and water cascades were interspersed within the park. A childlike adventurous spirit emerged within me.
On the right, the open air food court had reasonably priced dishes. Papdi chat at Rs. 40 and Special Veg. Thali priced Rs. 160 tasted reasonably good. Local as well branded icecreams were also available. There was a unique stall for getting one’s name written on a single grain of rice, priced from Rs. 30 to 80.
The Stupa was beyond the food court. A large gateway known as a Toran, had wonderful carvings of elephants, lions, peacocks and human forms all around its columns. Through the Toran, the path to the Stupa was flanked by golden lions on a white marble pedestal. The dome of the Stupa was built on a circular base. I climbed the white stairs to a wide circular path around the dome. There was a ramp behind the structure
for the wheelchair users. On climbing to a second level of circumambulatory path, the words ‘NA MU MYO HO REN GE KYO’ written in gold on a white marble behind a donation box. These words represent a Buddhist Law developed by Nichiren, a Buddhist Monk in the 13th century. This level had 4 statues of the Buddha, each depicting his different stages of life. A golden figure of the Buddha sat in lotus position above the words. Two showed the Buddha blessing and one was a resting Buddha under a golden tree.
This remarkable experience in the heart of Delhi was refreshing. It has imprinted peace in my mind; this Universal Peace Stupa of Delhi.
