City's 101-foot architectural wonder

City's 101-foot architectural wonder
Bangalore, of late, tagged 'Bad Boy/City' for its booming realty, escalating prices and depleting greenery - boasts of the largest pyramid shaped meditation hall in the world and the largest pyramid in Asia, in the most aesthetic surroundings, finds out Shonali Misra


The Great Pyramid of Giza (2584-2561 BC), built as the tomb of fourth dynasty Egyptian pharaoh Khufu, might well be the only standing monument of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. But our Bengaluru seems to have traced out its special spot on the world map of architecture as well.

The biggest pyramid shaped meditation hall in the world. Also, the largest pyramid in Asia. It stands proud at above 101 feet. Its base measures 160 ft by 160 ft with the main meditation area spanning 25,600 sq ft. The most important fact — it is in Bangalore. Maitreya Buddha Pyramid, is the International Centre (Bangalore), of the Pyramid Spiritual Society’s Movement in Pyramid Valley. It is located 30 km from Banashankari Temple, 4 km before Harohalli and 1.2 km just after Kebbedoddi bus stop, on Kanakapura Road.

A truly unique experience for a first-time visitor, the small dirt road off the main road, is deceptively obscure. The view that greets one at the end of this road, lined with quaint rural houses, is to be seen to be believed. Amidst a vast span of greenery and hillocks, stands the Pyramid in all its sublime glory.

Designed by Bharti Prem Architects from Bangalore, and Neelesh Chopra of Onus from Pune, the whole and sole aim of the Pyramid is something the whole world craves for — PEACE OF MIND — through meditation, open to any person belonging to any religion or sect. The pyramid shaped structure symbolises unity in diversity, already practised by a large number of people from diverse backgrounds when the Pyramid became functional from May 2005. Construction of the Pyramid started in November 2004, and will be completed by December 2008, in time for the Global Spiritual Congress, according to Project Engineer P S R K Prasad. The Pyramid Spiritual Trust (India) is establishing an ‘International Meditational University’ here. Already, at any given time, up to 5,000 people can meditate comfortably inside.

Intricate design

Explaining the design, Prasad said the slant for the structure was 51 degrees by 51 minutes, with the base a perfect square. The super structure, with RCC foundation, is made of steel with cladding on mural artwork, with cement tiles. Aerocon material has been used for the artwork, including the pillars, ceiling and walls, according to sculptor B N Mishra, who has ensured that the artwork, particularly in the basement, is a beauteous legacy to leave behind. There are totally 786 round crystal balls, one in every joint of the G1 crosswork steel structure, that symbolise energy. The floor that feels cool to the touch, is made of quintessentially stylish mosaic tiles. The right ventilation — a crucial part of the mammoth design — ensures cool air coming in from the gaps at the lower level, with the hot air being expelled out from levers in the skylights at the top. At 1/3rd the height from the base, is ‘The King’s Chamber’, said to be a higher energy meditation zone, spanning 650 sq ft.

The total 40-acre area, that has involved an investment of six and a half crores, has many amenities in the pipeline, with a few already functional. Already constructed are 16 rooms with double beds, with attached bathroom and balcony. There are four room-like dormitories that can accommodate 15 people, each, and 3 hall-like dormitories that can accommodate100 people at a time, each, as well. There is an already functional amphitheatre that will be upgraded to seat around 1000 people.The Society is planning accommodation for around 1000 people, including 50 picturesque cottages and tent accommodation from November. Planned rain water streams running through the area, promise another breathtaking experience. ‘Tapasthali’ — small pyramid structures for meditation — on the surrounding hillocks, are also in the offing.

Modern-day message

The Project Engineer, himself a staunch practitioner of meditation, feels modern city construction can achieve so much more. “Apartment builders are offering numerous amenities such as gym, party hall, conference hall, etc; but rarely does anyone bother to construct pyramid shaped meditation halls,” feels Prasad. Emphasising the importance of the shape, he says meditation inside a pyramid is thrice more powerful than in any other ordinary place. In fact, the preservation power of anything kept inside such a structure increases tremendously, he adds. “ Pyramids for meditation can be built anywhere in any size, of any material; it must be aligned to the four cardinal points, ie, North, South, East and West with the 51 deg - 51 min precision with the base, a perfect square.”

Given the peace of mind and state of blissful oblivion that ten minutes of meditation sitting in the King’s Chamber gave me, I’d say the Pyramid — apart from being an architectural wonder — is well worth a visit.

For more information, contact P S R K Prasad at 9448177563, or log on to www.pss.org