NIPPONZAN MYOHOJI BUDDHIST TEMPLE, MUMBAI

WHERE I WENT

Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist temple in Worli

Chances are that you like me, have passed this sign several times and wondered what a sign in Japanese is doing in Mumbai.

So one day, my curiosity got the better of me and I went to discover what lay beyond that sign.

WHAT I LEARNT

Built in 1956, this temple's origins are linked to an old prophecy by a 13th century Japanese Buddhist monk Nichiren who said that the ultimate salvation of humanity, contaminated by all that was evil and impure, lay on the western haven of India, the country that was home to Buddhism. 

According to information I gathered on the internet, centuries later, another Japanese monk Nichidatsu Fujii, founder of the Nipponzan-Myohoji-Daisanga order of Nichiren Buddhism came to India in 1931 with a group of disciples with the intention of fulfilling that prophecy. During his visit to India, he met and interacted with Mahatma Gandhi and contributed to India's freedom struggle in the 1930s. As a form of gratitude, Jugal Kishore Birla a Gandhian and well known philanthropist  who was so impressed by Fujii Guruji's thoughts and vision that he built the temple at Worli. Since its construction, it has been renovated and maintained by the Raja Baldeodas Birla family trust. 

WHAT I SAW

The temple consists of a large prayer hall and an inner altar. 

A marble statue of Buddha forms the centre piece of the altar.

 The wall panels depict various events in the life of Buddha.

Prayers are held twice a day at 6 am and at 5:30 pm. The hall reverberates with the sounds of the Japanese drums in tune to the chants of  "Na mu myo ho ren ge kyo" which is the Lotus Mantra.

Prayers are led by the resident monk Bhikshu Morita who has been here for the last 30 years. I ovehear him speak in fluent Hindi to a visitor who had just arrived.

WHAT I LOVED

There is a sense of calm and tranquility that envelops you as soon as you ascend the stairs into the temple. The temple is open to people from all faiths. It is a spiritual space that exudes peace and serenity despite the sounds of construction and the distant honks of traffic.

WHERE: Dr Annie Besant Rd, Opp Poddar Hospital, B Wing, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400018.
TIMINGS: 05:30 AM - 12:30 PM , 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM

MUMBAI'S MOVIE MAGIC IN A MUSEUM

WHERE I WENT

The National Museum of Indian Cinema

Now this is a place that is not featured any list of “Must see places in Mumbai” or even “Best Museums to visit”. It takes a curious person like me to probe to find more info about this place. So with minimal information, I walked through the gates one sunny morning, keen to discover what lay ahead. What a pleasant discovery it was!

WHAT I LEARNT

The National Museum of Indian Cinema was inaugurated in January 2019 to showcase the rich history of Indian Cinema. Situated on Pedder Road, Mumbai inside the Films Division property. 

The museum is spread across two buildings. The splendidly restored Gulshan Mahal which quite appropriately houses the evolution of Indian cinema and its developments through the first 100 years. And the gleaming new glass facade museum showcases all the technology advancements in cinema.

Gulshan Mahal

The new museum wing

WHAT I SAW

Many years ago, as a post graduate student, I was introduced to the History of Cinema. As I walked into the first hall of Gulshan Mahal, I was transported back in time to my university class room and I could almost hear my professor's voice narrating how the Lumiere Brothers brought the first film screening to India.  For me, it was nostalgic time travel as everything I had read as film history had come alive in a 3 dimensional form. 

Gulshan Mahal displays 9 sections including the origin of Cinema, The Origin of Cinema, Cinema Comes to India, Indian Silent Film, Advent of Sound, The Studio Era, The Impact of World War II, Creative Resonance, New Wave and Beyond and Regional Cinema. 

There are several working models, replications, statues, documents and posters that keeps the interest element high.

The New Museum complex highlights all the technology and gadgets that makes modern cinema magic. There are 4 sections dedicated to each aspect of cinema in addition to exhibition halls for film screenings. 

SECTION 1: GANDHI & CINEMA

A novel concept considering that Mahatma Gandhi watched just one film in his entire life but has inspired many films made on him. Inspired by his philosophy and sprit, several films on the freedom movement and various social causes were made.

SECTION 2: CHILDREN'S FILM STUDIO

The children's section is absolute delight as its completely interactive. The section offers a hands on experience to with camera, lights and  mixing. Children can film against a backdrop, have virtual makeup, discover chroma key and stop animation at the various interactive kiosks.

SECTION 3: Technology, Creativity and Indian Cinema

This is where the pre and post production magic is showcased.

One sees an array of cameras, lens, and other film essential tools of the trade.

SECTION 4: CINEMA ACROSS INDIA

This is a section that celebrates cinema across regions, languages and genres. Truly a showcase of National Cinema as not just Hindi Cinema but a fair representation of other Indian language cinema as well. Notable additions include short films and plaques on costume and make-up, film music and dance, film festivals, film institutes and bodies, popular foreign locations, legendary studios, documentaries, the influence of art, politics and literature, certifications and awards.

WHAT I LOVED

A visit to this museum is an immersive experience. One of the most interesting departures from norm were the friendly cooperative staff at the museum. Ever eager to show you around and explain the various interactive elements, they made the whole experience more enjoyable.  

WHERE: 24, Pedder Rd, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai.
WHEN:  Tuesday  to  Sunday (11 AM to 6 PM)   

Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays.

ENTRY: Adults: 20/- INR
                 Foreign Nationals: 500/- INR
                 Children (upto 12 years) & students with IDs : Free

ALSO:      https://filmsdivision.org/nmic.html