Navi Mumbai’s ₹100 Crore International Spiritual & Cultural Centre in Panvel
In a significant move that underscores Navi Mumbai’s commitment to cultural development, the World Cultural Development Foundation (WCDF) has secured a one-acre plot of land in Panvel for the construction of a state-of-the-art International Spiritual and Cultural Centre (ISCC). This acquisition, valued at ₹100 crore, marks a pivotal step in realising the community’s long-held aspirations to establish a hub that bridges spiritual and cultural gaps.
The centre is designed to be an integral part of efforts to foster national unity through cultural integration, with an emphasis on educating younger generations about India’s rich heritage. Speaking about the development, Rashmimkant Mohapatra, the project initiator and key member of the foundation, revealed plans for further expansion. “The land acquisition is the first step; we aim to acquire an additional four acres. We are hopeful that construction will commence by February next year,” he said. The centre will not only house a grand temple but will also feature facilities such as a meditation centre, a world-class conference hall, and a digital film screening space. It will be a melting pot for diverse beliefs and traditions, offering a platform for cultural exchanges. One of the key elements in the centre’s design is the collection of sacred soils, which will include soil from all four major dhams, Shakti Pithas across South Asia, and Jyotirlingas along the Kailash range in China.
Further highlighting the unifying vision, the centre will be named Krishna Jagannath Govindalayam, reflecting the revered deities of Lord Krishna, Lord Jagannath, and Lord Govinda. These deities, widely respected across India, will serve as the spiritual focal point of the centre, fostering unity among diverse sects of Hinduism. While the spiritual facet of the centre is central to the project, the foundation is also keen on the educational and cultural impact it will have on local and international communities. The initiative is set to attract a global audience, not only serving as a religious centre but also as a venue for cultural and intellectual exchanges.
The World Cultural Development Foundation, led by Mohapatra, Dilip Ghotole, G D Behera, and Shashi Hadagali, has firmly set its sights on making this project a landmark in cultural and spiritual tourism. This visionary development promises to redefine community engagement in Navi Mumbai and beyond, establishing Panvel as a key player in the global spiritual and cultural landscape.
