Buddhist Temple

Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple (the historic Japanese Buddhist sanctuary and meditation monastery established in 1931 by Nichidatsu Fujii Guruji near Worli Naka) in South Central Mumbai (celebrated globally across Indo Japanese cultural friendship and Buddhist philosophy as Mumbai's sole traditional Japanese Buddhist temple), world famous for its Japanese pagoda architecture, white marble Buddha idol, drumming chant of Nam myoho-renge kyo, and an intensely peaceful atmosphere), located in Mumbai in Maharashtra, stands as Mumbai's premier Buddhist peace sanctuary.

Founded by Nichidatsu Fujii, a close spiritual disciple and associate of Mahatma Gandhi who introduced the Japanese peace chant to Gandhi's daily ashram prayers, this peaceful temple offers visitors a sanctuary of calm amidst Mumbai's busy streets.

It's the home of the radiant white marble Buddha statue sculpted in traditional Japanese aesthetic style, the six hand painted wall panels depicting key milestones in the life of Gautama Buddha from birth to Mahaparinirvana, the sacred Japanese drum (Taiko) used during morning and evening peace chants, and an intensely peaceful, deeply restorative temple ambiance filled with the fragrance of Japanese incense, rhythmic drumbeats, and soothing silence.

It represents a rich Maharashtra modern Buddhist heritage apex, Indo Japanese spiritual harmony, and cultural peace tourism where Japanese pagodas, Lotus Sutra chants, Worli Seaface promenades, and Mumbai travel circuits unite in Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple.

Located along Dr. Annie Besant Road near Worli Naka, it sits 2 km from Lower Parel Railway Station, 3 km from Mahalaxmi Railway Station, 15 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), 2 km from Bandra Worli Sea Link, 1.5 km from Nehru Planetarium, and 12 km from Gateway of India, easily reached by taxi, bus, or local train.

Fujii Guruji's Peace Mission & Gandhi Connection

Nichidatsu Fujii came to India in the 1930s to fulfill the ancient prophecy of Nichiren Daishonin that Buddhism would return from Japan to its birthplace in India, meeting Mahatma Gandhi at Wardha and bonding over non violence.

The temple was built on land donated by Indian philanthropists and the Birla family, with formal consecration completed during the 2,500th Buddha Jayanti celebrations in May 1956.

Truth is, sitting in the quiet wooden meditation hall as resident Japanese monks beat the hand held peace drums will instantly melt away all city stress.

Japanese Pagoda Architecture & Peace Drumming

Traditional Japanese Design: The temple exterior features traditional Japanese multi tiered timber roofs, red torii inspired elements, and stone lanterns surrounded by lush green garden foliage.

Daily Drumming & Chanting: Monks and visitors practice the sacred Lotus Sutra chanting ('Nam myoho-renge kyo') accompanied by the rhythmic beat of the Uchiwadaiko (fan shaped hand drums) every morning and evening.

Buddhist Temple & Worli Coastal Day Plan

The Worli Heritage & Peace Circuit: Morning meditation and peace chanting at Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple (8:00 AM to 9:30 AM: join rhythmic drumming & view marble Buddha panels) -> explore nearby Nehru Centre and Nehru Science Centre (9:45 AM to 12:00 PM) -> coastal seafood or vegetarian lunch at Worli Seaface -> explore historic 17th century Worli Fort in Worli Koliwada (1:30 PM to 3:00 PM: admire panoramic views of the Bandra Worli Sea Link) -> visit sacred Mahalaxmi Temple and Haji Ali Dargah (3:30 PM to 5:30 PM) -> evening coastal drive across Bandra Worli Sea Link or sunset walk at Marine Drive (6:00 PM to 7:30 PM).

Visiting Code & Conduct: Remove footwear before entering the temple hall; visitors of all religious backgrounds are welcome to meditate or sit quietly; photography inside the meditation hall requires permission; maintain quiet demeanour.

After experiencing the deep peace of the Japanese Buddhist Temple, visit Worli Fort, cross Bandra Worli Sea Link, or tour Gateway of India.