Photo: MOHAMMAD SHAJAHAN Bangladesh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Buddhist Temple
About Buddhist Temple
Buddhism has deep roots in the Chittagong region. Long after it faded elsewhere in Bengal, communities here kept the faith alive, and today the Chittagong Division is home to most of Bangladesh’s Buddhists, both Bengali-speaking Barua families and the hill peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The city’s best-known Buddhist temple is the monastery complex in the Nandankanan area, a short ride from the old centre. Behind its gate you find a prayer hall with a large seated Buddha, a stupa, monks’ quarters and a courtyard that feels a world away from the traffic outside. Monks and lay visitors are usually happy to see respectful guests.
The monastery comes alive at Buddha Purnima, the full moon of Vesak in spring, and at the end of the rains retreat in autumn, when the courtyard fills with lamps, offerings and families in their best clothes. On an ordinary day it is a quiet place to sit for a while.
For older Buddhist history, combine it with the 7th to 8th-century ruins of Shalban Vihara near Cumilla. Evergreen Bangladesh Tours visits the temple on private tours of Chittagong with a local guide.
Things to do
-
Visit the prayer hall
Step inside to see the seated Buddha and the offerings left by local families.
-
Meet the community
With your guide, learn how Chittagong’s Barua Buddhists have kept their traditions over the centuries.
-
Time it with a festival
Buddha Purnima in spring and the end of the rains retreat in autumn bring lamps, prayers and crowds.
-
Take a quiet pause
The courtyard is one of the calmest spots in the city centre, good for a break between busier sights.
Getting there
From central Chittagong: 10 to 20 minutes by car or CNG auto-rickshaw to Nandankanan.
From Dhaka: fly to Chittagong (under an hour) or take the train, then continue by car.
Where to stay
Stay in central Chittagong; hotels around GEC Circle, Nasirabad and Agrabad are all a short drive away.
Tours that visit Buddhist Temple
Short Tours
Chittagong Heritage & Local Life Tour
from $200 per person
Questions
Can non-Buddhists visit?
Yes. Visitors of any faith are welcome if they dress modestly and keep quiet in the prayer hall.
What should I wear?
Clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Shoes come off before entering the hall.
Is photography allowed?
Usually in the courtyard. Ask before photographing monks or taking pictures inside the prayer hall.
When is the best time to visit?
Any morning or late afternoon. Buddha Purnima, usually in April or May, is the most festive time.
Can I visit during Prabarana Purnima?
Yes. On Prabarana Purnima, the full moon that ends the monks’ rains retreat (usually in October), the temple fills with prayers, lamps and fanus lanterns at dusk. Visitors are welcome if they dress modestly and stay respectful. See our Prabarana Purnima guide for this year’s date.