Buddhist vihara and pagoda, Dinajpur
Sitakot Viharaসীতাকোট বিহার
- Time needed
- Under an hour.
- best months
- Nov–Feb
- Cost
- Free or a small ticket.
The excavated brick foundations of an early Buddhist monastery in Nawabganj upazila, a square of cells round a courtyard.
At a glance
- Excavated
- 1968, 1972–73
- Plan
- About 65 m square
About
Local lore linked the mound to Sita of the Ramayana, hence the name, but digs in 1968 and 1972–73 revealed a Buddhist monastery of roughly the same age as Paharpur and Halud Vihara. It is a square of about 65 metres a side, with rows of monks' cells facing an open court.
Only the low walls survive, so it is a site for those who like archaeology; the setting among fields is peaceful. Combine it with Shopnopuri, which is in the same upazila.
Getting there: Bus to Nawabganj upazila, then a van or auto to the site.
Things to do
- Trace the line of cells round the courtyard.
Good to know
- Bring water; there is little shade or shops.
