Buddhist vihara and pagoda, Rangamati
Rajban Viharaরাজবন বিহার
- Time needed
- An hour and a half.
- best months
- Oct–Mar
- Cost
- Free; donations.
The largest Buddhist monastery in the country, on a lake island at the edge of town, home of the late Banabhante, the forest monk whose preserved body lies here: a complex of halls, stupas and shrines under the Chakma raja's patronage.
At a glance
- Founded
- 1977 for Banabhante
- Festival
- Kathin Chibar Dan, Oct–Nov
About
Banabhante (Sadhanananda Mahasthavir) came to Rangamati in 1977 and his followers built the vihara for him on this island, with the raja's family as its patrons. It grew into the biggest monastery in Bangladesh: a main prayer hall, a museum of his life, a large seated Buddha, ordination halls, stupas and the hall where his body is kept since 2012 for pilgrims to see. Kathin Chibar Dan here in October or November, when a robe is spun, woven and offered in a single day, draws tens of thousands.
The Chakma Rajbari stands across the water on the next island.
Getting there: Boat from Rajbari ghat in the town, ten minutes; also on the lake day loop.
Things to do
- See the museum and the hall of Banabhante; cross to the Rajbari after.
Good to know
- Shoes off, shoulders and knees covered, quiet.
