Rich History and Culture of Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery in Bangladesh

Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery is the first Buddhist monastery established in Dhaka after the division of India in 1947. It was established in 1951 by the Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha to unite and project the religious and socio-cultural activities of the Buddhists of the newly emerged country of Pakistan. The monastery was permanently installed in its present position at Sabujbag, Kamalapur, Dhaka-1214, in 1960. Dhaka has a history of Buddhism, and Dhamrai, Savar, Narsingdhi, and Vikrampur were some of the Buddhist centers where Buddhism flourished in the past. To keep alive the past glory of Buddhism in the area, the name of the Dhaka Buddhist Monastery was renamed the Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery. The monastery was set up to act as a focal point for Buddhist teachings and meditation and to provide much-needed support to the community. The center has set up many social welfare programs and has been involved in coming to the assistance of the community whenever a disaster or any other problems arise. The monastery is famous for its newly built 38′ Standing Buddha Statue, which is the first of its kind in Bangladesh. It was erected under the patronage of the Royal Thai Family and ceremonially opened by Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina in 2012.

• • History: Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery is a Buddhist temple complex located in the Kamalapur area of Dhaka. It was built in the 1960s with the support of the Government of Pakistan and the Buddhist community in East Pakistan. The monastery was named after the Emperor Dharmarajika who was a follower of Buddhism.
  • Architecture: The monastery has a unique architectural style, blending modern and traditional elements. The main temple is a tall, white structure with a golden roof, surrounded by smaller buildings that house the monks and nuns.
  • Activities: The monastery is an active religious site, with daily prayers and meditation sessions. Visitors can participate in these activities or simply observe. The monastery also hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
  • Artifacts and artifacts: The monastery houses a number of artifacts and relics related to Buddhism, including statues of Buddha, manuscripts, and other religious items. Visitors can learn about the history and significance of these artifacts from the resident monks.
  • Etiquette: Visitors are expected to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the temple. Photography may be restricted in certain areas, so it’s best to ask for permission before taking pictures.
  • Accommodation: The monastery offers simple accommodation for visitors who wish to stay overnight. The rooms are basic but clean, and visitors are expected to follow the rules of the monastery during their stay.
  • Food: The monastery offers vegetarian meals to visitors, which are prepared by the resident monks. The food is simple but delicious, and visitors are encouraged to try it.
  • Souvenirs: The monastery has a small gift shop where visitors can buy souvenirs and other items related to Buddhism.
  • Photography Rules: Photography is allowed in most areas of Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery. However, it’s always best to ask for permission before taking photos, especially if you want to photograph any of the monks or nuns. Be respectful and avoid taking pictures of any religious ceremonies or rituals, as these are considered sacred and should not be photographed without permission.
  • Nearby Attractions:Lalbagh FortAhsan Manzil

    National Museum of Bangladesh

  • Recommended sightseeing time: To fully explore the Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery, you should plan to spend at least an hour or two. This will give you enough time to see the main temple, meditation hall, and other areas of interest. If you want to learn more about Buddhism and the monastery’s history, you may want to consider taking a guided tour, which can take around 2-3 hours.
  • How to get there: The Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery is located in the Kamalapur area of Dhaka. If you are coming from the airport, it’s approximately a 30-minute drive. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Pathao are readily available in Dhaka, and you can easily book a ride to the monastery. You can also take public transportation like buses and trains, but it may require a bit more planning.

Time of visit to Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery