Bandarban, Chattogram
A gleaming golden Theravada Buddhist temple on a hilltop just outside Bandarban town, built in the Myanmar style and known to all as the Golden Temple.
The temple is a living place of worship for the Marma and other Buddhists. On full-moon days such as Buddha Purnima and Probarana Purnima it fills with devotees bringing flowers, candles and offerings.
Buddha Dhatu Jadi — the Golden Temple — is a Theravada Buddhist temple on a hilltop near Bandarban town. Built by the local Marma Buddhist community in the style of the great pagodas of Myanmar, it is often described as the largest Theravada temple in Bangladesh. Its golden spire, gilded statues and dragon-guarded stairways shine out over the green hills.
The name says what it holds: dhatu means a relic, and jadi (zedi) a stupa. The temple enshrines a relic of the Buddha, which makes it a place of deep devotion for Buddhists from across the Hill Tracts.
From the top, the views run over the hills and the Sangu valley. Next to the temple, a small pond known as Debotar Pukur (the pond of the gods) is also held sacred.
Check today’s visiting hours, then take a CNG from town to the foot of the hill.
Walk up the stairways, see the shrine and statues, and look out over the hills.
Stop at the small sacred pond beside the temple.
In the afternoon, take a CNG up to Nilachal on the other side of town for the sunset over the hills.
October to March, in the morning or late afternoon for soft light on the gold.
At Pulpara, Balaghata, a few kilometres from Bandarban town: about 15 minutes by CNG. The last stretch is a climb up steps to the hilltop.
