Buddhist Site

The Ram jadi Buddhist Temple

The Ram jadi Buddhist Temple, Bandarban

The Ram jadi Buddhist Temple, also known as the Golden Temple or Rama Jadi, is one of the most significant religious and cultural landmarks in Bangladesh. Located in the picturesque hill district of Bandarban, this temple stands as the largest Buddhist temple in the country, sitting majestically atop a mountain, approximately 1,500 feet above sea level. The temple is not only a place of worship but also a major tourist attraction, drawing both pilgrims and travelers from across the country and beyond.

History

The construction of the Ram Jadi began in 2005 on a hilltop in the Huda Babu's Ghona area, just 3 kilometers from Bandarban’s main town, along the Roangchhari Upazila Road. The idea behind the temple's creation was to provide a grand center for Buddhist worship and practice, designed to reflect the spiritual and architectural traditions of Myanmar, China, and Thailand. This influence is evident in the temple’s design, which follows the distinct aesthetic of Buddhist pagodas from these neighboring countries.

The temple’s construction was a large-scale project that spanned 11 years, finally being completed in 2012. The effort was led by Upañña Jot Mahathero, a revered Buddhist monk and the founder of the World Buddhist Sasana Sevaka Sangha, a significant organization in the region dedicated to promoting Buddhist teachings and values. Skilled engineers from Myanmar were brought in to ensure the design and construction met the high standards of traditional Buddhist temple architecture.

Image: The Ram jadi Buddhist Temple

Architecture

The Ram Jadi temple is notable for its imposing 175-foot height, which dominates the skyline from miles around. The temple is designed with a golden hue, which gives it a radiant and ethereal presence, especially under sunlight, hence earning the nickname the Golden Temple. The temple’s intricate design and craftsmanship reflect the finest traditions of Southeast Asian Buddhist architecture.

The main temple houses a collection of 100 Buddha statues of various sizes, made primarily of brass and other metals. Of these, 10 large Buddha statues are prominently displayed inside the temple, while 90 smaller statues adorn the upper parts of the structure. These statues are crafted with delicate attention to detail, symbolizing various aspects of Buddhist teachings and the life of Lord Buddha.

The temple's elevated location provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From the peak, visitors can witness the breathtaking beauty of Bandarban's rolling hills, lush forests, and the blue expanse of the sky, which creates a peaceful and meditative atmosphere perfect for contemplation.

The temple offers a tranquil atmosphere that allows visitors to escape the chaos of city life. The calm, breezy environment at such a high altitude provides an experience that is both rejuvenating and spiritually uplifting. Visitors often describe standing on the hilltop, taking in the fresh mountain air, and being mesmerized by the beauty of the undulating hills and endless sky as a truly surreal experience.

Adjacent to the temple is a Buddhist Vihara, a monastic residence for monks who dedicate their lives to meditation and spiritual learning. This further enhances the sense of spiritual sanctity that permeates the area.

How to Go

  • By Road: Bandarban is well-connected by road from Dhaka and other major cities like Chittagong.
    • From Dhaka: Several buses, including non-AC and AC options, travel from Dhaka to Bandarban. The journey takes approximately 8-10 hours.
    • From Chittagong: You can take a bus from Chittagong to Bandarban, which is about 2-3 hours away by road.
  • By Air: The nearest airport is Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong. From there, you can take a bus or hire a car to reach Bandarban.

2. Getting to Ram Zadi Buddhist Temple

  • Once in Bandarban, you can hire a local guide or take a CNG (auto-rickshaw) or private car to reach the Ram Zadi Buddhist Temple. It is located close to the city, so the journey should take around 15-20 minutes.
  • Ask locals for directions if needed. The temple is a well-known location, and locals will be happy to guide you.

3. Best Time to Visit

  • The temple is open year-round, but the best time to visit Bandarban in general is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing.