The Kartala Belkhain Saddharmalonkar Buddhist Temple, Patiya upazila of Chittagong

The Kartala Belkhain Saddharmalonkar Buddhist Temple, nestled in the scenic Patiya upazila of Chittagong, Bangladesh, stands as a prominent symbol of Buddhism in the region and holds great cultural and religious significance for the local Buddhist community. This historic temple, also known as Saddharmalonkar Vihara, is celebrated for its architectural beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and role as a spiritual center for the local community and visiting devotees. The village of Kartala, nestled within the pristine, serene environment of South Chittagong’s Patiya subdistrict and graced by the Karnaphuli River, lies in close proximity to the neighboring village of Belkhain. Despite being geographically distinct, these two villages have shared a unified cultural, traditional, and spiritual ethos since time immemorial, evolving with a collective vision and harmonious ideals, akin to two flowers in a single garland. Here, people of Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim faiths have coexisted with mutual respect, tolerance, and empathy, upholding a spirit of secularism across generations. This unity is evident in joint educational and religious institutions such as the Kartala-Belkhain Mahabodhi High School, Kartala-Belkhain Government Primary School, and the Kartala Belkhain Saddharmalankar Monastery. The monastery, located in the southeastern corner of Kartala village within Ward 2 of Union 9, is set apart from populated areas per religious guidelines, surrounded by the natural beauty of lush, green landscapes and enclosed by sturdy boundary walls. Upon crossing the beautifully constructed Vangshadip Gate, visitors are greeted by a magnificent main building, modern in architectural design, alongside various structures like the Buddha Monastery, the Vangshadip Pavilion, the Paribhoga Chaitya, a Chaitya housing the Buddha’s five major disciples, the Monk Simaghar, Vangshadip Memorial Temple, the Gandhakuti Metal Chaitya, the Parinirvana Chaitya, a Musalinda Chaitya built over a pond, the Upagupta Bhante Chaitya, and the recently constructed Buddha Dhatu Chaitya. Each structure in the monastery embodies a refined architectural style akin to that seen in Buddhist regions worldwide, and it also includes a sacred Bodhi tree thriving amidst the serene surroundings. This complete monastery offers a profound sense of peace and tranquility to all who visit, filling their hearts with a pure and calming experienc

History

Historically, two ancient monasteries, the ‘Dhumchand Monastery’ and the ‘Hram Monastery,’ were established in the village. The village’s Buddhists served as patrons of these monasteries, which were managed on a personal or group basis. Over time, the need for a knowledgeable monk to guide the community in spiritual matters became evident to local leaders like Jadunath Chowdhury and Mahendralal Chowdhury. The extensive local population sought a path for deeper religious understanding and guidance. During this period, Vinayacharya Vangshadip Bhikkhu, after studying the Vinaya discipline in Myanmar and Sri Lanka, returned to his homeland. Being a member of the Hram community, he accepted an earnest request by Jadunath Chowdhury and Mahendralal Chowdhury to reside at the monastery, but with the condition that it would no longer operate under group exclusivity and instead be opened to all. United in purpose, the residents of Kartala and Belkhain agreed, and in 1920, Vinayacharya Vangshadip Mahasthavir, a distinguished scholar and the sixth codifier of the Vinaya, assumed the role of principal at the monastery. Under his leadership, significant developments followed, including the construction of the main Buddha temple, the monastery gate, the Bodhi Temple next to the sacred Bodhi tree, a brick-paved pond, the Metal Chaitya, the Buddha’s Gandhakuti, and the Monk’s Boundary. During his time at the monastery, he authored numerous important texts such as the Pali Grammar, Balabataar, Dharma Sudha, and the Bhikkhu Patimokkha. On December 30, 1970, Vinayacharya Vangshadip Mahasthavir, a pioneering figure in Buddhist religious and social reform, passed away. After his funeral on March 7, 1971, a memorial committee, the Vangshadip Smriti Sangrakshan Committee, was formed. In 1978, a memorial temple for Vangshadip was erected by Dr. Dharmavirio Mahathera, the newly appointed head of the All-India Bhikkhu Sangha.

Image: The Kartala Belkhain Saddharmalonkar Buddhist Temple