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A contemplative Buddhist monk. Photo by Steve Evans.

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery Complex

The Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery Complex is located in Basabo, Dhaka near the Kamalapur train station. It is a massive religious and cultural center for the Buddhist community in the area.

It happens to be the first Buddhist monastery (Vihara) in Dhaka. The city has a larger Muslim community as compared to Buddhists. The different religions however co-exist peacefully.

 It is one of the largest, housing educational institutions, prayer halls, a library, and charity organizations including an orphanage.

The monastery was established in 1960 and has since grown into what it is today; a thriving center for Buddhist faith and practices.

Both local and foreign Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike grace the complex all year. It is a great place to worship and learn about Buddhism.

The environment is decorated with historical monuments and statues of the Buddhist faith, including the iconic golden Gautama Buddha statue near the main entrance.

Here are the top fascinating facts about Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery.

1. Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery was established in 1960

The Monastery was established in the 1960s at the initiative of Bishuddhananda Mahathera, a Bangladeshi Buddhist monk and scholar.

It has since been in existence, expanding with buildings and institutions into being the complex it is today.

It serves primarily as a religious center for Buddhists, who come here to worship, pray, meditate and perform religious ceremonies all year.

At its center is a square pond, where early morning ceremonies are performed.

2. It is the first Buddhist Monastery in Dhaka

Main Shrine of Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photo by Prince Roy.

Bangladesh has four major religions including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. Majority of the population practices Islam.

In Dhaka, the same is true. However, there are several beautiful Buddhist monasteries. The Dharmarajika Monastery was the first one to be built here in 1960. Since then, several others have been built.

These include the Shakyamuni Buddhist Vihar (monastery) in Mirpur, Dhaka. It was established in 1976. There’s also the Merul Badda and the Buddho Mohabihar in Uttar, Dhaka.

3. The Monastery acted as a refuge during the 1971 Liberation War

1971 Pakistan’s Instrument of Surrender signing, ending the Bangladesh Liberation War on 16 December 1971. Photo by Indian Navy.

The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War is undoubtedly one of the most significant events in the nation’s history. Scores of innocent lives were lost, including hundreds of Bengali intellectuals. A memorial has been built to commemorate them.

In what was a harrowing 9-month conflict, men, women and children alike were in constant danger, hiding, and trying to flee to safer areas for those who could.

The Monastery is one of the refuge strongholds that was used to shelter part of the population during the war, regardless of their religion.

4. An orphanage was established after the war

When the Liberation War ended, the destruction left behind was great and heartbreaking. Lives had been lost, and thousands of children were left without parents or families.

The Dharmarajik Orphanage was set up at the Monastery to cater to children affected by the war. They would be offered food, shelter, a community, and education.

A kindergarten was later set up in 1993 and at the moment, there are several educational institutions in place for all.

5. Several educational institutions have been established at the Complex

In 1972, a high school was built here and later on, in 1995, a Fine Arts Academy was put in place at the Monastery. A Technical School and a Literary Society have been established as well.

The Monastery housed the Dharmarajik Pali College which was built in 1960 as well. Pali is the liturgical language used in Buddhist scriptures.

It is widely studied in India. There is a library too, where one will find many Buddhist texts among others.

6. The Gautama Buddha statue is probably the most iconic structure at the Complex

Gautama Buddha Statue at the Dharamarajika Monastery. Photo by Sakibnb.

Standing majestically at an impressive 23 feet height, the golden Gautama Buddha statue is quite a sight to behold. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2011.

Gautama Buddha is revered as the founder of Buddhism. He is believed to have lived during the 5^th or 6^th century BCE. He was a seeker, and spiritual teacher who taught the way to ‘Nirvana’, freedom from the worldly mind and its related suffering.

He is said to have attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, a religious site in India. Buddhism is based on his teachings on transcending self and attaining full enlightenment.

7. The Monastery has a massive collection of statues

Buddha statue by El Caminante from

One of the most noticeable things at the complex is the numerous breathtaking Buddha statues. Some of these have been given to the monastery by other countries.

In 1984, Thailand gave a 10 feet high bronze statue to be put up in the temple. Japan has also gifted the monastery a golden statue.

These relate to the Buddhist religion. Those interested in the history of Buddha and the religion can gain a lot by visiting the complex.

8. It holds colorful religious celebrations

Beautiful hot air lanterns paint the sky at a Buddhist ceremony. Photo by John Shedrick.

You can almost guess by the astounding decorative aspects of the Monastery that any celebrations held here are just as colorful. Flowers, colors, lights, name it.

Many Buddhist religious celebrations take place here. Perhaps one of the most popular ones is the birth of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

It is usually quite crowded during such events as thousands flock here to celebrate.

9. Charitable services are offered at the Monastery

Besides worship, meditation, and the other religious practices at the Monastery, charitable works are also carried out, especially for the less privileged in society.

There is an orphanage, where children without families are catered for. There is also a clinic that offers medical services to those unable to afford expensive medical care.

10. Foreign dignitaries have visited the monastery over the years

King Bhumibol, Thailand. Photo by Kremlin.ru.

The first foreign head of state to visit was the former King of Thailand, King Bhumibol, and his wife Queen Sirikit. He was the 9^th Monarch of Thailand. A large prayer hall was built on the occasion of his visit.

The Monastery has been visited by other dignitaries over the years.  Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opened an international prayer hall here in 1996. Visitors come to learn about the religion and appreciate its history and splendor.