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Sabek Bilchari Buddhist Monastery, also known as Vihara, holds a distinguished place as one of the oldest and most renowned Buddhist monastic institutions in the Bandarban district. This monastery played a central role in the growth and preservation of Buddhist education and culture within the region.
According to Upainda Wainsa Mahathero, the Principal of the Vihara, this Buddhist monastery was founded approximately 200 years ago during the British colonial period in 1820.
While there are 35 other Buddhist viharas in the Lama Upazila, the Sabek Bilchari Buddhist Monastery stands out as the most significant one for the Buddhist community in the region. The area also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with traditional Buddhist artifacts and numerous ancient historical monuments. Notable among them are Buddhist temples, monasteries, and Chaitanya-jadis, each of which contributes to the cultural and religious significance of this region.
Lainjhiri in Bandarban can be reached by traveling approximately three kilometers along the road from Lama Upazila Sadar to Alikadam. Once you've covered one kilometer from the Linejhiri BATB office, you'll arrive at the Sabek Bilchari village. This 200-year-old Buddhist monastery is situated on the southern side of the lush paddy fields that once belonged to Bilchari.
The Buddhist monastery spans across roughly 15 acres of land, encompassing both flat and hilly terrain. It is adorned with various structures and buildings that contribute to its unique and serene ambiance.
At the entrance to the Vihara, visitors can observe captivating sculptures of Buddhas in Thazhang Pangkhain or Muchlinda, commonly known as the Naga position. This beautiful artistic representation, which seems to float on the water, immediately captures the attention of those who come to the Vihara.
According to Buddhist monks and folklore, a significant event occurred during the Buddha's meditation under the Bodhi tree. About four weeks into his meditation, the sky darkened, and heavy rains poured for seven days. It was during this time that the king of serpents, known as Naga or Muchlinda, emerged from the depths of the earth to shield the Buddha with his coiled trunk. When the storm eventually subsided, the serpent king Muchlinda transformed into a human form and humbly paid his respects to the Buddha. This symbolic representation of Buddhism is reflected in the statue of Naga Buddha, Muchlinda, or Thazhang Pangkhain, which is a significant part of the Vihara's cultural and religious heritage.
The essence of Buddhism lies in the rejection of evil and the celebration of the union between truth and beauty. On the sacred night of Prabarana, the Muchalinda Buddha statue radiates with the illumination of hundreds of lanterns. In close proximity stands a Bodhi tree, situated in the heart of a small field.
This is the very tree under which Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, meditated and attained enlightenment to become the Buddha. The term 'Bodhi' itself signifies 'knowledge,' and this tree holds a special place in the hearts of Buddhists, as it is venerated as the Bodhi tree.
Every year, at the onset of the Baisakh season, a three-day Baisakhi fair takes place beneath this Bodhi tree, coinciding with the celebration of Sangrai. This event serves as a unifying point, attracting people of all religious backgrounds who come together to participate in the festivities and share in the spirit of the fair.
Subsequently, the Vihara features its primary shrine or "kang ghar," which is enclosed within a boundary. This old Kang house is partly paved and constructed from wood. On the first floor of this structure, there is a prominent Buddhist statue. Devotees and visitors who come to the Vihara perform various religious rituals, including puja, lighting of lamps, congregational prayers, and worshipping the Buddha, within this sacred space. The ground floor of the building provides a resting area for those who visit.
Additionally, a new three-story building has been constructed, with the ground floor already completed. Upainda Wainsa Mahathero, the principal of the Buddhist monastery, mentioned that Bir Bahadur Ushwe Sing, the Minister of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, has pledged to expedite the construction of the remaining two floors in the new building. The original Vihara was constructed through contributions and donations from the local community. The Vihara is situated alongside the well-known Matamuhuri river, flowing along its eastern side, adding to the serene and picturesque setting of this sacred place.
At the entrance of the Vihara, after ascending 150 steps up the mountain, another Vihara comes into view. Inside this Vihara, there are three statues representing three distinct forms of Buddha. The central copper statue was transported from Myanmar approximately 105 years ago, while the other two statues were crafted locally within the country. Adjacent to this monastery, there are several other small structures situated on the hill, which include the burial sites of deceased Buddhist monks. This adds to the historical and spiritual significance of the site.
Continuing further, after walking for a distance, you will come across a building housing the largest statue, standing at approximately 30 feet in height. This statue was crafted within the country, although the skilled artisans responsible for its creation were brought from Myanmar.
Upainda Wainsa Mahathero, also revealed that the monastery had experienced two theft incidents around a decade ago. At that time, there were around 500 silver, bronze, and copper Buddhist idols on the premises. The culprits managed to steal about 400 of these idols during two separate attempts. Despite the passage of a considerable amount of time, the whereabouts of the stolen idols remain unknown, and they have yet to be recovered.
After walking for a while a building will be seen. The biggest statue of about 30 feet high will be seen here. It is made in this country. However, the artisans were brought from Myanmar.
The significance of this Buddhist monastery holds immense historical and religious value for Buddhists. Each day, it draws a multitude of pilgrims and tourists from distant places who visit to seek blessings, offer prayers for peace, and wish for the well-being of their families. However, despite its cultural and spiritual significance, the infrastructure and development of the Bihar face challenges due to a lack of proper support and patronage.
Messenger/Rafiqul/Disha
