Buddha Dhatu Jadi Temple

BANGLADESH, Bandarban

Dhatu means Relics. The temple is also known as the Bandarban Golden Temple. Construction of the temple, built in Arakanese style, started in 1995 and was completed in 2000. It is the largest Theravada Buddhist temple in the country.
The temple sits on top of a hill, which is accessed by an elegant stairway leading to a gateway guarded by a pair of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattvas. The two Bodhisattvas are seated with their feet holding an object. The base platform of the pagoda is surrounded by balustrades with stairs for access. The pagoda base has a number of porticos, which are highly decorated in red and gold. The pediment, especially that of the main portico, are intricately carved and are a major feature of the pagoda. Statues of standing Buddhas performing different mudras are housed within niches in the base. Relics of the Buddha are enshrined within the temple. Above the base there are a number of smaller pagodas surrounding the main body of the pagoda. The body is in the shape of a bell, which is decorated with relief carvings. The spire is made up of stacked rings, inverted and upright lotuses, and a vase, followed by a canopy and jeweled finial. The pagoda houses the country’s second largest Buddha statue, which is enshrined upon the altar.