Chandranath Hill is a hill in Sitakunda Upazila of Chittagong District, Bangladesh. Sitakunda is a place of great natural beauty. The place is not only a major pilgrimage site for Hindus; Rather, it is also recognized as a very good travel destination.
The myth
There are many folk tales surrounding this mountain surrounded by natural beauty. Sitakunda and its 1,020 feet high Chandranath Hill are one of the places in South Asia associated with the myth of Ram-Sita. Sita’s pool and Rama-Lakshman’s memorials at the foot of this hill were named by Rama after his wife Sita. Since then, this area is known as ‘Sitakunda’.
Sitakunda
According to legend, Sita visited the region and bathed in the pool. Since then, its name is Sitakunda. However, nothing clear is found in the texts of Sanatan religion in favor of these claims.
Ramkunda
The place where Rama bathed was named Ramkunda. But now the cisterns are dry. Places are marked with brick walls.
Chandranath Temple
Chandranath Temple is a famous Shakti Peeth, as per Hindu sacred texts, the right arm of Goddess Sati fell. Sitakunda Chandranath Temple is a holy place of pilgrimage. The idol in this temple is of Lord Shiva Known as the Chandrashekhar. This particular word is depicted for all those individuals who have got a moon at the crown or at the top of their head. As per the belief of many local people, Lord Shiva himself has committed to visit Chandrasekhar Mountain during Kali Yuga. The temple is beautifully made with marble structures and art.
Shiv Chaturdashi fair
The temple is a pilgrimage site for Hindus. Shiva Linga is kept inside the temple. Many saints and monks sit and meditate around it. Every year in the month of Falgun (late February-early March), on Shivratri or Shiv Chaturdashi special puja is organized at Chandranath temple. Here Shiva’s name is Virupaksha. So, this temple is also called Virupaksha temple. A big fair is organized here on the occasion of Shiv Chaturdashi. Hindus from different regions of Bangladesh and other countries also come to attend this fair every year. The fair continues till Dolpurnima. About millions of pilgrims attend this fair every time.
Reaching at the foothills
I reached the foothills of Chandranath Hill after passing only two kilometers from Sitakunda city. While passing these two kilometers, Sitakunda seemed like a temple city. Many different types of temples will catch my eye on both sides of the road. I got to know from the locals that there are more than 250 temples in this small area.
How to trek
Pilgrims and travelers walk a long way up the hill to reach the Chandranath temple on the top of the Chandranath hill to perform their religious rituals. One has to climb the 3,500 steps to the top of the hill. This road is completely hilly and has some broken stairs. Many climb this route and turn back halfway. Remember that the left path is easy to go up and the right is easy to go down. If you make a mistake in this place, you will have to suffer extra. Chandranath hill is not difficult at first but you have to climb steep hill from 300 feet. Sometimes you have to walk around the hill on one side and the ditch on the other side.
Once you lose your foot, you have to fall down 250-300 feet. In some places the path is so narrow that it is almost impossible for two people to move together. Sometimes you will find ancient stairs. You will also be impressed while going down the hill. Because, this mountain has two roads. It will be wise for you if you become Virupaksha Mandir earlier. Because, the steps of the stairs on the way down from the Chandranath temple are very big. Going up this route will tire you out very quickly. And if you go down, you will find a tunnel road between two mountains. It’s always windy here. Which will cool down your tired body in an instant. And it’s easy to get down from this hill.
After about an hour and a half walk, you will see a temple. If you are a newbie, you may think that this is the temple of Chandranath and the highest peak. But no, you have to walk for another half an hour to reach the top. And then you will see the Chandranath temple. After another 20 minutes of walking as usual we came across the Chandranath temple. But even if you have to go through such a difficult path, you will be charmed by the genuine charming scenery surrounded by greenery. You can frame yourself with nature by taking pictures while climbing the mountain. Sometimes you can stop and rest in tea shops.
Food and drinks on the path
It will take more than 2 hours to reach the highest peak of the hill. So, take enough water and saline in the bag before climbing. Because after a while your body will need water. Also, it is difficult to get water in the temple. And if available, the price is almost double. You will find several tong shops in the mountain ridge. You can sit there and buy some food. After climbing about two hundred feet, I had to rest for a while at a shop. One thing needs to be said in these shops the native bananas of Chandranath Hill are available. These very sweet tasting bananas provide energy to cross the hilly path. Around 1100 feet above the temple premises, young coconut cans and native bananas are available. Apart from this there is a rice hotel. If you want to eat, you have to order in advance while climbing the mountain. Later, you can eat while coming down from the mountain.
Which other temples surrounded by the Chandranath Temple
There are many monasteries and temples in this hill with mythological monuments. At the foot of Chandranath Temple are Ulta Patalkali Temple, Kramadheswari Kali Temple, Bholanandgiri Sevashram. There are also Kachari Bari, Girish Dharamshala, Vivekananda Smriti Panchavati, Mahashamshanabhavani Temple, Annapurna Temple and many other traditional structures. On the way to Chandranath temple there is a huge banyan tree on the west bank of Vyaskund and on the left side of Bhairav temple.
What you will see in Chandranath Hill
A little way up the hill you will find a tree. There will be a wonderful scene. That is the movement of monkeys. There is a noise of monkeys all over the trees. When tourists reach there, monkeys come running. Different travelers enjoy monkeys in different ways. Some people feed bananas to monkeys; some people feed them cake-biscuits. But remember here, don’t excite the monkey by tempting him with something to eat. Then the score will be reversed. The beautiful waterfall will meet the eye without forgetting the sight of monkeys. Where you can go and soak your thirsty mind. After passing some way, you will get clouds. You will be surprised to see the most beautiful scene. It will feel like you are playing with the clouds. In this way one after another scene will be seen while reaching the top of the hill. On reaching you will see the scenic beauty of nature. The beauty that will make you forget the sorrows of life.
Things to avoid
Some worship. So don’t make a fuss here and keep quiet and rest for a while.
How to get to Chandranath Hill?
AC, Non-AC buses from Dhaka leave from Syedabad bus station. Almost all buses stop at Sitakunda. Buses from Chittagong leave from Motherbari, Kadmatoli bus station. Also, some small cars (locally known as Mexi) leave the ornament. They can be done. Apart from this, high-speed trains from Dhaka stop at Sitakunda. It leaves at 11 pm and reaches Sitakunda at 6:30-7 am the next day. Intercity trains run directly to Chittagong. Stop at Sitakunda only during Shivchartudashi fair. Getting on CNG from Sitakunda Bazar will lower the hill entrance gate. The fare will be Tk 20-30 per person. Trekking starts from here. It usually takes an hour and a half to reach the top of the hill.
Place to stay
There are no good quality hotels to stay in Sitakunda. Even in the number of hotels of normal quality, it is difficult to get rooms during the fair. Few hotels are not enough to meet the needs of pilgrims. So, it is best to stay in Chittagong when traveling to Sitakunda. There are many hotels of different quality to stay in Chittagong city.
Google map locations
Sitakund Bazar: https://goo.gl/maps/QBfcq3M5Z8S4y6qy7
Vyaskunda: https://goo.gl/maps/Hcy7TMASHK57Q9GK9
Sitakunda Temple: https://goo.gl/maps/PwoPz3VW65QWnYwi9
Virupaksha Mandir: https://goo.gl/maps/Luia6CKNkiLcgJUR9
Chandranath Temple: https://goo.gl/maps/J95FKKpT8BB3zsZS7
Final Word
Birupakkha and Chandranath temple in Sitakunda is one of the major pilgrimage sites for Sanatan devotees. Every day many Sanatani devotees come from home and abroad. Besides, people from different communities flock to Chandranath Hill to enjoy the natural beauty of the hill. Over thousands of pilgrims as well as tourists comes from various part of the country to this site at a daily basis. However, many tourists who come here at different times spoil the image of this pilgrimage and give rise to some controversies. As it is one of the main pilgrimage sites of Sanatan religious people, so no activities sould be done here as a tourist spot.
Happy tourism!
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