Bithangal Akhra

District:Habiganj•Division:Sylhet

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1/1/2026

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About

Ancient Vaishnav Monastery

Bithangal Akhra stands as one of the most significant Vaishnav pilgrimage sites in Bangladesh.

This ancient monastery, dating back over 600 years, sits peacefully on the banks of the haor in Bithangal village.

The Akhra was founded in the 16th century by Shri Shri Jaganmohan Goswami, who came from Baghasura village in Madhabpur Upazila of Habiganj district.

After visiting many holy places across the Indian subcontinent, he chose this serene location to establish the Akhra.

Historical Significance

The monastery holds deep roots in the Jaganmohani sect of Vaishnavism.

About 500 years ago, King Uchchabananda Manikya Bahadur of Tripura built two magnificent structures here using traditional construction methods.

The complex includes 120 rooms that once housed 120 Vaishnav monks.

In front of the main monastery stands a Nat Mandir (dance temple), with a storehouse on the east side and a Bhog Mandir (offering temple) on the south.

Sacred Treasures

The Akhra preserves several remarkable artifacts from centuries past.

Among the most notable are a 25-maund (approximately 1,000 kg) white stone platform, brass thrones, ornate chariots used during festivals, silver vessels, and golden crowns.

These treasures speak to the wealth and importance this monastery once commanded in the region.

Living Tradition

Even today, Bithangal Akhra remains a center of active worship and pilgrimage.

The monastery comes alive during several annual festivals that draw thousands of devotees from across the region.

The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the beauty of the surrounding haor landscape, makes this a truly special destination for spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts alike.

The Haor Experience

The journey to Bithangal Akhra, especially during monsoon season, offers a unique haor experience similar to visiting Ratargul Swamp Forest in Sylhet.

The wetland landscape with its vast water bodies is home to the Tripuri people and other indigenous communities.

For another significant pilgrimage site in the Sylhet region, visitors often also visit Hazrat Shah Jalal Mazar.

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

Free entry.

No admission fee required to visit the Akhra.

Donations to the monastery are welcome and appreciated.

Opening Hours

Open daily from sunrise to sunset, approximately 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

During religious festivals, the Akhra may remain open longer.

Best to visit during daylight hours for the complete experience.

Time Needed

Plan to spend 2-3 hours at Bithangal Akhra.

This gives you enough time to explore the main monastery, the 120-room complex, the Nat Mandir, and the Bhog Mandir.

If you visit during a festival, you may want to stay longer to experience the celebrations.

The boat ride through the haor also adds travel time.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (November to March)

The best time to visit Bithangal Akhra is during the dry season when the haor water level drops.

This makes the journey easier as you can reach by road and on foot.

Festival Times

•Bhola Sankrani (last day of Kartik): Grand Kirtan celebrations

•Dol Purnima (five days after Falgun full moon): Fifth Dol festival

•Baruni Mela (8th day of Chaitra): Devotees worship at river ghats

•Rath Yatra (2nd week of Ashar): Chariot procession

Each festival attracts 5,000 to 10,000 devotees.

Estimated Cost

Transportation

•Jeep/CNG from Habiganj to Sujatpur: ৳200-400 per person

•Boat fare (during monsoon): ৳100-300 per person

•Private boat hire: ৳500-1,000 for the round trip

On-Site Expenses

•Donations to the Akhra: ৳50-200 (voluntary)

•Local guide (optional): ৳200-500

Food & Refreshments

•Snacks and tea at local shops: ৳50-100

•Lunch at Baniachong: ৳100-200

Total Estimated Cost

•Budget trip: ৳400-600 per person

•Comfortable trip: ৳700-1,200 per person

•Including private transport and guide: ৳1,500-2,500 per person

How to Reach

From Habiganj Town

The Akhra is located in Bithangal village, about 12 km southwest of Baniachong Upazila Sadar.

By Road (Dry Season)

•Take a jeep or CNG from Habiganj to Kamrapur Bridge

•From there, go to Sujatpur

•Then continue by boat or walk to reach the Akhra

•Total journey time: 1.5-2 hours

By Boat (Rainy Season)

•During monsoon, the haor fills with water

•Take an engine-powered boat from nearby haor areas

•From Kishoreganj district areas like Itna, Mithamoin, Austagram, Nikli, or Bajitpur

•Boat journey takes 1.5-2 hours

•This is actually a scenic way to experience the haor landscape, similar to boat trips at Ratargul Swamp Forest

Important Note

The journey varies greatly between seasons.

In dry season, roads become accessible.

In monsoon, only boats can reach the Akhra.

Combine Your Visit

When visiting Habiganj, you can also explore Satchari National Park and Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary for a complete Habiganj experience.

Facilities

Basic Facilities

•Monastery complex with historical architecture

•Prayer halls for worship

•Open courtyard for gatherings

•Pond for ritual bathing

•Shaded areas for rest

Nearby Services

•Basic eateries in Baniachong town

•Local shops for snacks and essentials

•Boat services during monsoon season

•Vehicle parking in dry season (in nearby areas)

What to Bring

Since this is a remote religious site, facilities are limited.

Visitors should bring:

•Drinking water

•Snacks or packed lunch

•Sunscreen and hat

•Comfortable walking shoes

•Rain gear during monsoon

Things to Do

Spiritual Activities

•Participate in prayer sessions at the monastery

•Witness Kirtan (devotional singing) performances

•Seek blessings from the resident monks

•Meditate in the peaceful environment

Explore the Complex

•Tour the 120-room monastery complex

•Visit the Nat Mandir (dance temple) with its unique architecture

•See the Bhog Mandir where offerings are prepared

•View the ancient white stone platform (25 maund/1000 kg)

•Admire the brass thrones and silver vessels

Haor Experience

•Enjoy a scenic boat ride through the haor (especially during monsoon)

•Watch the sunrise or sunset over the wetlands

•Observe local fishing activities

•Experience the unique haor ecosystem

•Similar wetland experience available at Baikka Beel Wetland Sanctuary in Moulvibazar

Cultural Immersion

•Learn about Vaishnav traditions and the Jaganmohani sect

•Interact with the monks and local devotees

•Experience the vibrant atmosphere during festivals

•Take photographs of the historical architecture

Festival Participation

•Bhola Sankrani: Join the grand Kirtan celebration

•Dol Purnima: Experience the colorful festival five days after Falgun full moon

•Baruni Mela: Witness devotees bathing at the sacred ghats

•Rath Yatra: Watch the chariot procession in Ashar

Combine with Other Habiganj Attractions

•Visit Satchari National Park for rainforest trekking

•Explore Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary for wildlife watching

•Experience Ratargul Swamp Forest for similar wetland scenery in Sylhet

Do's and Don'ts

DOs

✓Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the Akhra

✓Remove your shoes before entering temple areas

✓Ask permission before taking photographs inside the monastery

✓Respect the monks and their daily prayer schedules

✓Keep your voice low and maintain a peaceful atmosphere

✓Make donations to support the upkeep of the Akhra if you wish

✓Bring enough water and snacks as facilities are limited

✓Hire a local guide to learn about the history and traditions

✓Check water levels and travel conditions before your trip

✓Carry cash as there are no ATMs or card facilities nearby

DON'Ts

✗Do not wear revealing or inappropriate clothing

✗Do not touch or move sacred objects without permission

✗Do not litter in the monastery complex or surrounding areas

✗Do not smoke or consume alcohol on the premises

✗Do not disturb monks during meditation or prayers

✗Do not enter restricted areas of the monastery

✗Do not play loud music or make excessive noise

✗Do not take photos of monks without their consent

✗Do not bring non-vegetarian food into the Akhra premises

✗Do not travel alone during monsoon without a reliable boat guide

Safety Tips

Travel Safety

•During monsoon, only travel by engine-powered boats with experienced boatmen

•Wear life jackets during boat travel through the haor

•Check weather conditions before starting your journey

•Avoid traveling late in the evening as lighting is limited in the area

Health Precautions

•Bring mosquito repellent as the haor area has mosquitoes

•Carry basic first aid supplies

•Stay hydrated, especially during summer months

•Be cautious of slippery surfaces during and after rain

General Safety

•Keep your belongings secure during boat travel

•Inform someone about your travel plans

•Carry a fully charged mobile phone

•Have local emergency contact numbers saved

Location

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