Chandranath Temple

District:Chittagong•Division:Chittagong

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12/7/2025

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About

One of the Holiest Hindu Sites

Chandranath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in Bangladesh.

Sitting at the top of Chandranath Hill, about 1,020 feet (310 meters) above sea level, this ancient Shiva temple dates back to the 11th century - making it over 1,000 years old.

It's located in Sitakunda, just 35 km from Chittagong city.

A Sacred Shakti Peetha

According to Hindu scriptures, Chandranath is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas - the most sacred shrines dedicated to the goddess.

The legend says that when Lord Vishnu used his divine discus to cut Goddess Sati's body, her right arm fell at this very spot.

Two deities are worshipped here: Bhavani (a form of Sati) and Chandrashekhar (Lord Shiva).

The Five Shiva Temples Legend

An interesting legend says that a king of Nepal was instructed in a dream to build five Shiva temples at five corners of the world.

These became:

•Pashupatinath in Nepal

•Vishwanath in Kashi (Varanasi)

•Bhutnath in Pakistan

•Adinath in Maheshkhali, Bangladesh

•Chandranath in Sitakunda, Bangladesh

The Challenging Climb

Reaching the temple is no easy task.

Pilgrims must climb approximately 3,500 stone steps through forested hills.

The journey takes 1.5 to 3 hours depending on your fitness level.

But the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and Bay of Bengal from the top make every step worth it.

Bangladesh's Largest Hindu Festival

Every year during Shiva Chaturdashi (usually in February-March), the largest Hindu gathering in Bangladesh takes place here.

The Shiva Chaturdashi Mela has been running for about 300 years!

Millions of devotees from Bangladesh, India, and other countries come for the 10-day festival to seek Lord Shiva's blessings.

If you're exploring religious heritage in Chittagong, also visit the Bayazid Bostami Shrine for Sufi traditions and the Chandanpura Mosque for stunning Islamic architecture.

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

Temple Entry

•Entry to Chandranath Temple: FREE

•No ticket required for temple visit

•Donations welcome to support temple maintenance

Puja & Offerings

•Basic puja items available at base: 50-200 BDT

•Flowers, incense, coconut for offerings

•Special puja by priests: 200-500 BDT (negotiable)

•Prasad (blessed food) available

Sita Kund (Hot Springs)

•Entry: FREE

•Bathing facilities available

•Donation box for maintenance

Guide Services

•Local guides available for hire

•Guide fee: 300-500 BDT for full temple tour

•Guides explain mythology and history

•Negotiate before starting

During Shiva Chaturdashi Mela

•Still FREE entry to all temples

•Additional donation points set up

•Special puja services available

•Temporary stalls for puja items

Important Notes

•No entry fee for the climb or temples

•Donations are voluntary but appreciated

•Photography inside temples: Usually free, ask permission

•Keep small change for donation boxes

•Shoe storage may ask for small tip

What You Might Pay For

•Puja items and offerings

•Guide services

•Food and water (bring your own recommended)

•Transport to and from Sitakunda

•Accommodation if staying overnight

Opening Hours

Temple Hours

•Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

•The temple remains open every day of the week

•No weekly off day

Best Time to Start Climbing

•Morning: 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM (recommended)

•Early start gives you cool weather and enough time for the visit

•The temple opens at sunrise for morning prayers

Peak Hours

•Weekends: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (more crowded)

•Weekdays: Generally less crowded throughout the day

•Festival days: Expect all-day crowds

Evening Considerations

•Last recommended climb start time: 2:00 PM

•This ensures you have enough daylight to return safely

•Climbing in the dark is dangerous and not recommended

•The path down is not lit

During Shiva Chaturdashi Mela

•The temple remains open 24 hours during the festival

•Special puja ceremonies throughout the day and night

•Expect extremely long queues for darshan

Seasonal Variations

•Hours remain the same year-round

•In summer, the climb is better done very early morning

•In winter, starting by 7-8 AM is comfortable

Note

•The hill can be accessed anytime, but the main temple sanctum follows these hours

•Smaller temples along the path may have their own timings

•Arrive early to avoid rushing and to respect closing time

How to Reach

From Chittagong City

The temple is located in Sitakunda Upazila, about 37 km north of Chittagong city center.

•Take a bus from Oxygen or New Market bus stand heading to Sitakunda

•Journey takes about 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic

•Get off at Sitakunda Bazaar

•From the bazaar, take a CNG auto-rickshaw (20-30 BDT) to the temple base

From Dhaka

•Buses from Sayedabad, Kamalapur, or Mohakhali terminals go to Sitakunda directly

•Journey takes 5-6 hours

•Some buses stop at Sitakunda on the way to Chittagong

By Train

•Take a train to Sitakunda Railway Station

•From the station, the temple base is about 3 km away

•Take a rickshaw or CNG to reach the starting point

Private Transport

•From Chittagong: Drive along the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway (N1)

•Turn at Sitakunda junction and follow signs to Chandranath Temple

•Parking available at the temple base area

Important Notes

•The temple is at the top of Chandranath Hill (1,020 feet)

•You must climb 3,500 stone steps to reach the main temple

•There is no vehicle access to the top - everyone must walk up

•The climb takes 1.5-3 hours depending on your fitness level

Facilities

At the Temple Complex

•Main Chandranath Temple at the summit

•Multiple smaller temples along the route

•Rest areas at various points during climb

•Drinking water points (limited)

•Basic washroom facilities at base

•Shoe storage near temples

Notable Temples Along the Way

•Batatali Kali Temple

•Shani Temple

•Premtala Temple

•Satyanarayan Temple

•Loknath Brahmacharya Sevashram

•Byas Kund

•Bhairav Temple

•Surya Kund

•Shankar Math & Mission

•Ramakrishna Sevashram

•Jagannath Temple

•Swayambhunath Temple

•Birupaksha Temple

Near Sita Kund (Hot Springs)

•Natural hot spring pools

•Bathing ghats for ritual baths

•Temple near the springs

•Small shops nearby

At the Base (Sitakunda Town)

•Restaurants and food stalls

•Tea shops

•Local markets

•ATM facilities

•Mobile network coverage

•CNG/auto stand for transport

•Accommodation options nearby

What's NOT Available

•No shops on the climbing trail

•No food or water vendors during climb

•No toilet facilities on the way up

•No medical facilities on trail

•No accommodation at summit

During Festival Season

•Temporary stalls and shops

•Additional water points

•First aid posts

•Police security

•Crowd management facilities

Things to Do

Religious Activities

•Offer prayers at the main Chandranath Temple

•Visit the Shakti Peetha shrine

•Participate in daily aarti (worship ceremonies)

•Seek blessings from Lord Shiva and Bhavani

•Visit all the temples along the pilgrimage route

•Take a holy dip at Sita Kund (hot springs)

•Attend Shiva Chaturdashi Mela (if visiting in Feb-March)

Trekking & Hiking

•Climb the 3,500 stone steps to the summit

•Choose between two routes:

•Right path: Stone stairs (structured but steep)

•Left path: Zigzag dirt trail through forest

•Enjoy the challenging 1.5-3 hour trek

•Take rest at various temples along the way

Sightseeing

•Enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal from summit

•See the surrounding hills and valleys

•View the Sitakunda town from above

•Watch sunrise or sunset from the hilltop

•Explore the ancient temple architecture

Photography

•Capture the stunning hilltop views

•Photograph the ancient temple structures

•Document the diverse temple architecture along the route

•Take photos at Sita Kund hot springs

•Record the festival atmosphere during melas

Cultural Experience

•Learn about Hindu mythology and traditions

•Observe religious rituals and practices

•Meet sadhus (holy men) during festivals

•Experience the vibrant Shiva Chaturdashi Fair

•Taste prasad (blessed food offerings)

Nature & Wildlife

•Walk through forested trails

•Spot local birds and wildlife

•Enjoy the natural beauty of the hills

•Breathe fresh mountain air

•Experience the peaceful forest atmosphere

Combine Your Visit

While in Sitakunda, explore the nearby Sitakunda Eco Park for waterfalls and botanical gardens, or head to Foy's Lake for a different kind of outdoor adventure.

Do's and Don'ts

DOs

✓Dress modestly - cover shoulders and knees as this is a religious site

✓Remove shoes before entering temple premises

✓Start your climb early in the morning to avoid afternoon heat

✓Carry enough drinking water - no shops on the trail

✓Pack light snacks for energy during the climb

✓Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for the 3,500 steps

✓Take rest at temples along the way when tired

✓Maintain silence and peace inside temples

✓Respect religious rituals and ceremonies

✓Keep the temple and trail clean

✓Ask permission before photographing religious activities

✓Be patient with crowds during festival seasons

DON'Ts

✗Don't wear revealing clothes - this is a sacred place

✗Don't bring leather items inside the temple

✗Don't litter on the trail or temple premises

✗Don't smoke or consume alcohol anywhere on the hill

✗Don't take photos where prohibited

✗Don't disturb people during prayer or meditation

✗Don't touch or sit on religious idols

✗Don't enter restricted areas of the temple

✗Don't play loud music or make excessive noise

✗Don't climb after dark - trail is dangerous at night

✗Don't underestimate the difficulty of the climb

✗Don't feed monkeys if any - they can become aggressive

Safety Tips

Physical Preparation

•The climb is strenuous - assess your fitness level honestly

•3,500 steps is very demanding, especially for elderly or unfit visitors

•People with heart conditions or knee problems should consult a doctor

•Practice walking stairs before your visit if you're not used to it

•Take breaks whenever you feel tired - don't push too hard

Trail Safety

•Stay on marked paths - don't take shortcuts

•Watch your step - some stairs are uneven or broken

•Descending is harder on knees - go slow coming down

•The trail can be slippery during and after rain

•Use the right path (stairs) for descent - it's safer

•Always climb during daylight hours

Weather Precautions

•Check weather forecast before starting

•Avoid climbing during rain - extremely slippery

•Carry rain protection during monsoon season

•Summer heat can cause dehydration - carry extra water

•Winter mornings can be cold at the summit

Health & Hydration

•Bring at least 2 liters of water per person

•Carry energy snacks (glucose, biscuits, fruits)

•Pack any personal medications you need

•Wear sunscreen and a hat in summer

•Recognize signs of exhaustion - rest when needed

Security

•Don't carry too much cash or valuables

•Keep belongings secure, especially during festivals

•Travel in groups if possible

•Stay alert to your surroundings

•Be cautious in crowded festival situations

Emergency Contacts

•National Emergency: 999

•Keep your phone charged

•Save local hospital contact before climbing

•Inform someone about your expected return time

•Note landmarks to describe your location if needed

Location

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Chandranath Temple

Find Places to Stay Near Chandranath Temple

About

One of the Holiest Hindu Sites

A Sacred Shakti Peetha

The Five Shiva Temples Legend

The Challenging Climb

Bangladesh's Largest Hindu Festival

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

Temple Entry

Puja & Offerings

Sita Kund (Hot Springs)

Guide Services

During Shiva Chaturdashi Mela

Important Notes

What You Might Pay For

Opening Hours

Temple Hours

Best Time to Start Climbing

Peak Hours

Evening Considerations

During Shiva Chaturdashi Mela

Seasonal Variations

Note

How to Reach

From Chittagong City

From Dhaka

By Train

Private Transport

Important Notes

Facilities

At the Temple Complex

Notable Temples Along the Way

Near Sita Kund (Hot Springs)

At the Base (Sitakunda Town)

What's NOT Available

During Festival Season

Things to Do

Religious Activities

Trekking & Hiking

Sightseeing

Photography

Cultural Experience

Nature & Wildlife

Combine Your Visit

Do's and Don'ts

DOs

DON'Ts

Safety Tips

Physical Preparation

Trail Safety

Weather Precautions

Health & Hydration

Security

Emergency Contacts

Location

Reviews

More Places in Chittagong

Karnaphuli River Cruise Area

Ethnological Museum

Zia Memorial Museum

Patenga Beach

Time Needed

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Recommended Duration

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Time Breakdown

During Shiva Chaturdashi Mela

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Best Time to Visit

Best Seasons

For Religious Pilgrims

Times to Avoid

Daily Timing Tips

Weather Considerations

Estimated Cost

Budget Traveler (Per Person)

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