A Spiritual Journey Through The Mythological Route of Chandranath Hill, Sitakunda, Chattagram | Architecture Thesis

Site Context

One of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage places in Bangladesh is Chandranath Hill, which is close to Sitakunda in Chattagram. Many tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims from throughout the world climb this well-known summit every year. Hindu mythology holds that when the goddess Sita was banished, the sage built her a pond, or Kunda at this place. 

The location not only accepts Hindu pilgrims but also serves as a well-known national tourism destination. A visitor’s full-on adventure involves scaling a 1200 foot hill amidst mystery and breathtaking scenery. People visit this temple to perform rituals during the annual Maha Shivratri festivals, which run 7–10 days and are observed in March each year. The temple offers stunning views of the environs as well.

Design Process

Concept – Religious Tourism: The optimal strategy, according to on-site analysis and research, was to approach the project through religious tourism. Depending on one’s viewpoints, visiting a sacred site is a sort of travel that entails either participating or observing, as well as sharing a religious experience with others and experiencing the faith. This can be defined as Religious Tourism.

Each temple is positioned at a different level between 55′ and 1200′ depending on the local topography. Most temples were constructed after the 18th century. Before beginning the design process, the pattern of the temples, structures, and their activity was evaluated. Hinduism is based on TEN PRINCIPLES, with faith in God serving as the first and perfect freedom serving as the tenth and final. 

These ten principles are:

1. Existence Of God
2. Idol Worship 
3. Numerous Paths Of Spiritual Practice
4. Restraints For Unfaithful Conduct
5. Heaven And Hell 
6. Concept Of Debts
7. Concept Of Purusharthas
8. Rebirth
9. Concept Of Varnashrama 
10. Sadeh-Mukti

The regions that parallel Hinduism’s core values will be illuminated for pilgrims along the path. Visitors will also get a peek of the actual natural surroundings through a number of crafted views and vantage points.

FInal Outcome

Masterplan: Three zones make up the master plan. The first one is a zone for accommodation, the second is a zone for activities, and the third is a zone for trekking. People would leave their personal items and in the lodging zone before starting their tour. Pious pilgrims will take a bath and pray for the spirits of their deceased family members at the activity zone. The rest of the area is a trekking zone with beautiful scenery and a lot of temples.

Accommodation Zone: The starting point of the journey is the accommodation area. Pilgrim’s amenities include single-family and large-group dorms, semi-outdoor kitchens, indoor sports facilities that will be used as shelter during the festival season, and Kirton/media area. There are single, family, and group hotel options, a playground, a sports court, a café, and a spot for emergency medical attention among the tourist attractions. The other facilities included a conference room for international conferences, a priesthood, an ashram for destitute children, a prayer space, and a gallery.

Activity Zone: Millions of Hindu pilgrims from remote parts of the country gather here for the Maha Shivratri Festival in February or March. On the other hand, a number of daily activities take place here. This location offers festival space, shops, a ghat, two children’s pathshalas, waiting sheds, changing rooms, and other support facilities.

Trekking Zone:  Hindu mythology holds that one must overcome ignorance and darkness to enter the world of nothingness. Through this trip, people can discover the true meaning of emancipation and the 10 tenets of Hinduism. Visitors will also be able to take in a truly natural scene through a variety of crafted views and vantage points.

Conclusion: According to Shaiva philosophy, attaining complete knowledge may finally result in Mukti (liberation). A person who has attained emancipation can assist others in doing the same. Standing at a height of 1200 feet, one can actually experience a sense of liberation and relief. The goal of the entire spiritual path is to arrive at this place, and once there, the universe just merges with the individual.

[This Academic Project has been published with text submitted by the student]