(https://contextbd.

com/)

DESIGN. ARCHITECTURE. CULTURE

Follow Us

(http://www.facebook.com/contextbd)

(https://www.linkedin.com/company/contextbd/)

(https://www.pinterest.com/context2015/)

(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC49GGXmYQvYei7s6ebqrqbQ)

(https://instagram.com/context.bd/)

A Spiritual Journey through the Mythological Route of

Chandranath Hill, Chattagram | AIUB
(https://contextbd.com/spiritual-journey-mythological-route-chandranath-hill-chattagram-aiub/)
| AIUB (https://contextbd.com/category/student-works/aiub/) | Student works (https://contextbd.com/category/student-
works/) | Thesis (https://contextbd.com/category/student-works/thesis/) |     | 6 May, 2020 ||Total Views: 2,268|


 © Shovo Shaha Dip | AIUB (https://contextbd.com/spiritual-journey-mythological-route-chandranath-hill-chattagram-aiub/)

Name: Shovo Shaha Dip

Studio: Studio X (Thesis)

Studio Master: Hasan Ahmed Chowdury, Irfat Alam

Year: 2019
University: American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)

(https://contextbd.com/spiritual-journey-mythological-route-chandranath-hill-chattagram-aiub/)
 CHANDRANATH HILL in Sitakunda, Chattagram is considered to be one of the most visited sacred and pilgrimage sites in
Bangladesh. Every year, several hundred thousand Hindu devotees of the country climb this famous hill. According to the
Hindu mythology, the sage created a pond or Kunda for the goddess Sita during her exile period. Besides the Hindu devotees,
 the site is also a general attraction for tourists all over the country. Climbing a hill of 1200 ft, surrounded by natural beauty
and mysticism, is a complete adventure for a tourist. It takes almost three hours to climb the hill and two hours to get down
there. It takes twice the time during the festivals. During Maha Shivratri festivals scheduled in March annually, lasting 7-10
days and the temple offers panoramic views and enchanting surroundings. Chandranath hill is also famous for Shakti Peeth,
as the right arm of Goddess Sati fell here according to Hindu sacred texts.  The site length is 2.5 km with 5.7 acre facility
area along the route.

(https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/LOCATION-MAP.jpg)
Location map © Shovo Shaha Dip
Hence, the project site offers tremendous opportunities for pilgrims, tourists and local community. Two strong significances
of the project are: i) mythological significance and ii) natural point of interest. The site hosts one of the oldest Hindu temples
in the subcontinent and the biggest Maha Shivratri festival in Bangladesh. One of the six Shakti Peethas is also situated here.
  The natural features like the Chandranath Hill being the highest place in Chittagong district, two springs, evergreen forest
 and the sea view from the top give pleasure to a tourist fullest. The dilapidated condition of the old temples, absence of basic
facilities for the pilgrims, and the untapped potential to develop the site as a tourist place are the key drivers for
redevelopment proposal for the site.

POINTS OF INTEREST (PILGRIMS):

There are 10 main temples and according to the Hindu sacred texts, the right arm of Goddess Sati fell here at the point of
Bhabani Temple. Pilgrims visit this as a place where Vedic thought and quest for ‘Ultimate Reality’ is the motivation.
Historically, this place is packed with temples and supporting facilities. Various activities take place all around the year. The
devotees believe that one can make rapid spiritual progress and gain instant purification by doing all the rituals.

In harmony with the local terrain, all the temples are situated at various levels starting from 55’ to 200’. Most of the temples
were built after 18th century. The first step before entering into design process was studying the existing pattern of the
temples, buildings and their activity. Most of the temples have front arched entry, columnar circulation space around the
main chamber.

(https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/POINT-OF-INTEREST-PILGRIMS.jpg)
Location of Ten Temples © Shovo Shaha Dip


 (https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Timeline.jpg)
Temple timeline © Shovo Shaha Dip


 (https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TEMPLE-LOCATION.jpg)
Study of temples © Shovo Shaha Dip
POINTS OF INTEREST (TOURISTS):

There are several tourist spots in the vicinity of Chandranath Hill. From a beautiful lake to evergreen forest, tourists can enjoy
the beauty of natural wonder. It’s a haven for tracking, enjoying sunset on a beach and many springs. Therefore a tourist
accommodation zone and proper management can improve the structure of this area.


 (https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Tourist-Spot.jpg)
Tourist points at Chandranath hill © Shovo Shaha Dip
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT:

The project aims to conserve the age-old temples near the Chandranath Hill area, Sitakundo, and design a route for pilgrims
that offer the testament of a spiritual journey. The goal is to increase awareness towards the conservation of natural and
cultural assets, both among locals and tourists. The proposed nature-based forms of tourism, as expected, will provide
 alternative employment and income opportunities for local communities.
 (https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/RELIGIOUS-TOURISM.jpg)
Religious tourism © Shovo Shaha Dip


 (https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/10-points.jpg)
Ten aspects of Hinduism © Shovo Shaha Dip
DESIGN PROCESS

The project has a conceptual focus on ‘religious tourism’. People travel to visit a place,  a building, or a  shrine, which is sacred.
Traveling for the purpose of observing or participating or sharing a religious belief or faith can be defined as religious tourism.
Tourists and pilgrims can come to the site all year round, enjoy an authentic experience as their way as a part of their journey.

Hinduism is based on ten main principles that start with believing in God and end with the ultimate freedom. Throughout the
journey, pilgrims will be enlightened with the spaces that resemble main points of Hinduism. Tourists will also experience an

 authentic natural experience through many designed views and lookout points.
 The master plan is divided into 3 zones: i) accommodation zone, ii) activity zone, and iii) trekking zone. The accommodation
zone is where people will leave their bags and stuff and begin the journey. In the activity zone pious pilgrims will take bath
and pray for the departed soul of their family members. The rest of the zone is a trekking zone with numerous temples and
natural areas.

(https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/MASTER-PLAN-ZONE.jpg)
Zoning in Mater plan © Shovo Shaha Dip

(https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/MASTER-PLAN.jpg)
Master plan © Shovo Shaha Dip
 

ACCOMMODATION ZONE:

 The accommodation area is where the journey begins. There are three main programs: the pilgrim’s program, the tourist
program, and the core program. Pilgrim’s program-dorms for single-family and large groups, semi-outdoor kitchens, indoor
 sports areas will be used for shelter during the festival season and kirton / media space. Tourist program-dorm for single,
family, group of people, playground, sports area, cafe and emergency medical service area. Other programs-admin, ashram
for homeless children, priesthood, prayer space, gallery, conference area for international conferences.

(https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/MASTERPLAN-ACCOMODATION-ZONE-2.jpg)
Accommodation zone © Shovo Shaha Dip
 ACTIVITY ZONE:

Millions of Hindu pilgrims from remote parts of the country are gathered here at the Maha Shivratri Festival in February or
March. On the other hand, there are many activities that take place every day in this area. Provided facilities here are festival
space, shops, ghat, two children’s pathshalas, waiting sheds, changing rooms, and other ancillary spaces.


 (https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/MASTERPLAN-ACCOMODATION-ZONE-3.jpg)
Activity zone © Shovo Shaha Dip
TREKKING ZONE:

According to Hindu mythology, in order to get into the space of nothingness, you must overcome darkness and ignorance.
This journey will help people to experience the ten points of Hinduism (1. Existence of God, 2. Numerous paths of spiritual
practice, 3. Idol worship, 4&5. Heaven and hell & Restraints for Unfaithful Conduct, 6. The concept of debts, 7. Concept of
Purusharthas, 8. Rebirth, 9. Concept of Varnashram, 10. Sadeh-mukti) and to understand the true meaning of
liberation. Tourists will also experience an authentic natural landscape through many designed views and lookout points.


 (https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/TOTAL-JOURNEY.jpg)
Trekking zone © Shovo Shaha Dip


 (https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/09.-Concept-of-Varnashram.jpg)
Principle 09. Concept of Varnashram


 (https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/10.-Sadh-Mukti.jpg)
Principle 10. Sadh Mukti
 


 (https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Waiting-Space-02.jpg)
Waiting Space © Shovo Shaha Dip
According to the Shaiva philosophy, mukti (liberation) can be achieved with the perfect knowledge. A liberated man can
liberate others. Standing on the height of 1200ft one can truly feel a sense of freedom and relief. The whole effort of the
spiritual process is to get to this place, and once you exit, you just merge with the whole cosmos.

| Image Gallery |


 (https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/01-Existence-of-God.jpg)

(https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/02.-Numerous-Path-Of-Spritual-

Practice.jpg) (https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/03.-Idol-Worship.jpg)

(https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/04.-Heaven-_-Hell.jpg)


 (https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/05.-Restraints-for-Unfaithful-Conduct.jpg)

(https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06.-Concepts-of-Depth-01.jpg)

(https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06.-Concepts-of-Depth-02.jpg)

(https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/07.-Concept-of-Purusharthas.jpg)


 (https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/08.-Rebirth.jpg)

(https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/09.-Concept-of-Varnashram.jpg)

(https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/10.-Sadh-Mukti.jpg)

(https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BLOWUP-MODEL-02.jpg)


 (https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/SITE-MODEL-01.jpg)

(https://contextbd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/MASTER-MODEL-01.jpg)

CONTEXT contributing editor: Md Tarek Morad, Architect & Assistant Professor. 

|Total Views: 2,268|

Back To Top
(https://contextbd.com/spiritual-journey-mythological-route-chandranath-hill-chattagram-aiub/)
« Previous (https://contextbd.com/time-space-existence-balkrishna-doshi/)   Next » (https://contextbd.com/urban-
transformation-informal-mix-dhaka/)

RECENT POST

(https://contextbd.com/west-bengal-boshotbari-letter-22/)
বসতবাড়ি | চিঠি ২২ | দ্বীপাঞ্চলের ঘরবাড়ি (https://contextbd.com/west-bengal-boshotbari-letter-22/)
4 March, 2022

(https://contextbd.com/the-salvaged-island-cuet/)
The Salvaged Island | CUET (https://contextbd.com/the-salvaged-island-cuet/)
 25 February, 2022
 (https://contextbd.com/architectural-cultural-significance-khelaram-data-temple/)
Reinterpreting the Heritage Values: Architectural and Cultural Significance of Khelaram Data Temple
(https://contextbd.com/architectural-cultural-significance-khelaram-data-temple/)
21 February, 2022

(https://contextbd.com/matter-space-soul-two-fold-studio/)
Matter . Space . Soul | Two Fold Studio (https://contextbd.com/matter-space-soul-two-fold-studio/)
19 January, 2022

(https://contextbd.com/rural-homestead-khulna-letter-21/)
বসতবাড়ি | চিঠি ২১ | দক্ষিণ দুয়ারী (https://contextbd.com/rural-homestead-khulna-letter-21/)
28 December, 2021

MOST VISITED


 (https://contextbd.com/dusai-resort-spa-moulovi-bazar-sylhet-bangladesh-2/) (54,509)


 (https://contextbd.com/bongotaj-memorial-and-museum-complex-aust/) (39,915)


 (https://contextbd.com/jum-cultural-complex-rangamati/) (36,200)


 (https://contextbd.com/homeostasis-studio-xi-architects/) (30,073)


 (https://www.amazon.com/Aspirations-Ideas-Saimum-Mohammad-Zakiul/dp/9845062792)


 (https://contextbd.com/design-act-now-makeshift-isolation-unit-treatment-facility/)

Our Partners

  (https://contextbd.com/)
All rights reserved.
  © 2015-2021 Context BD. 

All images are © each office/photographer mentioned.

Follow Us | Contact Us (https://contextbd.com/contact/)

| Privacy Policy (https://contextbd.com/privacy-policy/)

(http://www.facebook.com/contextbd) | Terms of Use (https://contextbd.com/terms-of-use/)

(https://www.linkedin.com/company/contextbd/)

(https://www.pinterest.com/context2015/)

(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC49GGXmYQvYei7s6ebqrqbQ)

(https://instagram.com/context.bd/)