The Ruins of Shalban Vihara Unearthed: The Untold Story of the Forgotten Buddhist Civilization of South-Eastern Bengal

Shalban Vihara [Video] stands as a silent witness to the distinction of ancient Buddhist of Bengal. Located in the Lalmai-Mainamati hill of Cumilla, this archaeological site reveals a once-thriving monastic complex dating back to the 7th–8th centuries CE. Originally known as Sri Bhavadeva Mahavihara, the Vihara was built under the patronage of the Deva dynasty. With its square layout, 115 monk cells, and an elaborate central temple, Shalban Vihara reflects the architectural brilliance of early Bengal. Today, the ruins, artefacts, and preserved structures whisper stories of faith, art, and lost civilization.

📍 Shalban Vihara’s Location

Shalban Vihara located within the lush green landscape of the Lalmai-Mainamati hills in Cumilla district of Bangladesh lies one of the most captivating archaeological gems of Bangladesh. Located in Shalmanpur village, about 1.5 kilometers south of Kotbari, this site reflects the architectural and spiritual brilliance of early Buddhist of Bengal. As you step onto its terracotta-tinged grounds, you step into a heritage shaped over 1,300 years ago.

🛕 Sri Bhavadeva Mahavihara – The Ancient Name Revealed

What we today call Shalban Vihara was once known as Sri Bhavadeva Mahavihara. It was commissioned by King Bhavadeva, the fourth ruler of the Deva Dynasty, who reigned between the 7th and 8th centuries CE. This Mahavihara was not just a monastery—it was a spiritual and scholarly hub of Buddhist civilization in Bengal.

🧱 Architectural Grandeur: A Perfect Square of Spiritual Life

Imagine a massive square monastery, each side stretching 168 meters, enclosing 115 rooms for monks — this is Shalban Vihara. At the heart lies a central temple, once surrounded by smaller shrines and stupas. The northern arcade ruins, excavated, remains a unique visual highlight, hinting at ceremonial pathways and open worship areas.

🕰️  Historical Journey Through Time

The following major phases  and periods of construction, repair, and redesign have been revealed during archaeological excavations:

• 3rd Period (7th–8th century CE): The oldest surviving temple structure belongs here — cruciform in design, symbolizing early Buddhist architecture.

• 4th–5th Period (9th–10th century CE): Modifications include rectangular layouts, more openness, and increased functionality. This phase bears resemblance to Hindu temple styles, reflecting a period of cultural exchange. and

• 1st–2nd Period (before the 7th century CE): No ruins of the archaic structures of the 2nd and 1st periods have been found.

🔥 Inside the Monastic Life – Rooms with Ritual Features

The following two remarkable features still visible in monk cells:

• Decorative brick plinths designed for fire arrangements; and

• Staircases, niches of deity icons, and courtyard steps that reflect both daily utility and spiritual symbolism of manastic life.

🛕 Not One, But Six Temples in One

The central temple is not a single structure. Over time, six different temple plans were built on the same foundation — each a layer of faith and architecture, showcasing how religious spaces evolved with societal changes.

🧱 Art in Earth: The Terracotta Legacy

The outer walls of the temples are adorned with terracotta panels, sculpted bricks, and ornate pillars. This tradition links Shalban Vihara to other great Buddhist centers like Nalanda and Vikramashila.

🏺 Not a Monastery, but An Ancient Urban Settlement

The followings have also been revealed during archaeological excavations:

• Water wells, paved courtyards;

• Dining halls, small stupas, prayer rooms; and

• Artefacts such as coins, pottery, seals, copperplates, figurines, and decorated bricks.

These structures extend beyond the monastery walls, suggesting that Shalban Vihara was once part of a larger sacred and urban residential complex.

🏛️ Preserving the Past: Mainamati Museum

Many artefacts unearthed from Shalban Vihara as well as other arcaheological sites of this region are now preserved and exhibited in the Mainamati Museum, located just south of the site. This collection tells the story of ancient Samatata, and South-East & South Bengal’s Buddhist era, spanning the 7th to 12th century CE.

🌿 A Living Echo of Ancient Bengal

Shalban Vihara is not just a collection of ruins—it is a living echo of Bengal’s golden age of Buddhist scholarship, artistry, and architecture. Walking through its corridors, you’re not just visiting an archaeological site — you’re touching a forgotten civilization that once thrived under peace, learning, and devotion.

📜 Protection and International Recognition

Shalban Vihara was declared a protected archaeological site under the name “Shalban Raja’s Palace” on July 7, 1945, in accordance with The Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904. It was later recognized as an official heritage site of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and is currently maintained under the supervision of the Department of Archaeology.

Aiming for World Cultural Heritage recognition, on February 17, 1999, Shalban Vihara was included in UNESCO’s Tentative List under the title “The Lalmai-Mainamati Group of Monuments.” This inclusion marked a significant step toward international recognition, highlighting the combined historical and architectural significance of Shalban Vihara and its surrounding ancient sites.

✍️ Written by: Md Shahin Alam

Ref: Translated and adapted from the Bengali article:
‘শালবন বিহার: লালমাই পাহাড়ের পাদদেশে লুকানো ইতিহাস, ধর্ম ও স্থাপত্যের এক বিস্ময়কর সমাহার’

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