Padmahema Dham is an ashram of Fakir Lalon Shah located in Dosarpara village of Sirajdikhan upazila of Munshiganj district. Although Lalon did not set foot in this scenic spot known as Baul Bari, Kabir Hossain, a photojournalist of Prothom Alo newspaper, built this ashram out of devotion to Lalon. One of the symbols of Lalan, one of the symbols of Lalan, a huge Ektar made of stone will be noticed as soon as you enter the Padmahem Dham, full of the gentle natural environment of Chaya Sunibi and the chirping of birds. Amidst the enchanting nature, Munshiganj’s traditional wooden two-story houses, meeting rooms and lalangiti school will be noticed. The Ichamati river, formed by a beautiful estuary, flows along the side of the ashram. And so standing on the banks of the river from the ashram and watching the sunrise and sunset is much more enjoyable. Most of the time, a group of Vedas who have built a family can be seen going through the Ichamati river in a boat. Overnight camping can be done at Padmahem Dham.
Lalan Fakir festivals, fairs and sadhusangs are organized in this ashram on two full moon tithis during winter for 12 years under the ancient banyan trees in the large open field in front of the ashram. The ashram premises are abuzz with music, tea and pies from evening to night. At that time many Baul artistes, dignitaries, visitors and devotees arrived from different countries including Japan, India and Sadhu Guru.
How to go
The distance from Dhaka to Munshiganj district is only 23 km. You can go to Munshiganj by taking a bus bound for Mawa from Gulisthan, Abdullahpur and Mirpur in Dhaka. Padmahem Dham ashram located 7 km from Sirajdikhan upazila can be reached by bike/CNG from Munshiganj district headquarters.
The most convenient way is to go to Mollar Bazar from Postgola in Dhaka with a CNG fare of Tk 30. After coming to Molla Bazar, you have to cross the river to go to Baluchar. To go to the other side of the river will take a fare of 5 taka per person. One can go directly to Padmahem Dham by taking CNG across the river. Full CNG fare will cost around 200 taka. And bargain to fix CNG.
Besides, you can take a bus going to Betka, Tongibari or Sonarang from Golap Shah Shrine in Gulisthan and directly get down at Goalbari in Sirajdikhan Bazar and take an auto/CNG to Lalon Ashram Padmahem Dham.
You can go to Munshiganj to enjoy the natural beauty of the river by avoiding the traffic. It takes about 2 hours to go to Munshiganj by launch from Dhaka Sadar Ghat.