19/02/2026
Luris in Chakma Society
By Shrimat Sumanananda Luri
1. What does 'Luri' mean?
A Luri is a Buddhist monk or a renunciant in the Chakma community.
2. Which religion do the Luris follow?
They are followers of Buddhism.
3. What is the name of their scripture?
Their primary scripture is known as the Agar Tara.
4. What is the literal meaning of 'Agar Tara'?
In the Chakma language, 'Agar' means ancient or mythological, and 'Tara' refers to scripture or sacred texts. Therefore, Agar Tara translates to "Ancient Scriptures."
5. How many volumes or 'Taras' are there in the Agar Tara?
The Agar Tara consists of a total of 28 Taras. It is said that these 28 Taras describe the virtues and attributes of the 28 Buddhas.
The 28 Taras and their Significance:
Karma Phulu Tara: Used during offerings for the deceased. (Virtue of Kashyapa Buddha)
Notik Tara (or Bor Niding Tara): Contains explanations of astrology. (Virtue of Medhankara Buddha)
Tonik Tara: Used in Chakma herbal medicine and ta***ic rituals. (Virtue of Trishnankara Buddha)
Pokiri Tara: Details the methods of Yoga and meditation. (Virtue of Sharanankara Buddha)
Rakem Phulu Tara: Teaches the principles of governance for a righteous King. (Virtue of Sumedha Buddha)
Arishya Nama Tara: Describes the code of conduct for laypeople (householders). (Virtue of Dipankara Buddha)
Malen Tara: Describes how people should practice religion in the Ariya Mitinga era and explains the rituals for liberating the soul after death. (Virtue of Tishya Buddha)
Anija Tara: Mantras to rescue those who have fallen into hell or the four woeful states. Used during the "Bhatdya" ritual. (Virtue of Revata Buddha)
Sadenggri Tara: Legend says King Sadenggri ascended to heaven alive using this mantra. It is recited during the funeral of a King. (Virtue of Phussa Buddha)
Bor Kuruk Tara: Used in ancient times to tame wild animals like tigers and bears. (Virtue of Kondanna Buddha)
Choto Kuruk Tara: Mantras used to subdue ferocious animals. (Virtue of Sumangala Buddha)
Chandima Tara: Recited while setting up a canopy (Chandwa) at the cremation ground. (Virtue of Sobhita Buddha)
Pudum Phulu Tara: Ritual offerings (Pintu) for the deceased to ensure their happiness in heaven. (Virtue of Paduma Buddha)
Putum Phulu Tara: Used to fulfill human desires and aspirations. (Virtue of Padumuttara Buddha)
Sahaj / Mahaj Phulu Tara: Used to liberate those who turned into ghosts due to past misdeeds. (Virtue of Sikhi Buddha)
Changiphulu Tara: Recited to liberate those reborn as animals or birds due to sin. (Virtue of Sumangala Buddha)
Subadisa Tara: Read during "Bhatdya" and "Eda Daka" rituals to soothe excessively crying infants. (Virtue of Sumana Buddha)
Jiyon Dhoron Tara: Used during "Eda Daka" and "Bhatdya" rituals for young children. (Virtue of Piyadassi Buddha)
Sigal Mongol Tara: Used to ward off bad luck or planetary afflictions for families. (Virtue of Sujata Buddha)
Cherag Phulu Tara: Recited while dedicating offerings to the deceased. (Virtue of Dhammadassi Buddha)
Dasa Parami Tara: Read during "Jadi Puja" or offerings to ancestors (also known as the Ten Paramis of Bodhisattvas). (Virtue of Gautama Buddha)
Triputra Tara: Read to revive someone who has lost consciousness during the Bhatdya ritual. (Virtue of Anomadassi Buddha)
Angara Tara: Divided into five parts (Angara Pharet, etc.). Used with Sigal Mongol Tara to drive away evil spirits and bad luck. (Virtue of Siddhartha Buddha)
Bujhong Tara: Used for taming tigers. (Virtue of Kakusandha Buddha)
Joy Mongol Tara: Ensures success in battles, forests, and legal matters (similar to the Pali Jaya Mangala Gatha). (Virtue of Narada Buddha)
Bodhyanga Tara: Used to cure diseases and ailments. (Virtue of Vipassi Buddha)
Udang & Chak Parami Tara: Explains 43 types of karmic consequences and the sublime teachings of the Buddha.
Rajem Phulu Tara: Chanted during a King's coronation to bring prosperity to the kingdom. (Virtue of Vessabhu Buddha)
Conclusion
The well-known Luris of the Chakma community renounce worldly life to live in monasteries. They are supported and maintained by specific villages or groups of families. They are the custodians of national religious culture—performing rites to liberate souls from the hungry ghost realm, and organizing Buddha Pujas and festivals on full moon days. Historically, the Luris held a deeply influential position in Chakma society.