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Top 10 Unknown Facts about Dhakeshwari Temple

Dhakeshwari National Temple is the most prominent Hindu temple in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is situated on Dhakeshwali road, and it is the largest state-owned temple in Bangladesh.

The temple was built in the 12th century by Ballal Sen, a king of the Sena dynasty, and it is part of the famous Shakti Peethas in the Indian Subcontinent. Thousands of people visit the temple each year for spiritual fulfillment and to be part of its rich socio-cultural history.

Here are unknown facts about Dhakeshwari Temple.

1. Dhakeshwari Temple is Dedicated to the 鈥淕oddess of Dhaka鈥�

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There are different theories surrounding the construction of the Dhakeshwari Temple. The most accepted theory is that the temple was founded in the 12th century CE by a Hindu king named Ballal Sen.

According to the legends, he was inspired to build the temple after finding a statue of the Goddess Durga buried in a particular spot near the current location of the temple.

The Goddess Durga was created to combat the evil demon Mahishasura, which was too powerful for the other lesser gods that existed at that time.

They all came together and created one powerful female form Goddess, which emerged with the physical form of all the gods put together.

2. Dhakeshwari Temple is a Three Roomed Structure

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Dhakeshwari Temple is a three-roomed structure with a veranda in front and has beautiful wooden doors with carvings. In the northeastern corner of the complex are four small Shiva temples constructed in the 16th century by King Mansing.

However, the temple’s current architectural style cannot be dated to the 12th century due to numerous renovations and repairs the temple has undergone through the years.

The present temple is two hundred years old and was built by an agent of the East India Company. Dhakeshwari temple is open every day all year round and people from all religions and social backgrounds are welcome.

3. Dhakeshwari Temple Hosts 鈥淒urga Puja鈥� Celebrations

Dhakeshwari Temple is a hub of socio-cultural as well as religious activities. Each year, the largest celebration and the most important event in the Bengali Hindu calendar are held at the Temple.

Durga Puja is an annual Hindu festival originating in the Indian subcontinent which reveres and pays homage to the Hindu goddess Durga and is also celebrated because of Durga’s victory over Mahishasur.

The ten-day festival attracts worshipers and curious observers from all parts of the world, and it is held in the month of September to October in the Gregorian calendar. 

4. Dhakeshwari Temple is a National Monument

In its capacity as the largest state-owned Hindu temple in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Dhakeshwari Temple was renamed Dhakeshwari National Temple in 1996.

This was the culmination of a major campaign by Bangladeshi Hindu groups who were demanding official recognition for the primary Hindu place of worship following the declaration of Islam as the state religion in 1988.

As a result, the flag of Bangladesh is hoisted every morning outside the main temple premises, and it follows the National Flag Code rules. It also conducts day-long prayers during important national holidays.

5. Dhakeshwari Temple has Hosted Local and Foreign Dignitaries

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As the most prominent Hindu temple in Dhaka, Dhakeshwari Temple has hosted various local and foreign dignitaries over the years. Some of them visit the temple to worship, while others come to show support to the Bangladeshi Hindu community in Bangladesh.

Some of the notable figures who have visited the Dhakeshwari Temple include the Bangladeshi President, Bangladeshi prime minister, members of parliament, and media popular personalities.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi prayed at the temple during his official visit to Bangladesh on 7 June 2015. He was given a model of the goddess Dhakeshwari by the temple authorities.

6. It was  Damaged During the War

Dhakeshwari Temple has also been at the center of armed conflicts that have plagued Bangladesh over the years. It was severely damaged during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, and over half of the temple’s buildings were destroyed.

Muslim mobs have also attacked the temple complex many times,  with the last major attack happening in December 1992. The attack was in retaliation for the destruction of the Babri Masjid mosque in Ayodhya, India. 

7. Most of the Temple鈥檚 Land has been Lost

A significant portion of the temple land has been lost due to the Vested Property Act and confiscation by the Bangladesh Government, and the current premises are considerably smaller than the historical reach of the property.

In 2018, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited the Dhakeshwari Temple and announced the gifting of adjacent land to the temple authorities. This was the repatriation of the temple land which had Previouslybeen lost through land grabbing.

8. Dhakeshwari Temple is a Complex of Different Temples

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Dhakeshwari Temple is a complex of different temples and other supporting buildings. It has an inner court on the east and an outer court on the west. There are four small shiva temples of the same size and shape each of them built on a high plinth, and has shiva linga inside.

The main temple is on the northeastern side of the inner court facing south. In the front of the temple is an open space where different religious rituals are organized and visitors sit.

On the east side of the outer court is where the newly built Durga temple is located. It has an open stage on which Durga and deities are kept. It also hosts the largest Hindu festival.

9. Dhakeshwari Temple Hosts Annual Cultural Events

Dhakeshwari Temple hosts annual major cultural events which attract some of the top performers from the Dhaka music and film industry.

One of the most important events of the year is the Janmashthami, a procession that starts at the temple to commemorate the birth of lord Krishna.

The procession dates back to 1902 but was stopped in 1948 following attacks by Muslim mobs in Dhaka. The procession was resumed in 1989.

10. Dhakeshwari Temple is Open to the Public

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Dhakeshwari Templenins locate in old Dhaka about 1kilometer north of Lalbagh fort, up to a short alley off Dhakeshwali road.

The temple is open to the public daily from 7 am to 9 pm, but remains closed in the afternoon from 2 pm to 4 pm. There are no entrance fees to visit any part of the temple.

Visitors are advised to leave their shoes in the shoe storage room before entering the main temple.