Dhakeshwari Temple is one of the oldest and traditional Hindu religious buildings in Dhaka. It is not only for religious reasons but also of immense historical and cultural value. This ancient temple is regarded as the temple of Dhaka’s protector goddess, and its name is believed by many to be related to the name of Dhaka. Dhakeshwari Temple is not only a place of worship but also an important symbol of the unity, culture and religious identity of the Hindu community in Bangladesh.

Dhakeshwari Temple or Dhakeshwari National Temple is a Hindu temple located in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. This temple is also called the national temple of Bangladesh. The word Dhakeshwari means ‘Ishwari of Dhaka’ or ‘protector of Dhaka city’. This temple is one of the famous Shaktipeeths of the Indian subcontinent. Here lay the jewel in the crown of sati. It is one of the largest temples in Bangladesh. According to many, the name Dhaka is derived from the name of Goddess Dhakeswari.

It was founded in the twelfth century by King Ballal Sen of the Sen dynasty. Due to reconstruction and renovation during the long existence of the present temple complex, nothing of its original architectural features is clearly visible today. In 1948, the 800-year-old original idol of Goddess Dhakeshwari of this temple was secretly and hurriedly moved from Dhaka to Sri Sri Dhakeshwari Mata Mandir on Durgacharan Street in Kumartuli area of ​​Kolkata to save it from attack and looting during the post-partition riots.

Establishment and history

There is some disagreement among historians about the exact date of establishment of the Dhakeswari temple, but it is generally believed that the temple was founded by King Ballal Sen of the Sena dynasty in the 12th century. As the word “Dhakeshwari” is associated with the name of the temple, it is believed that this goddess was the protector of Dhaka. The word “Dhakeshwari” is derived from Bengali “Dhaka” and “Ishwari”, meaning Goddess of Dhaka.

Since its establishment, the temple has been considered as one of the main places of worship of the Hindu community in Dhaka. Later, various parts of the temple underwent renovations during the Mughal rule and the British rule. Various parts of the temple were rebuilt and renovated with donations from various rulers and wealthy individuals.

Architecture and structure

The architecture of Dhakeswari Temple is a reflection of a rich and traditional culture. The main sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses the idol of Maa Dhakeswari, which is made of black stone. There is a main entrance to the temple which faces east. There is a large courtyard in front of the main gate and several small temples within the courtyard. Different deities are installed in each temple.

The main attraction of the temple is its four pillared pavilion. The mandapa is topped by a shikhar or pinnacle, a feature of the traditional North Indian style of temple construction. The interior of the temple has fine craftsmanship and various types of sculptures on the floor and walls. The ceiling of the temple is carved with a variety of mythological stories, depicting various events from Hindu mythology.

Religious and social importance

Dhakeshwari Temple is not only a place of religious worship but also a center of cultural and social activities of the Hindu community in Dhaka. Pooja, Aarti and other religious rituals are regularly performed here. Especially during Durga Puja, Kali Puja and Saraswati Puja, the temple attracts huge number of devotees.

Hundreds of devotees visit the temple every day for darshan of the goddess. Goddess Dhakeswari is worshiped as the goddess of coolness and is believed to be able to fulfill the wishes of Hindus. Offerings, garlands and offerings are made in front of the main idol of the temple, which provides a spiritual experience for the devotees.

Historical and cultural value

Dhakeswari Temple is not just a religious institution; It is an important part of the history of Bangladesh. The temple has survived for centuries and has many historical events associated with it. At various times the rulers and kings-maharajas of Dhaka have contributed to the development of the temple. A myth of the naming of Dhaka is also associated with the temple, which makes it even more important.

The temple symbolizes the cultural heritage of Dhaka’s Hindu community. Various religious and cultural events are organized here which reflect the unity and solidarity of the Hindu community. Various events held in the temple premises such as plays, concerts, and religious discourses develop religious and cultural consciousness among the local people.

Presently Dhakeswari temple

Today, Dhakeshwari Temple is recognized as an important historical and cultural site not only for the Hindu community of Bangladesh, but for the entire country. The temple has been declared as a National Heritage Site. The Department of Antiquities of the Government of Bangladesh is in charge of the conservation and maintenance of the temple. The temple attracts a large number of visitors and tourists every year.

Various service institutions such as schools, health centers and social service centers located in the temple premises are especially helpful for the local population. The temple also participates in educational and social activities of the local Hindu community.

There are many stories about the history of Dhakeswari temple. It is believed to have been founded in the twelfth century by King Ballal Sen of the Sen dynasty. However, many historians believe that its architecture does not match the construction style of that time. Some claim that lime-sand mixture was not used in the architecture of Bengal before the arrival of Muslims in the Indian subcontinent and during the reign of the Sen dynasty. But the Dhakeswari temple is built in lime-sand masonry. Which is the architectural feature of the Muslim period of Bengal. Various changes have been made in the structure and setting of this temple at different times.

It is believed that this is the original and first temple of Dhaka. Hindus believe that the name Dhaka originates from the word Dhakeshwari. Dhakeshwari Devi is Dhaka’s presiding or patron goddess. According to legend, King Adisura exiled one of his queens to a forest in Buriganga. The queen gave birth to a son Ballal Sen in the forest. Ballal Sen grew up in the forest. Ballal Sen found a goddess in the forest as a child (alternatively, he found the idol in this forest after becoming king). Ballal Sen began to believe that this Goddess Durga saved him from all dangers in the forest. Later when Ballal Sen Raj came to power he established a temple at his birth place where he got the idol of the goddess. The name of the goddess is either ‘Dhaka + Ishwari’ or ‘Dhakeshwari’ as the idol is found covered in forest. The temple is also known as ‘Dhakeshwari Mandir’.

According to another legend, Rani, the wife of King Vijaya Sen went to Langalbanda to bathe. On her return she gave birth to a son, who came to be known as Ballal Sen. After ascending the throne, Ballal Sen built this temple to glorify his birthplace. Legend has it that Ballal Sen once dreamed of a forest-covered deity. Ballal Sen discovered the goddess there and built a temple, named Dhakeswari because the idol was covered.

Mansingh saw the dilapidated condition of the temple during his three terms as Subedar of Bengal from 1594-1606 and arranged for its renovation. During this time, he installed 4 Shivlingas in the temple premises and also constructed four Shiva temples. However, there is no concrete evidence that Mansingh was the one who renovated the temple. FB Bradley Burt wrote in his book Romance of an Eastern Capital in 1906 – “The present temple is 200 years old and was built by a Hindu agent of the East India Company.

The original 800-year-old idol of Goddess Dhakeshwari of this temple is in Sri Sri Dhakeshwari Mata Mandir on Durgacharan Street in Kumartuli area of ​​Kolkata. It was brought from Dhaka to Calcutta during the partition of the country. The original Dhaka idol was secretly and hastily brought to Calcutta in 1948 by Rajendrakishore Tiwari (alternately Prahladkishore Tiwari) and Harihar Chakraborty to protect the goddess from possible attacks and looting during the post-Partition riots. The original Dhakeshwari idol was brought to Kolkata in a special plane. For the first two years after the idol was brought to Calcutta, the goddess was worshiped at Devendranath Choudhury’s house on Harchandra Mallick Street. Later, around 1950, businessman Devendranath Chowdhury built and established a temple of the goddess in the Kumartuli area and donated some property for the daily service of the goddess. The height of the main goddess Vigraha is about one and a half feet, ten arms of the goddess, Katyayani Mahishasuramardini Durga. Lakshmi, Saraswati on the sides and Kartik and Ganesha below. In the form of a vehicle is the animal king lion standing on which the goddess killed Mahishasura. Mansingh established this idol in Dhaka and engaged a Tiwari family of Azamgarh as its service. In 1946, the descendants of that family came to Calcutta and re-engaged in service, they still serve the goddess daily.

The idol currently in Dhaka’s Dhakeshwari temple is a replica of the original. Durga Puja is celebrated here every year with great fanfare.

Conservation and challenge

Although Dhakeswari Temple has immense historical value, it faces some challenges in preservation and maintenance. Urbanization pressure, environmental pollution and ravages of time are affecting temple architecture. Besides, illegal encroachment and land shortage in the area around the temple is also a major problem.

Conservation requires adequate funding and professional conservationists. The Department of Antiquities and various charitable organizations are working to preserve the temple, but more effective initiatives and awareness are needed so that this heritage temple is preserved for future generations.

Dhakeshwari Temple is a precious heritage of Dhaka and Bangladesh. It is a major place of worship in Hinduism and is also a part of Dhaka’s history and culture. The temple is open not only to devout Hindus, but to people of all religions and ages. Due to its architecture, history and religious values, Dhakeshwari Temple is recognized as one of the most significant and revered places in Dhaka.

Preservation and proper maintenance of this temple is imperative, so that its heritage and history remain intact. The temple is an important chapter of our history and it is our responsibility to preserve it for future generations.