Dhakeshwari Temple

Dhakeshwari is the national temple of Bangladesh and its origin is placed by tradition in the twelfth century, with the present buildings largely of later date and much rebuilt, standing in a walled compound with a main shrine, a group of four small Shiva temples in a row, and a tank. The name means goddess of Dhaka, and one of the explanations offered for the city's name derives it from the temple rather than the other way round. It is the main centre of Hindu worship in the country and is busiest at Durga Puja in autumn, when the compound fills. The original image was moved to India in 1946 and a replacement is worshipped here, which remains a live matter between the two.

History

By tradition the temple was built in the 12th century by Ballal Sen, a king of the Sena dynasty, and the city of Dhaka is said to be named after its goddess, though repeated repairs and rebuilding mean that the present buildings cannot be dated to that time. It counts as one of the Shakta pithas, where a jewel from the crown of the goddess Sati fell, and the original image, some 900 years old, was taken to Kumartuli in Kolkata at the partition of India, where a temple was built for it by 1950; a replica is worshipped in Dhaka (Wikipedia, Dhakeshwari Temple).

What to look for

• The main shrine - the centre of Hindu worship in the country.
• Four Shiva temples in a row - the smaller structures in the compound.
• The temple tank - the water in the walled enclosure.
• Durga Puja in autumn - the festival that fills the compound.

When to go

November to March; Durga Puja falls in September or October and is the busiest time by far. One hour. Modest dress and shoes off in the shrine. Mornings are quieter.

Before you go

The buildings have been rebuilt repeatedly and little is old. Security at the gate is tight and bags are checked. Photography inside the shrine is restricted. It is a place of active worship rather than a monument.

Nearby

Lalbagh Fort is a short distance; the old city lies north-east.

Key facts