Dhakeshwari Temple in Bangladesh is a major center of Hindu faith; Click here for details

New Delhi: The Sharadiya Navratri festival (Navratri 2025) is being celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. Devotees are flocking to the goddess's temples. Did you know that not only in India, but also in Bangladesh, there is a temple whose story is directly linked to Goddess Sati? This is not just a place of worship, but a wonderful confluence of history, faith, and culture (Navratri Temples 2025). We are talking about the Dhakeshwari Temple, a major center of faith for millions of Hindus worldwide. Let's learn some interesting facts about it. Mythological Belief and Significance According to legend, when Sati Mata's body fell into pieces while Lord Shiva was wandering the earth, the jewel from her crown fell at this very spot. This is why the Dhakeshwari Temple is considered a Shakti Peethas (Shakti Peethas). The goddess enshrined here is considered a manifestation of Shakti, and devotees call her Maa Dhakeshwari. History of Dhakeshwari Temple Historians believe that this temple was built in the 12th century by King Ballal Sen. Over time, the temple has seen many ups and downs. Sometimes damaged by invasions, sometimes revitalized and made even more magnificent. Even today, its walls and courtyard tell the stories of that bygone era. A Glimpse of Architecture The Dhakeshwari Temple's architecture clearly reflects medieval Bengal. The main sanctum houses the idol of the goddess, while smaller temples surround it. Significantly, the northern portion houses four identical temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, each containing Shivalingas. The temple's architectural style is unique not only from a religious perspective but also as a cultural heritage. Liberation War and Reconstruction The temple suffered extensive damage in Pakistani attacks during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Despite this, faith remained unshaken. The temple was later renovated and redecorated. The ancient idol was taken to West Bengal for security reasons at the time of Partition, and now a replica of it is installed here. This idol depicts the goddess in the form of Mahishasuramardini, accompanied by idols of Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartik. A Symbol of Cultural Identity In 1996, this temple was granted the status of 'Dhakeshwari National Temple'. This temple is not only a place of worship but has also become a symbol of Bangladesh's cultural identity. Special rituals are performed here during Navratri and other festivals, which are attended by thousands of devotees. Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka is not only a religious site but also a confluence of history, culture, and faith. From the 12th century to the present day, this temple has remained a center of faith for the Hindu community and is deeply intertwined with the identity of the city of Dhaka.