Dhakeshwari Temple Bangladesh

Bangladesh Dhakeshwari Temple

Dhakeshwari Temple is located in old Dhaka, about 1km north of Lalbagh Fort, up a short alley off Dhakeshwari road. It is the city's main Hindu Temple. Popular legend connects the name of one king, Ballalsena, as it's builder, but it is not certain that he is identical with the 12th century Sena king of that name . The style of architecture of the temple cannot be assigned to that period. Further more, sand and lime, the mortar used in the building, came to be used in Bengal after Muslim Conquest.

On the other hand, the architectural and structural features of the temple indicate it's builder to be someone who had very little in fluency on the culture of Bengal.

Thus it appears that the origin of the Dhakeshwari Temple is shrouded in mystery . In the beginning of the 20th century Bradley Birt wrote that the  temple is more then 200 years old and a Hindu agent of the east India company built it. since importance. The original 800- years old Statue was destroyed during the 1971 war of Independence by the invading Pakistani army. The temple complex has undergone repairs, renovation and rebuilding in it's long years of existence and it's present condition does not clearly show any of it's  original architectural characteristics. 

  

There are four small temples of same size and Shape on the northeaster comer of the tank, which stand one after another from east to west. Each of them is built on a steps, and has a Shiva lings inside. To the north of the north-Mandie  stands the main temple facing south. It's a three-roomed Structure with a veranda in front having beautiful wooden doors with curving of different motifs, both sculptural and floral. The temple is open everyday, and people from all religion can enter inside.

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