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Dhakeshwari Temple, also known as the National Temple of Bangladesh is an important worshipping site for Hindu devotees. Built in the 12th century, the shrine is dedicated to Devi Dakeshwari (Devi Durga). It is believed that Sati’s crown fell on the spot where the temple was constructed. However, the gem was lost ages ago and the main idol has been shifted to Kumortuli, Kolkata. As one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, the temple attracts thousands of devotees each year. If you plan on visiting Bangladesh, particularly Dhaka, make sure to include this shrine in your itinerary.
Quick Details
Dhakeshwari Temple Address: Bakshi Bazar, Dhakeshwari Road, Dhaka
Presiding Deity: Devi Dakheswari (Devi Durga)
Dhakeshwari Temple Timings: Morning – 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM; Evening – 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
How To Reach: Dhakeshwari Temple is located in Old Dhaka, so you can easily access the shrine by taxi or auto rickshaw.
Nearest Airport: Dhaka Airport (18 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Kamalapur Railway Station (11.9 km)
Best Time To Visit: November to March
About
Photo: Alok Majumdar / Wikimedia Commons
Dhakeshwari Temple Dhaka is a state-owned religious site that was built by Ballal Sen, a prominent ruler of the Sena Dynasty. Ever since the temple opened its doors, it has been a popular worshipping site for Hindus. The presiding deity of the temple is Devi Dakeshwari, another name for Devi Durga. According to the story, the temple was built on the spot where Ma Sati’s crown fell, making it one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. However, the Durga idol in the shrine is a replica of the original idol, which is almost 800 years old.
Things To Do
1. Enjoy The Durga Puja Festival
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
If you happen to plan your trip to the temple during Durga Puja, you are in for a unique experience. During this ten-day celebration, the temple comes to life with pujas, rituals, and decorations. Devotees from both Bangladesh and outside the country come here to witness the auspicious occasion. The celebration starts on Mahalaya and ends on Vijayadashami, the tenth day. From the elaborate aarti to the dhunuchi dance, everything about Durga Puja in temple creates a lasting impact.
2. Take A Guided Temple Tour
Photo: Alok Majumdar / Wikimedia Commons
Besides the elegant architectural work, there are plenty of other things to see and learn about the shrine. If you want to understand the religious significance of this place, you should take a guided tour. Exploring the temple by yourself can be exciting, but with a guide, you can learn a lot about the history. While you are at the shrine, you can observe the statues, and designs on the walls. An experienced guide will explain everything, including the rebuilding of the temple.
3. Meditation And Prayer
Photo: Nahid.rajbd / Wikimedia Commons
People come here not just to worship the deity, but also to meditate and find peace. The moment you enter the temple premises, you will be greeted by a calm and serene environment. Despite being a popular religious site, the temple offers a peaceful ambience which is perfect for meditation and prayer. Some people find this place to be a great way to take a break from their chaotic lives. It helps them to disconnect from the outside world and get closer to the divine.
Places To Visit Around The Temple
1. Lalbagh Fort
Photo: Shmunmun / Wikimedia Commons
Located at walking distance from the temple is Lalbagh Fort. This 17th-century Mughal fortress happens to be one of the most famous places in Dhaka. Initially, the fort was used as the residence of a Mughal governor, but now it has turned into a tourist attraction. Since the fort is located close to the temple, you can easily get there by walking. Once you are there, you can check out Pari Bibi’s grand mausoleum, which boasts intricate architectural designs. The landscaped gardens outside the fort make the place even more beautiful.
Distance From The Temple: 600 meters
Timings: 10 AM – 1 PM and 1:30 PM – 5 PM
2. Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace)
Photo: Ehsanul Siddiq Aranya / Wikimedia Commons
By taking a short drive from the temple, you can reach Ahsan Manzil and witness its beauty with your own eyes. This historical mansion was built several centuries ago and was inhabited by the Nawab family. At present, the mansion is turned into a museum, where you can see various items from the British colonial period in Dhaka. The highlight of the mansion is the striking pink colour, which makes it stand out from its surroundings.
Distance From The Temple: 3.3 km
Timings: 10:30 AM – 4 PM
3. Curzon Hall
Photo: অভিজিৎ দাস / Wikimedia Commons
Even though Curzon Hall is located a bit far away from the temple, you can easily reach there by taxi or public transport. As a part of the University of Dhaka campus, Curzon Hall is famous for its beautiful architectural work. The unique blend of Mughal and European architectural styles adds a stunning charm to the building. At first, Curzon Hall was planned to be a town hall, but later it was converted into an academic building. Visitors come here to see the brilliant architectural work and immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere.
Distance From The Temple: 11.7 km
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Vojtech Bruzek / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are many accommodations near the temple. From hotels to guesthouses, you have a variety of options to choose from based on your budget and preference. For a luxurious stay, you can book your stay in hotels like Pan Pacific Sonargaon or InterContinental Dhaka. However, if you want budget-friendly options, then smaller hotels like Hotel Grand Circle Inn could be a good choice.
Where To Eat
Photo: Rajdeep Das / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
When you are in Bangladesh, you cannot miss their authentic cuisine. Luckily, there are plenty of dining places near the temple, where you can try delicious dishes. One of the prominent places is Al-Razzaque Restaurant, which is famous for serving biryani, kebabs, and other local dishes. For a mix of Bengali and Mughlai flavours, you should head to Kasturi Restaurant.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Rana Sawalha / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- Before visiting the temple, make sure to check the timings.
- Remember to follow the temple’s rules and dress code.
- To make the most of your darshan, you should visit the shrine during Durga Puja.
- To avoid the crowd, it is best to visit the temple in the morning.
Visiting Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka promises a unique experience. If you are eager to witness the divine energy of Devi Dakeshwari and seek her blessings, visiting this temple is a must. To make sure you do not miss any important spot in Bangladesh, plan a trip with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Krishna Deb Nath / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
