Dhakeshwari National Temple, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhakeshwari National Temple is a Hindu temple in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is state-owned, giving it the distinction of being Bangladesh's 'National Temple'. The name "Dhakeshwari'' means "Goddess of Dhaka ``. It is also the largest Hindu temple in Bangladesh. This temple is part of the famous Shakti Peethas in the Indian Subcontinent. Here the gem of Sati's crown had fallen.
In 1996, Dhakeshwari Temple was renamed Dhakeshwari Jatiya Mandir (National Temple) reflecting its position as the centre of Hindu culture and worship in Bangladesh
Within the premises of the Dhakeswari there are temples of two types of architecture. The ancient one is of the Pancharatna Goddess Durga's which lost its actual look after the renovation work. Bradley Bird wrote this at the beginning of this century.
The temple was pancharatna, at its front Natya Mandir and around it there is a row of rooms and a big pond and nahobottola gate through which elephants used to pass. To the east there are tombs of some saints who used to pray or meditate at the temple. Outside the temple there are 5–6 pagodas with a shib linga. The priest of Dhakeshwari temple used to pray every day. The deity is dosh puja. It is believed that the representation of the deity is made of gold. At the left and right side of the deity there are some other murti. Like many ancient temples its inside is dark. To see the deity light is to be arranged. The temple is owned by many because it is bought by the new caretaker from the old caretakers. Jotindramohan bought it in 1901. Dhakeshawri is crowded but it is an abode of peace. The low sound of the tongue mixes with the evening light and tune of the temple bell and makes the peaceful environment a happy event.
