The Oldest Temple in Dhaka is Dhakeswari

How to visit the Dhakeswari Temple in Dhaka?

The name Dhakeswari comes from Ishwari of Dhaka or the protector goddess of Dhaka city. According to many, the name of Dhaka city is from this Dhakeswari name. The architectural style, structure and ingenuity of the Dhakeswari temple have made the overall look of the temple beautiful. You can come back from Dhakeswari temple on the coming puja holiday.

Where is the Dhakeswari Temple?

The Dhakeswari temple is located at the southwest end of Salimullah Hall of Dhaka University and on Dhakeswari Road, south of the Bangladesh University of Engineering dormitory area near Palashi Barracks. The main temple is located on the east side of the temple premises. This mandapa has a permanent altar for Durga Puja. There is a metal-made idol of Goddess Durga here. The Mahanagar Puja Mandap is located outside the main temple premises. Durga Puja is performed here every year. There are four Shiva temples in the northwest corner of the temple premises.

What Can You See at the Dhakeswari Temple?

Upon entering the Dhakeswari temple, you will be greeted by a royal gate. The gate, as high and wide as the royal palace, would seem to greet you with outstretched arms. After entering, you will find the main temple of Dhakeswari on the right-hand side. The main gates of this temple are two. However, most people usually enter the temple through the middle gate. Once you enter through the gate, you will set foot in the theatre. You can see the idol of Goddess Durga directly in the temple. If you see the idol and the face of the goddess adorned with various ornaments, you will be freed from all the mental stress and you will get the confidence to be saved from all the dangers. The pond of Dhakeswari has added another dimension to the beauty of Dhakeswari. This clean pond is enjoyed by visitors or fans. Tied around the pond. There are some small and big fish in the pond.

When was built the Dhakeswari temple?  

The three-domed roof and arched entrance of the Dhakeswari temple again resemble Mughal architecture. Some people claim that this temple was built during the Mughal period. In the late nineteenth century, the temple was covered with bushes, not even a priest.

Dhakeswari temple is a little different from the general architectural style. The main temple is built in the Bengali dochala style. But the difference is that it consists of three temples together. In between is the Mother Temple, on either side, are Lord Vishnu and Mahadev. Adjacent to the main temple is a Santoshi Mata temple. In front is a huge gallery of mandapa and Shakta ritual sacrifices. This is the main part which was built by Maharaja Ballal Sen. Construction period, 1160 to 1179 AD.

History of Dhakeswari Temple

According to legend, once the queen of King Vijay Sen went to bathe in Langalbandha. On his way back, he had a son, known in history as Ballal Sen. Ballal Sen once dreamed after ascending the throne, the goddess is lying covered in this place. Ballal Sen rescued the goddess and set up this temple. According to another legend, when Sati Pati, the daughter of a skilled king, left her body as she could not bear the condemnation, Mahadev started carrying the body of Sati on his shoulders and started a violent dance. Then Narayan started dismembering Sati's body with the help of Sudarshan Chakra, thus Sati's body turned into 51 pieces and fell in different parts of the world. Each of these places is called a Sati Peetha.

How to go to the Dhakeswari Temple?

You can take a rickshaw, bus or CNG to Dhakeswari Mandir. You can go directly to Dhakeswari by alternative or safe transport from Mirpur. Apart from that, you can also go to Dhakeswari temple from Motijheel. Rent 25 to 50 rupees. Apart from this, those who will stay in Shahbag and Gulistan can go by rickshaw. It is better to bargain for rent.