Dhākeśvarī, Dhaka

The Goddess of Dhaka · Dhaka, Bangladesh

The Dhākeśvarī temple is the principal Hindu temple of Bangladesh and is often called its national temple. The Goddess is worshipped as a form of Durgā, and the temple complex also includes Śiva shrines. Many believe the name of the city, Dhaka, is connected with her.

Durgā Pūjā here is the largest Hindu celebration in the country and is attended by thousands, including civic leaders. Janmāṣṭamī processions also begin from the temple. The cooler months, November to February, are best for visiting.

Tradition says the temple was founded by the Sena king Ballāla Sena, who found an image of the Goddess hidden (ḍhākā, “covered”) in the jungle and built a shrine for her — the “hidden Goddess”, Dhākeśvarī. Historians discuss the details, but the story is dear to local devotees.

Bangladesh · Durgā · Durgā Pūjā · Janmāṣṭamī

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