- By Kashish Rai
- Thu, 28 Nov 2024 12:04 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Bangladesh Hindu Temples: Bangladesh is home to a significant number of Hindus, making Hinduism the country's second-largest religion. In fact, Bangladesh has the third-largest Hindu population in the world, after India and Nepal. As a result, the country is dotted with numerous famous Hindu temples. These temples are not only important places of worship but also showcase the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh's Hindu community. Many of these temples attract devotees and tourists from all over the world, highlighting the country's diverse religious landscape. The temples are a testament to the enduring legacy of Hinduism in Bangladesh.
We have curated a list of the top 7 ancient Hindu Temples in Hinduism that stands as a testament to the grandeur of Hinduism below:
Top 7 Ancient Hindu Temples In Bangladesh
1. Sri Chaitanya Mandir: Sylhet, a picturesque region in Bangladesh, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Mahaprabhu Sri Chaitanya temple, dedicated to the revered saint Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, born in Sylhet in 1486. The temple complex boasts stunning modern architecture, amidst lush green hills. It features several temples, including those dedicated to Sri Chaitanya's family members, making it a sacred and awe-inspiring destination.
2. Kaal Bhairab Temple: The Kal Bhairav Temple in Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh, is a historic and revered Hindu site. The temple features a 28-foot-tall statue of Kal Bhairab, a deity believed to originate from Lord Shiva. Built in 1905, the imposing statue is accompanied by smaller idols of Kali and Parvati. This ancient temple, situated on the Titas River, is a significant pilgrimage centre.
3. Ramna Kali Mandir: Situated in Dhaka's Suhrawardy Udyan, the Ramna Kali Temple is a revered site in the Indian subcontinent. Believed to be over 1,000 years old, the temple was rebuilt during the British era. Founded by the Shankaracharya community, the temple's main structure was constructed by Hari Charan Giri, showcasing traditional Bengali Hindu architecture. This historic temple remains a significant cultural and spiritual landmark in Bangladesh.
4. Adinath Temple: Located atop Mainak Hill in Cox's Bazar, The Adinath Temple is a revered Hindu site. Dedicated to Mahadev, the temple's origins date back to a farmer's discovery of a statue in the forest. The temple, now known as Adinath Temple, features 69 stairs leading to its entrance. Inside, the temple is divided into three rooms, housing statues of Adinath Shiva, Durga, and other deities, showcasing its rich cultural heritage.
Hindu temples in Bangladesh showcase rich heritage, vibrant culture, and spirituality, attracting devotees and tourists worldwide. (Image Source: Freepik)
5. Kantajew Temple: Additionally known as the Kantaji or Navratna Temple, Kantajew temple is a stunning example of traditional Bangladeshi architecture. Located in Dinajpur, the temple was built in the 18th century by Maharaja Prannath Roy and completed by his adopted son Maharaja Ramnath Roy in 1752. The temple's original height of 70 feet was reduced to 50 feet after an earthquake in 1897. Its walls feature intricate terracotta tiles depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The three-storey temple boasts 21 doors on the ground floor, 25 on the second, and three arched doorways on the third, making it a breathtaking sight to behold.
6. Dhakeshwari Temple: The Dhakeshwari Temple, located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a revered national temple of the Hindu faith. Its name, 'Dhakeswari', translates to 'Goddess of Dhaka', with some believing the city was named after the temple. Built in the 12th century by King Ballal Sen, the temple's original architecture has undergone significant changes over the centuries. Damaged during the War of Liberation, the temple was rebuilt after Bangladesh gained independence. Today, the temple complex features a permanent altar dedicated to Durga Devi, as well as several Shiva temples, gardens, and ponds, making it a sacred and serene destination.
7. Puthia Temple Complex: Puthia, a popular tourist destination in Rajshahi, boasts an impressive collection of temples and landmarks. Raja Pitambor founded the Puthia dynasty in the 16th century and established the town as his capital. He built a stunning reservoir surrounded by beautiful buildings. Rani Bhubanwamy later constructed the magnificent Bhubaneshwar Shivmandir, also known as Pancharatna Shivmandir, between 1823 and 1830. This temple showcases exceptional architectural style and is a standout among Bangladesh's temple complexes. Visitors can also explore other attractions, including the Chauchala Govinda Mandir and Puthia Rajbari, making Puthia an ideal destination for tourists seeking a unique cultural experience.