Tales of the Dhakeshwari temple: Mysteries, legends, and a city

Illustration: Maisha Syeda; Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

The most prominent temple of Dhaka houses what many say is the patron deity of this city — Dhakeshwari. This name is forever attached to our city and they go hand in hand. 

Some believe that Dhaka is named after this temple or its goddess, but strong claims have also been made that the vice versa is likely to be true. The combination of "Dhaka" and "ishwari" is attributed not just to the notion that Dhakeshwari is the goddess of Dhaka, but also that it can mean "the concealed goddess". 

The "concealed goddess" etymology is backed up by a legend. The founder of this temple discovered a statue buried underground. He unearthed it, established a temple, and installed the statue there and hence the name, Dhakeshwari Temple — the temple of the goddess who was hidden, concealed, covered ("dhaka" in Bengali). 

The legend of unearthing the idol is traditionally ascribed to Ballal Sen, but it is doubtful whether this story talks of the renowned 12th-century king, Ballal Sen. Although soaked in antiquity, whether this temple is really that old, has been questioned by researchers. 

There are many things we do not know about this temple. This does not frustrate a Dhaka-buff, it rather adds to the charm of a landmark of the city! 

Source: Notes on the Antiquities of Dacca by Sayid Aulad Hasan; Banglapedia