Dhakeshwari Temple is situated in Old Dhaka, about 1km north of Lalbag Fort,
up a short alley off Dhakeshwari road. It is the city’s main Hindu temple.
Popular legend connects the name of one king, Ballalsena, as its builder, but
it is not definite that he is identical with the 12th century Sena king of that
name. The style of construction of the temple cannot be assigned to that
period. Furthermore, sand and lime, the mortar old in the building, came to be
used in Bengal after Muslim occupation.
On the other hand, the architectural and structural features of the temple
indicate its designer to be someone who had very little influence on the
culture of Bengal. Many of the features, suggest connection to Arakanese
religion and religious practices. The existence of twin deities suggests the
affinity with Tantric Buddhism of the Maghs. it is assumed that the deity
belonged to the Maghs and the architectural features indicate its similarity to
Arakanese structures. From all these it has been recommended that the builder
of this temple was one Mangat Ray, who was also known as Ballalasena, younger
brother of Arakanese king Shrisudharma, son of well-known Arakanese king Raja
Malhana alias Husen Shah. Mangat was obliged to take shelter in Dhaka having
been ambitious away from Arakan.
It really beautiful and enjoyable place.
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