Morning puja
Visit in the morning to see daily worship and the flag-raising.
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Dhakeshwari Temple (Dhakeshwari National Temple)
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One of 25 Things to Do in Dhaka
In short
The National Temple of Bangladesh, in Old Dhaka's Bakshi Bazar, honours the goddess Dhakeshwari, a form of Durga, and is traditionally linked to the Sena king Ballal Sen. It is an active place of worship with no entry fee. Hours are not published, so come between morning and early evening, dress modestly, and allow 30 to 60 minutes.
Dhakeshwari Temple, officially Dhakeshwari Jatiya Mandir, is the National Temple of Bangladesh and the country's largest Hindu temple, on Dhakeshwari Road near Bakshi Bazar in Old Dhaka. Entry is free and visitors of all faiths are welcome, so it suits anyone exploring Old Dhaka, and especially those in the city during Durga Puja.
A temple tied to the name of Dhaka
The name means "goddess of Dhaka", and a popular belief holds that the city takes its name from the deity, a form of Durga. Tradition credits the founding to Ballal Sen around 1100, but the present buildings cannot be dated to that period, since the complex has been repaired and rebuilt many times.
During the partition of India in 1947, the original ten-armed image of the goddess was taken to Kolkata, where it is kept at Kumartuli; the image worshipped in Dhaka is a replica. During the 1971 Liberation War the Pakistan army occupied the temple, used the main hall as an ammunition store and destroyed more than half of the buildings. Many were later rebuilt, and in 1996 the government gave it the status of national temple.
Main shrine, four Shiva temples and the pond
A gate in the boundary wall opens onto courtyards that are mostly level. The main shrine holds the image of the goddess, and four smaller temples dedicated to Shiva stand within the grounds, along with a large pond. The national flag of Bangladesh is raised outside the main premises every morning, which is one reason to come early. Shops selling offerings line the street outside.
Durga Puja and Janmashtami processions
Dhakeshwari hosts Dhaka's largest Durga Puja each autumn, usually in September or October. On Bijoya Dashami, the last day, immersion processions set out from here. The Janmashtami procession for the birth of Krishna, in August or September, also starts at the temple and winds through the streets of Old Dhaka. Both bring very large crowds and tight security; the festivities are memorable, but a quiet look at the shrines is easier on an ordinary day.
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Key information
🛕Type: Dhakeshwari Jatiya Mandir: National Temple of Bangladesh (since 1996)
📍Location: Dhakeshwari Road, near Bakshi Bazar, Old Dhaka
⛏️Founded: Traditionally credited to Ballal Sen (12th century); rebuilt many times
🙏Deity: Dhakeshwari, a form of Durga ("goddess of Dhaka")
🏛Significance: Largest Hindu temple and main centre of Hindu worship in Bangladesh
🕕Time Zone: Bangladesh Standard Time (UTC+6)
Explore the area
Lalbagh Fort 1.5 km
Dhaka University / Curzon Hall 2 km
Bakshi Bazar 300 m
Ahsan Manzil 3 km
Shahid Minar 1.5 km
✦
Plan your visit to Dhakeshwari Temple (Dhakeshwari National Temple)
Dates, opening hours and how to get there are below. Booking ahead secures your preferred day.
Highlights Include:
Temple complex
- Main shrine of the goddess
- Four smaller Shiva temples
- National flag raised each morning
Festivals
- Dhaka's largest Durga Puja
- Janmashtami procession through Old Dhaka
- Bijoya Dashami procession
History
- Original image taken to Kolkata in 1947
- Rebuilt after damage in 1971
What They Offer
Worship
Daily puja; visitors welcome respectfully
Entry
No entry fee published
Festivals
Major Durga Puja and Janmashtami celebrations
Visit duration
30–60 minutes
Timed entry required No
Durga Puja
In autumn the temple hosts Dhaka's biggest Durga Puja: crowded but unforgettable.
Old Dhaka loop
Combine with Lalbagh Fort and the university area nearby.
Accessibility
Courtyards are mostly level; shrines have steps and shoes must be removed.
Age limits
None.
What to pack
Socks (shoes are removed), small change for donations
What to wear
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
Not allowed
Shoes inside shrines, leather items in the sanctum, disrespectful behaviour, photography where signs prohibit it
Amenities
Shoe area; shops selling offerings outside; restaurants in nearby Bakshi Bazar and Lalbagh.
Tips for visiting Dhakeshwari Temple
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.
- Remove shoes before entering shrine areas.
- Ask before photographing worshippers or ceremonies.
- Visit Lalbagh Fort nearby on the same trip.
- Expect large crowds during Durga Puja and Janmashtami.
Driving
In Old Dhaka near Bakshi Bazar; traffic is heavy and parking scarce: use a rickshaw for the last stretch.
Public transportation
Ride-hail or rickshaw from Dhaka University, Azimpur or Lalbagh.
Address
Dhakeshwari Temple stands on Dhakeshwari Road near Bakshi Bazar in Old Dhaka, south-west of Dhaka University. Bakshi Bazar's restaurants are about 300 m away, Lalbagh Fort and the Shaheed Minar about 1.5 km, Curzon Hall 2 km and Ahsan Manzil 3 km.
Opening Hours
- MondayDaily, morning to evening
- TuesdayDaily, morning to evening
- WednesdayDaily, morning to evening
- ThursdayDaily, morning to evening
- FridayDaily, morning to evening
- SaturdayDaily, morning to evening
- SundayDaily, morning to evening
Last entry: Hours are not published; gates close in the evening
Open daily.
Opening times are not officially published; visit between morning and early evening.
Special events
Durga Puja (September–October) is Dhaka's largest; the Janmashtami procession starts here (August–September).
Best times to visit
Morning for daily rituals and calm.
Best days to visit
Weekdays outside festivals for a quiet visit.
Best months to visit
Durga Puja season for festivities; November – February for weather.
Admission tickets
Entry is free.
Dhakeshwari Temple: Free Entry
An active temple with no entry fee published.
- Entry to the temple complex
Admission
Free entry: no ticket or booking is needed.
Opening hours
Today · Daily, morning to evening · Last entry Hours are not published; gates close in the evening
Visitor policy
Cancellation and prepayment
No booking needed.
Children and admission
Children welcome with adults.
Groups
Large groups should visit outside puja times.
Pets
No pets in the temple.
Photography
Ask before photographing worshippers and inside shrines.
Bags
No restrictions.
Smoking
Not permitted in the temple.
Accepted payment
No fee; cash for donations or offerings.
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Travelers are asking
No entry fee is published; donations are welcome.
Mornings for daily worship; Durga Puja for the biggest celebration in Dhaka.
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Stay in Dhaka
Where to stay near Dhakeshwari Temple (Dhakeshwari National Temple)
Hotels closest to Dhakeshwari Temple (Dhakeshwari National Temple), nearest first, so you spend less time on the road and more time there.
Dhaka
Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka5-star hotel
5.0Excellent1 reviewFree cancellation
3.2 km from Dhakeshwari Temple
from$65.00/ night
- Free WiFi
- Airport shuttle
- Swimming pool
8 Rooms available
Book Now
Dhaka
Hotel Nandini3-star hotel
No reviews yet3.6 km from Dhakeshwari Temple
from$47.00/ night
- Free WiFi
- Fitness center
- Air conditioning
5 Rooms available
Book Now
Dhaka
Amari Dhaka5-star hotel
No reviews yet8.3 km from Dhakeshwari Temple
from$98.00/ night
- Free WiFi
- Airport shuttle
- Swimming pool
6 Rooms available
Book Now
Dhaka
Six Seasons Hotel5-star hotel
No reviews yet8.7 km from Dhakeshwari Temple
from$81.00/ night
- Free WiFi
- Airport shuttle
- Swimming pool
5 Rooms available
Book Now
Dhaka
Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden5-star hotel
4.9Excellent2 reviewsFree cancellation
11 km from Dhakeshwari Temple
from$67.00/ night
- Free WiFi
- Airport shuttle
- Swimming pool
7 Rooms available
Book Now
Dhaka
Le Méridien Dhaka5-star hotel
5.0Excellent1 review12 km from Dhakeshwari Temple
from$240.00/ night
- Free WiFi
- Airport shuttle
- Swimming pool
6 Rooms available
Book Now
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answers based on published references.
General
It is the National Temple of Bangladesh, renamed Dhakeshwari Jatiya Mandir in 1996. It is the largest Hindu temple in the country and its most important place of Hindu worship, closely tied to the identity of Dhaka.
Tradition says Ballal Sen founded it in the 12th century. Many renovations, and heavy damage in 1971, mean the present buildings are much later, but the site has a long history as a place of worship.
Visitors of all backgrounds generally come to see the temple complex. Behave respectfully, ask permission before photographing people or rituals and follow any instructions from temple staff.
Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. You will remove your shoes before the shrine areas, so socks are useful.
Ask before photographing worshippers or the inside of shrines, and follow any signs that prohibit photography.
The original ten-armed image was taken to Kolkata during the 1947 partition and is kept at Kumartuli. The image in Dhaka is a replica.
Lalbagh Fort and the Shaheed Minar are about 1.5 km away, Dhaka University and Curzon Hall about 2 km and Ahsan Manzil about 3 km.
The closest of the hotels listed on bookingMentor within 5 km of Dhakeshwari Temple (Dhakeshwari National Temple) is Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka, 3.2 km away.
bookingMentor lists 6 places to stay in Dhaka in all.
Prices & payment
No entry fee is published for the temple. Donations are welcomed. Visitors should dress modestly, remove shoes where required and respect worshippers, especially during prayers and festivals.
Timing & weather
Durga Puja, usually in September or October, brings the largest celebrations, though crowds are heavy. For a quieter visit, go on an ordinary morning and avoid major festival days.
No official hours are published. The temple is open daily from morning to early evening, and gates close in the evening.
Janmashtami falls in August or September. The procession for the birth of Krishna starts at the temple and passes through Old Dhaka.
Most visitors spend 30–60 minutes at Dhakeshwari Temple (Dhakeshwari National Temple).
Getting there
You can reach Dhakeshwari Temple (Dhakeshwari National Temple) by public transport or by car. Both routes are described under How to get there on this page.
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) is the airport for Dhakeshwari Temple (Dhakeshwari National Temple), about 14 km away in a straight line.