Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is presently in Dhaka on a two-day visit, on Sunday, visited the Dhakeshwari National Temple and the Ramakrishna Mission Math. Soon after his arrival at both of these places of worship, vermillion was applied to the Prime
Minister and he offered his prayers.
He was also taken around both complexes and given a brief about the historicity of both institutions.
Situated in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the state-owned Dhakeshwari National Temple is a great tourist attraction.
The name Dhakeshwari alludes to the temple's dedication to the Goddess of Dhaka The temple is located right behind the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology campus.
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It is widely regarded as the most important Hindu place of worship in the country. This 11th century temple is also the oldest Hindu temple in the city and it is situated at the point where the most ancient ramparts of the city meet with the new and vibrant city of Dhaka.
No one really knows much about the origin of this temple, but a popular legend says it was built by Ballal Sen in the 12th century.
However researchers have found that the architectural style is not consistent with that period in history. It is also nearly impossible to get a clear idea of exactly how the original temple may have looked since it has been repaired, renovated and rebuilt extensively in the many years that it has been in existence.
The Ramakishna Math or Ramakrishna Mission is a historically significant architectural monument located on the banks of the River Buriganga in the Mitfort area of old city of Dhaka.
It was founded by Swami Vivekananda on February 13, 1916 and the Ramakrishna Math was founded by Swami Brakkhanananda and Swami Premananda.
The temple-cum-mission was reconstructed between 2000 and 2005 and was re-consecrated by Srimat Swami Gahananandaji Maharaj, the then Senior Vice-President of the Ramakrishna Order.
The temple has a capacity of sitting for about 600 persons. It has five entrances. The shrine room with hexagonal view has been made in such a way that devotees can see the shrine from every side of the temple except from the rear.
The main dome is surrounded by six small domes with the symbols of six religions in their pinnacles, presenting the universality of Ramakrishna Order on the basis of Sri Ramakrishna's realization "as many faiths so many paths.
