Threats loom over temples amid ongoing violence, these are the country’s top Hindu religious sites – India TV

Violence in Bangladesh: The increasing threats against Hindu temples in Bangladesh have raised serious concerns among the Hindu community and human rights organisations. Amid ongoing protests in the country, several Hindu temples, homes and businesses were vandalised, several women were assaulted and at least two Hindu leaders affiliated with the Awami League party were killed in violence following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, located in the Dhanmondi area of ​​Dhaka, was also reportedly damaged by the unruly mob. The Centre has a library with over 21,000 books on Indian art, culture, politics, economics and fiction.

According to council leaders, the districts where religious minorities and their homes or businesses were attacked are northeast Panchagarh, Dinajpur, Rangpur, Bogura and Sirajganj; North Sherpur and Kishoreganj; western Jashore, Magura and Narail, southwestern Khulna, Patuakhali and Satkhira; central Narsingdi, Mymensingh and Tangail; northwest Lakkhipur, Feni and Chattogram, and northeast Habiganj.

Hindu temples in Bangladesh are not just places of worship, but also key cultural and historical landmarks, deeply rooted in the country’s heritage. However, ongoing violence in protests has put many of these temples at risk.

Major Hindu religious sites in Bangladesh

Dhakeshwari Temple, Dhaka

Dhakeshwari Temple is one of the oldest and most important Hindu temples in Bangladesh. It is often considered the national temple of the country. Founded in the 12th century by King Ballal Sen, this temple has enormous religious and cultural significance for the Hindus of Bangladesh. Despite its historical value, Dhakeshwari Temple has not been immune to acts of vandalism and threats.

Kantaji Temple, Dinajpur

Famous for its terracotta architecture, the Kantaji Temple, also known as the Kantanagar Temple, is a masterpiece of late medieval Hindu architecture. This 18th-century temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. The intricate artwork and religious significance of this temple make it a treasured heritage site, now vulnerable to attack.

Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple, Shyamnagar

Located in Satkhira district, Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in Hindu mythology. It is believed to be a sacred place where the palm of Goddess Sati fell. The temple is not only a place of devotion but also a symbol of the deep-rooted presence of the Hindu community in the region. However, in recent years, security concerns have been growing around this temple.

Ramna Kali Mandir, Dhaka

Another prominent temple, the Ramna Kali Mandir, was originally built in the 11th century but has undergone several reconstructions due to destruction, notably during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali, remains a focal point of religious activities in Dhaka, although it has faced repeated threats and attempts at desecration.

Sri Sri Chatteshwari Kali Temple, Chittagong

Sri Sri Chatteshwari Kali Temple, located in Chittagong, is an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Kali. The temple holds an important place in the spiritual life of the Hindu community in the region. However, it has been subject to vandalism and arson, reflecting the general climate of insecurity faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh.

Puthia Temples, Rajshahi

Puthia, a picturesque upazila in the Rajshahi division of Bangladesh, is home to an impressive collection of historically significant temples that often go unnoticed. Among these architectural gems, the Govinda Temple stands out for its distinctive design and intricate carvings. The temple’s “charchala” towers, an architectural style that originated in Bengal and later influenced the Indian subcontinent at large, exemplify the region’s rich cultural heritage. This unique combination of artistic craftsmanship and historical significance makes the temples of Puthia a remarkable testament to the area’s enduring cultural legacy.

Protests in Bangladesh

It should be noted that the protests began peacefully as frustrated students demanded an end to the quota system for government jobs, but the demonstrations have since morphed into an unprecedented defiance and uprising against Hasina and her ruling party, the Awami League. At least 440 people have so far been killed and over 11,000 have been arrested in the violence-ridden country. Bangladesh is also facing an unstable political situation as Sheikh Hasina has resigned from her post in the wake of the growing protests.

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