Jashoreshwari Kali Temple

A Hindu temple is a structure designed to bring human beings closer to the gods, using symbolism to express the ideas and beliefs of the religion. The symbolism and structure of a Hindu temple are rooted in Vedic traditions.

Jashoreshwari Kali Temple is located at Ishwaripur village in Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira district. The temple is dedicated to goddess Kali. The term ‘Jashoreshwari’ means ‘Goddess of Jashore (Jessore)’. It is believed that the temple was initially built by a Brahman named Anari in the latter part of 12th Century. He created a 100-door temple for the Jashoreshwari Peeth (shrine). Later, it was renovated by Lakshman Sen in the 13th Century. Finally, Raja Pratapaditya rebuilt the temple in the 16th Century.

The temple is visited by a few pilgrims from all over the country. A priest performs prayer rituals every Saturday and Tuesday at noon time. But before 1971, devotees used to worship there daily. Every year on the day of Kali Puja, the caretakers of the temple conduct a ceremony. A mela (fair) also takes place around the temple complex. A large rectangular covered platform called nat mondir (dance hall) is built adjacent to the main temple, from where the face of goddess Kali can be seen.

It is a little visited site that has a history of around 800 years. Usually, I like to travel to less visited heritage sites, so more travellers will get interested to visit those places after knowing about their history.

References: Archaeological Survey Report of Greater Khulna District, DOA (2004) and History of Jessore and Khulna by Satish Chandra Mitra (1329 BS).

Photos: Writer

Jashoreshwari Kali Temple

A Hindu temple is a structure designed to bring human beings closer to the gods, using symbolism to express the ideas and beliefs of the religion. The symbolism and structure of a Hindu temple are rooted in Vedic traditions. Jashoreshwari Kali Temple is located at Ishwaripur village in Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira district. The temple is dedicated to goddess Kali. The term Jashoreshwari means Goddess of Jashore (Jessore). It is believed that the temple was initially built by a Brahman named Anari in the latter part of 12th Century. He created a 100-door temple for the Jashoreshwari Peeth (shrine). Later, it was renovated by Lakshman Sen in the 13th Century. Finally, Raja Pratapaditya rebuilt the temple in the 16th Century. The temple is visited by a few pilgrims from all over the country. A priest performs prayer rituals every Saturday and Tuesday at noon time. But before 1971, devotees used to worship there daily. Every year on the day of Kali Puja, the caretakers of the temple conduct a ceremony. A mela (fair) also takes place around the temple complex. A large rectangular covered platform called nat mondir (dance hall) is built adjacent to the main temple, from where the face of goddess Kali can be seen. It is a little visited site that has a history of around 800 years. Usually, I like to travel to less visited heritage sites, so more travellers will get interested to visit those places after knowing about their history. References: Archaeological Survey Report of Greater Khulna District, DOA (2004) and History of Jessore and Khulna by Satish Chandra Mitra (1329 BS). Photos: Writer