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Ramna Kali Mandir, Dhaka

This Kali temple in Ramna, Dhaka was destroyed on 27 March 1971. A rebuilt temple was inaugurated in 2021.

Last checked: 2 Nov 2026 · 3 sources

The temple and the ashram

Ramna in Dhaka had a Kali temple with the Ma Anandamoyee Ashram beside it. There was a large pond (dighi) in front and a tall shikhara tower. A watercolour from 1833 shows the temple. (Source: Wikipedia, Ramna Kali Mandir)

Banglapedia says Ma Anandamoyee, wife of Ramani Mohan Chakrabarty, had an ashram on the north side of the temple, and her devotees later built two monasteries. (Source: Banglapedia, Ramna Kali Mandir)

Who built it

The sources do not agree. Wikipedia dates the temple to the 16th century, in the Mughal period. (Source: Wikipedia, Ramna Kali Mandir)

Banglapedia says the main temple was probably built by Haricharan Giri in the early 17th century. (Source: Banglapedia, Ramna Kali Mandir)

The pond's excavation is credited to Rani Bilasmani of Bhawal. Banglapedia adds that British-era documents name an English magistrate, and the Rani may have re-excavated it. (Source: Banglapedia, Ramna Kali Mandir)

27 March 1971

Pakistan Army began Operation Searchlight on 25 March 1971. On 27 March it entered the complex and killed more than 100 people within an hour, including several Muslims who had taken refuge there. The temple was destroyed that day. (Source: Wikipedia, Ramna Kali Mandir)

Banglapedia also says the temple and ashram were burned on 27 March 1971, and the pond is the only surviving remnant of the old temple. (Source: Banglapedia, Ramna Kali Mandir)

Rebuilding

After 1971 a small temple was set up on the site for prayers. Reconstruction was announced in 2017, and on 17 December 2021 Indian President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the new building. (Source: Wikipedia, Ramna Kali Mandir)

In Dhaka Tribune's 2021 report, temple committee president Utpal Saha said the Indian government funded the renovation with help from the Bangladesh government. He also said a plaque on the site lists people killed there in 1971. (Source: Dhaka Tribune, Indian President Kovind inaugurates renovated Ramna Kali temple (17 December 2021))

💡 If you plan to visit on Kali Puja night, check the tithi and timings on our Kali Puja 2027 page first.

💡 This is a place of remembrance, so stay quiet in the grounds and follow the temple's customs.

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