Crown of goddess Kali gifted by Modi stolen from temple in Bangladesh

DHAKA: The crown gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Goddess Kali has been stolen from Jeshoreshwari Temple in Satkhira’s Shyamnagar. The crown, made of silver and plated with gold, is believed to have been stolen yesterday afternoon. Reports said the crown was on the idol yesterday afternoon after the temple priest left after the pooja. The cleaning staff noticed that the crown was missing from the deity’s head. The authorities have started an investigation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted the crown to the temple during his visit to Bangladesh in March 2021. Modi also promised that India will build a multi-purpose hall in the temple.

The police have started an investigation to find the thieves. CCTV footage is also being examined. After the recent uprising against Sheikh Hasina's regime, there have been widespread attacks on Hindus and their property in Bangladesh. Bangladesh had taken strong measures to end the violence after India expressed grave concern.

Jeshoreshwari Temple is one of the most famous temples in Bangladesh. According to Hindu mythology, of the 51 peeths, the temple at Ishwaripur is the place where the palms and soles of the feet of Goddess Sati fell and the goddess resides there in the form of Devi Jashoreshwari and Lord Shiva appears as Chanda. The temple is believed to have been built in the latter half of the 12th century by a Brahmin named Anari. He created a 100-door temple for Jashoreshwari Peeth. It was later renovated by Lakshman Sen in the 13th century and finally the temple was rebuilt by Raja Pratapaditya in the 16th century.