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

PTC News Desk: A crown of Goddess Kali, gifted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Jeshoreshwari Temple in Satkhira, Bangladesh, has been stolen, according to reports. The theft occurred on Thursday afternoon, soon after the temple’s priest left following the day’s worship. It was the temple’s cleaning staff who discovered that the crown was missing from the deity’s head, as reported by the Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star.

The stolen crown, made of silver and plated with gold, holds deep cultural and religious importance for Hindu devotees. Prime Minister Modi had presented the crown to the Jeshoreshwari Temple during his visit to Bangladesh in March 2021, as part of his efforts to strengthen cultural and spiritual ties between the two countries.

Jyoti Chattopadhyay, a member of the family responsible for the upkeep of the temple for generations, shared details with local media, confirming that the crown was crafted from silver and coated with gold plating. Its loss has sent shockwaves through the community of worshippers who revere the temple.

The Jeshoreshwari Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, sacred sites spread across India and its neighboring countries, mentioned in Hindu mythology. Located in the town of Ishwaripur, Satkhira, the temple is believed to have been originally constructed in the 12th century by a Brahman named Anari. The temple, known for its 100 doors, was later renovated in the 13th century by Lakshman Sen and reconstructed in the 16th century by Raja Pratapaditya.

Prime Minister Modi, during his 2021 visit to the temple, also announced plans to build a multipurpose community hall at the site. This hall was intended to serve the local community for religious, social, and educational events, and act as a shelter during natural disasters such as cyclones.

The theft of this crown has raised concerns, as it not only carries religious value but also symbolizes the cultural exchange between India and Bangladesh. Local authorities are investigating the incident, and devotees are hopeful for the swift recovery of the stolen crown.

Also Read: Hezbollah leader survives assassination attempt amid Israeli strikes that kill 22 in Beirut