Mainak Hill Adinath Temple – Bangladesh

Address

Mainak Hill Adinath Temple – Bangladesh

Mainak Hill, Maheshkhali Island,

Bangladesh

Moolavar

Adinath

Introduction

Adinath Temple is located on the summit of the Mainak Hill on Maheshkhali Island off the coast of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, is dedicated to the God, Shiva, who is worshiped as Adinath.

Puranic Significance

The Adinath temple shows in its construction the association of the Natha community. The temple is 6 m high and measures 10.5 m × 9.75 m; the inner walls are 1.05 m thick, while outer walls are 0.60 m thick. There are three parts; the northern part, which is older, contains two square rooms (3.35 m each side) for worship – the eastern one has the image of Adinatha Banalinga Shiva and the western one has the image of eight-armed Durga (Idol).

It is believed that this temple was built in 12th Century CE. The entrance is bow-shaped, while the entrances on the northern and southern sides have been closed with brickwork. There are two windows, one on the east and the other on the west side. The two rooms are covered with domes on pendentives. The finials on top are decorated with lotus, kalasa and chakra. The tops of the octagonal pillars have kalasa and twined scrolls. The top of the arch on the western side has floral and the eastern one has trixul decoration. There are two niches on the southern wall. The second and third parts of the temple are recent additions.