Taherpur:The Durga Mata Temple in Taherpur, located in the Bagmara upazila of Rajshahi, holds a rich history spanning over five centuries related to the celebration of Durga Puja.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Raja Kamsa Narayan Roy organized the Sharadiya Durgotsav at this site in 1480 AD. Despite its historical significance, the temple remains unrecognized nationally, prompting local calls for preservation, renovation, and land recovery to promote it as a pilgrimage and tourist destination.
Gopal Chakraborty, the temple priest, explained that Goddess Durga was historically worshipped in spring, a practice known as Basanti Puja. It later evolved into the more popular autumn worship. A legend states that Lord Ram worshipped Durga in autumn to defeat Ravana, known as Akal Bodhon, while another belief holds that Durga killed Mahishasura during this time.
Chiranjib Roy Babu, general secretary of the temple committee, noted that the temple was originally built beside the royal palace. Worship continued for many years until a college was established on the palace premises in 1967, leading to the temple's neglect. Worship resumed in 2012, and in 2018, an Ashtadhatu Durga idol was installed, which is now worshipped regularly without immersion.
Roy Babu highlighted access issues, noting that visitors must pass through privately owned land as the college authorities closed the temple's main gate. According to records, the temple had three acres of land, but two acres now lie within the college boundary, with one acre reportedly held by locals. The temple itself is on 38 decimals of land within the college's area.
Satyajit Roy Tota, a retired teacher from Taherpur Degree College, criticized the lack of initiatives for the temple's renovation and maintenance, urging government support for its preservation and national recognition.
A N M Samsur Rahman Mintu, former mayor of Taherpur Municipality, emphasized the temple's inclusion in the Rajshahi district brand book in 2018. He advocates for its development into a pilgrimage and tourist site, calling for government attention to protect this historic temple.