Motter Moth: Memory of a long lost time
Motter Moth, located in Motto village about one and a half-mile east of Manikganj district headquarters, is one of the historical monuments of the district. The intoxicated monastery is said to have been built about two and a half years ago
ATT Desk Report
Manikganj is an evergreen district surrounded by lush green crops and shade of trees. This district of natural beauty is rich in history, heritage, and culture. This district is full of blessings of Padma, Kaliganga, Jamuna, Dhaleshwari, and Ichhamati rivers.
Although it got the status of district town in 1984, the Manikganj subdivision was established in 1845. Before it was established as a district, it included Faridpur and Dhaka districts. The district also has its own participation in the liberation war of Bangladesh. This historical district is rich in various archeological and historical sites. One such archeological site is the Motter Moth.
Motter Moth, located in Motto village about one and a half-mile east of Manikganj district headquarters, is one of the historical monuments of the district. The intoxicated monastery is said to have been built about two and a half years ago. At that time an oppressive zamindar named Hemsen ruled here. The tyrant Hemsen built the monastery at the funeral of his own father.
It is said that craftsmen were brought from Iraq to build the 200 feet high monastery. Photo: TouristPlaces.com.bd
It is said that he brought craftsmen from Iraq to build the monastery. The monastery is about 200 feet high. Motter Moth was built on 15 decimals of land on the banks of the local Nital Dighi.
The architectural style of the monastery attracts many people. As a result, some American tourists once expressed interest in renovating the monastery in 1965. But that is no longer possible in the face of local Hindus. Skilled craftsmen were brought from Iraq to build the moth.
In 1965, a group of American tourists expressed interest in renovating Matta Moth, but due to opposition from the local influential Hindu community, it was not possible. Later, in 1972, a group of Chinese tourists were fascinated by the architectural style of the math and expressed surprise.
Apart from the Motter Moth, the village of Motto also has historical significance. The village has a history of several powerful zamindars like Ramakrishna Sen and his son Prasanna Kumar Sen. The contribution of the Gupta family of this village is also found in the history of the antiquities in Manikganj. There is also talk of their contribution to the field of herbal medicine.
The intricate terracotta design that once adorned the wall of the Motter Moth is becoming dilapidated day by day. Photo: BangladeshTemples.blogspot.com
How to get there
There are several buses plying from Dhaka’s Gabtoli bus terminal to this district. Among them Nilachal, Padma Line, Selfie is notable. You can reach Manikganj district town directly by bus and go to the monastery with rickshaw or CNG from the district town.
Renowned for its architectural beauty and cultural significance, this ancient temple, with its rich history and religious importance, attracts visitors from all over the region.
Why visit Motter Moth
· Architectural splendour: The temple features intricate carvings and traditional design elements that showcase the architectural brilliance of its time.
· Historical significance: Motter Moth stands as a testament to the region's rich cultural and historical heritage, offering insights into the religious and social life of the past.
· Spiritual experience: As an active place of worship, the temple provides a serene and spiritual environment for visitors seeking peace and reflection.
· Cultural heritage: The temple is a significant cultural landmark, representing the religious and cultural traditions of the local community.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Motter Moth is from November to February. During these cooler and drier months, the weather is more comfortable for exploring historical and religious sites.
It is said that craftsmen were brought from Iraq to build the 200 feet high monastery. Photo: TouristPlaces.com.bd
How to get there
· By Road: Manikganj is accessible by road from Dhaka. You can take a bus or hire a car to reach Manikganj, and from there, local transport or a taxi can take you to Motter Moth.
· By Public Transport: Local buses and rickshaws frequently operate routes between Dhaka and Manikganj. Once in Manikganj, you can use local transport to reach the temple.
· By Train: Trains from Dhaka to Manikganj are available. After arriving at Manikganj Railway Station, you can take a taxi or rickshaw to Matta Moth.
Accommodation and food
Since Matta Moth is close to the capital Dhaka, it is possible to complete the trip and return in one day. However, there is no accommodation facility nearby. There are some residential hotels in Manikganj city where you can stay. For food, ordinary and medium quality hotels and restaurants are available. If you get the opportunity to eat the famous Nizam sweets of Terasri village in Ghior upazila of Manikganj, do not miss it.
Tips for Visitors
· Respect religious customs: As a religious site, visitors should adhere to any guidelines or etiquette required, including appropriate dress and behavior.
· Wear comfortable clothing: Modest and comfortable clothing is recommended when visiting religious sites.
· Carry essentials: Bring water and snacks, as amenities near the site may be limited.
· Photography: Photography may be restricted, so it’s advisable to check any rules before taking photos.
Due to the lack of proper maintenance, the condition of the historic architecture, Motter Moth, is deteriorating gradually. Photo: BangladeshTemples.blogspot.com
Distances from major cities
The monastery is approximately 60 kilometers away from Dhaka and 320km from Chattogram. On the other hand, the moth is approximately 170 kilometers away from Khulna, approximately 140 kilometers from Barishal, 240 kilometers from Rangpur and 210 kilometers from Rajshahi.
Motter Moth in Manikganj is a fascinating destination for those interested in exploring historical architecture and experiencing the spiritual heritage of Bangladesh. Its serene atmosphere and cultural significance make it a must-visit site for history enthusiasts and cultural travelers alike.
