Navaratna Temple Complex
The monumental 9-spired 18th-century terracotta temple masterpiece in Hatikumrul
Quick Travel Facts & Visitor Guide (2026)
Navaratna Temple Complex is a prominent travel destination in Hatikumrul, Sirajganj, Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh. The optimal time to visit is October to March for cool, pleasant walking temperatures and soft natural lighting for photography. for a recommended trip duration of 1 to 2 hours (Easily visited as a stopover when traveling between Dhaka, Bogura, and Rajshahi). Entry ticket is Free Entry and weekly off day is Open Daily. The largest and most ornate nine-spired (Navaratna) terracotta temple in northern Bangladesh, built in the mid-18th century in Hatikumrul, Sirajganj, showcasing three tiers, 9 spires, and intricate epic carvings.
Overview
The Hatikumrul Navaratna Temple Complex (Hatikumrul 9-Spired Terracotta Temple) is the largest, most architecturally imposing, and historically magnificent nine-spired terracotta Hindu temple in northern Bangladesh, situated in Hatikumrul village of Ullapara upazila in Sirajganj district, roughly 20 kilometres southwest of Sirajganj town near the Dhaka-Bogura-Rajshahi highway junction.
Built in the mid-18th century (circa 1750 CE) by Zamindar Ramnath Sen (a prominent royal revenue official of the Natore Raj), the temple stands as a supreme architectural marvel of the classical 'Navaratna' (nine-jeweled) style. Rising over 50 feet high across three grand receding square tiers, the temple is crowned by nine majestic sikhara spires (one central dome-spire and eight miniature corner spires).
Constructed entirely of kiln-fired terracotta brick with lime-surki mortar, the exterior walls and arched porticos are richly embellished with thousands of delicate terracotta relief plaques. These masterfully sculpted carvings depict scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics, Lord Krishna's divine Leela, celestial musicians, flying apsaras, royal elephant processions, and intricate floral arabesques.
Adjacent to the main temple stand three companion historic shrines: the Shiva Temple, the Chandi Temple, and an ancient brick well, forming a picturesque open-air heritage sanctuary protected by the Department of Archaeology.
History & Culture
Constructed between 1704 and 1720 CE during the flourishing reign of Maharaja Ramjivan of the Natore Kingdom, commissioned by his trusted Dewan, Zamindar Ramnath Sen.
The nine-tiered sikhara design represented the highest spiritual and architectural prestige in Bengal temple design, symbolizing the cosmic mountain Meru.
Declared a protected national monument by the Department of Archaeology, the complex underwent delicate structural conservation to preserve its fragile terracotta plaques and 9 spires.
Top things to do in Navaratna Temple Complex
Admire 18th-Century Terracotta Sculptures
Examine the delicately molded terracotta relief plaques depicting mythological battles, royal cavalry, and floral arabesques.
Explore the Three-Tiered Navaratna Architecture
Walk around the 50-foot three-storey brick temple to admire the geometry of its nine sikhara spires and arched verandas.
Visit Companion Historic Temples
Explore the neighbouring historic Shiva and Chandi brick shrines within the enclosed heritage compound.
Photograph Classical Bengal Temple Symmetry
Capture stunning wide-angle photographs of the nine-spired temple silhouette against northern blue skies.
Video Guide: Experience Navaratna Temple Complex
Watch cinematic 4K footage and essential visual travel highlights before planning your trip to Navaratna Temple Complex.
Navaratna Temple Complex in pictures
Curated photography via Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licensing.
Highlights
- ✓The largest and most ornate 18th-century nine-spired (Navaratna) terracotta temple in northern Bengal
- ✓Towering 50-foot three-tiered brick architecture crowned by 9 sikhara spires
- ✓Thousands of exquisite terracotta relief plaques depicting Ramayana epics and Krishna Leela
- ✓Companion historic Shiva Temple, Chandi Temple, and ancient masonry well
- ✓Tranquil rural village setting surrounded by lush green rice fields and ancient trees
- ✓Convenient access near the major Hatikumrul national highway interchange
How to reach Navaratna Temple Complex (Transport Routes)
Take a 25 to 30-minute auto-rickshaw (CNG or easy-bike) or bus southwest from Sirajganj town to Hatikumrul / Ullapara (approx. 20 km).
Take a direct intercity bus (Hanif, Shyamoli, SR Travels) from Dhaka to Hatikumrul Golchattar highway junction (approx. 135 km, 2.5 to 3 hours via Bangabandhu Bridge), then take a 5-minute rickshaw to the temple.
Best time to visit Navaratna Temple Complex& Seasonal Advisory
November to February: Cool winter weather; ideal for photographing terracotta details and walking the heritage grounds.
Year-round: Open and welcoming daily for visitors and architecture enthusiasts.
Where to stay near Navaratna Temple Complex
Stay at hotels in Sirajganj town (Hotel Al-Hamra, Circuit House) located 20 km away, or modern hotels in nearby Bogura (45 mins away).
Local food & dining
- 🍽️Sirajganj famous traditional sweet curd and Sandesh
- 🍽️Northern-style spicy beef bhuna and parathas at Hatikumrul highway diners
- 🍽️Fresh coconut water and local tea from village stalls
Essential Travel Tips & Rules for Navaratna Temple Complex
- 💡Hatikumrul Golchattar is one of northern Bangladesh's major highway hubs; almost all intercity buses from Dhaka to northern districts pass directly by.
- 💡Remove footwear before stepping onto the temple platform and prayer sanctum.
- 💡Do not touch or lean against the delicate historic terracotta relief plaques.
- 💡Combine with Tarash Rajbari in Pabna and Kherua Mosque in Bogura.
Nearby Places to Visit around Navaratna Temple Complex
Combine your visit to Navaratna Temple Complex with these closely located attractions and scenic destinations.
23.6 km (NW)A revered 51 Shaktipeeth pilgrimage shrine located in Sherpur upazila of Bogura, famous for the sacred Sakha Kankon pond and ancient temple complex.
26.9 km (W)Chalan Beel, spanning across Natore, Pabna, and Sirajganj, is Bangladesh's largest inland wetland ecosystem, famous for monsoon floating village life, duck farming, and boat excursions.
30.9 km (NW)A pristine 16th-century brick mosque built in 1582 CE during the transitional Sultanate-Mughal era in Sherpur, Bogura, famous for curved cornices, three ribbed domes, and fine terracotta arabesques.
31.3 km (W)The largest wetland (haor/beel) in northern Bangladesh, offering spectacular endless water views, boat rides, and rich biodiversity during the monsoon.
Curated Destination Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions about Navaratna Temple Complex
What does 'Navaratna' mean?+
'Navaratna' means 'Nine Jewels' in Sanskrit/Bengali, referring to the architectural style of temples crowned by nine sikhara spires.
When was Hatikumrul Navaratna Temple built?+
It was built in the mid-18th century (circa 1750 CE) by Zamindar Ramnath Sen of the Natore Raj.
Is there an entry fee to visit Navaratna Temple?+
No, visiting the temple complex and surrounding grounds is completely free.
Related Destinations & Travel Guides
Explore 5 interlinked destinations in Hatikumrul, Sirajganj, Rajshahi Division& surrounding regions
A pristine 16th-century brick mosque built in 1582 CE during the transitional Sultanate-Mughal era in Sherpur, Bogura, famous for curved cornices, three ribbed domes, and fine terracotta arabesques.
The celebrated royal temple city and terracotta heritage cluster in Puthia, Rajshahi, featuring the monumental 1823 CE Bhubaneshwar Shiva Temple, the ornate Pancha-Ratna Gobinda Temple, and the grand Puthia Rajbari.
The grand 18th-century neoclassical palace of the Tarash Rajas in Pabna town, paired with the revered spiritual ashram of Sri Sri Thakur Anukulchandra in nearby Himaitpur along the Padma River.
A revered 51 Shaktipeeth pilgrimage shrine located in Sherpur upazila of Bogura, famous for the sacred Sakha Kankon pond and ancient temple complex.
Discover Bagha Mosque, a 16th-century terracotta-decorated mosque in western Rajshahi, built in 1523-24 CE during the Hussain Shahi dynasty, and a protected heritage gem.