Loading...Dhanukar Manasa Bari, located in the historic Dhanuka village in Shariatpur, is a 600-year-old house steeped in myths and legends. Known locally as the “Mayur Bhatter’s House,” it stands as a symbol of the Sultanate and Mughal architectural style, consisting of five grand structures. The house is famous for its association with the worship of Manasa Devi, a goddess revered for her powers to ward off venomous snakes.
Historically, the house attracted visitors from all across India for religious purposes, establishing its reputation as “Manasa Bari.” It was once home to a temple dedicated to Manasa Devi and a Shiva temple. According to local legends, the Dharmacharya family from the Kounj region of India, who were wealthy and highly regarded for their devotion, moved to the Dhanuka area. Their ancestor, Mayur Bhatt, is central to the story of the house. It is said that while his parents were on a pilgrimage to Kashi, they had to rest in a forest where Mayur Bhatt was born. After performing their religious duties, they left the child behind, but when they returned, they found a flock of peacocks surrounding the baby, which they took as a divine sign. The child was named Mayur Bhatt, and the house was named after him.
One of the key stories behind the naming of “Manasa Bari” comes from an encounter with a snake. One day, a young boy from the house went to the garden to pick flowers and saw a huge snake. The following days saw the snake return and dance around the house. This mysterious event led to the establishment of a new Manasa temple and the start of regular worship. It is claimed that even today, during the Manasa Puja, snakes can be seen around the house, adding to the mystique of the place.
In addition to the legends, the house holds a brass idol of Manasa Devi, which was miraculously discovered by a fisherman in the Kirtinasha River and later placed in the temple. This idol remains in the temple to this day. In 1973, language activist and local historian Master Jalal Uddin Ahmed discovered a handwritten manuscript on wooden boards and handmade paper, which was later sent to Nepal. Copies of the manuscript are still preserved in the private public libraries of Shariatpur district.
How to Get There
Dhanukar Manasa Bari is located in Dhanuka village, Ward 7, Shariatpur Municipality. It stands as a 600-year-old witness to history. To visit, you can travel to Dhanuka village, where this historic house still stands, maintaining its legacy and cultural significance.
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