Table of Contents
Prelude
Mangoes of Rajshahi, Bangladesh just did not become famous in the recent past. Its glorious past is also engraved on the walls of the Bagha Shahi Masjid; one of the oldest mosques in Bangladesh built in the year 1523/24. I am sure, Sultan Nasrat Shah, founder of the masjid loved Mangoes a lot. Or else, why he would put exquisite terracotta of mango trees on the walls of the masjid! Well, not just the terracotta of mango trees, but the total terracotta ornamentation of the masjid made it a notable archaeological marvel in Rajshahi, Bangladesh.
Architecture
Surrounded by an ancient freshwater lake, thousands of mango trees, ancient ruins, graveyards of the saints who came to preach Islam, the masjid stands as an icon of the glorious history of the Bengal. The masjid is 22.92 meters long, 12.18 meters wide, while the height is 7.5 meters. Its walls are 2.22 meters thick. Apart from10 domes each of which is 12.8 meters in diameter and 3.65-meters in height, it has 4 minarets. The courtyard of the masjid has been made 8-10 feet high from the ground, and there are two entrances to enter the courtyard, while the masjid has 5 entrances. The whole complex occupies 256 bighas of land.
Despite the negligence of the authority in preserving this 500-year-old masjid, it is one of the most visited places in Rajshahi. Although much of the ornamentation has already disappeared, quite a bit still exists both in the interior and exterior of the building. It is to note that some of the terracotta has been renovated in recent years.
Activities
Apart from a place of worship, gradually this masjid has become a place of business, fair, and home of homeless people. Every Friday after the Jummah prayer, the masjid authority invites worshippers to donate, and usually, a large sum is collected. After the same prayer, many rich people offer a free meal to the poor, for which thousands of people gather here. In addition, during all the Islamic special days both small and large fairs are arranged here, the biggest of which is the three-day fair during Eid-Ul-Fitr.
How to Go to Bagha Shahi Masjid?
Though it is situated inside Rajshahi, you can go to this masjid either through Pabna or from Rajshahi. It will depend on your priority and associated plan. If you decide to travel around Rajshahi, you may go to the masjid from Rajshahi and vice-versa. But if you are interested to visit just this masjid, I would suggest you go up to Ishwardy from Dhaka by train and then go to the masjid. Well, both Pabna and Rajshahi have very good connectivity by both bus and train. One good thing about Rajshahi is that you can travel to Rajshahi by plane as well.
Where to Stay?
If you are traveling either from Pabna or from Rajshahi, both the city have good hotels and resorts. I would suggest you stay in any of the cities depending on your itinerary and priority. If you are visiting only this place and not going anywhere, I would suggest traveling from Dhaka and returning on the same day. However, please note that the whole area of Pabna, Kushtia, Natore, Rajshahi, Nougaon, Chapainawabganj are amazingly resourceful and if you are coming to this masjid, you should not miss other places of these areas. As an example, Puthia Rajbari is just 20 kilometers north of the Shahi Masjid.
What to Purchase at Bagha Shahi Masjid?
There are many shops around the masjid, which sell local handicrafts and souvenirs. During the various fairs, the number of shops increases so as the types of souvenirs. However, if you are willing to purchase any items, please do verify the prices and do not miss to bargain for a better price.
Photography Tips
- Before taking photographs inside the masjid please ask permission from the imam or the caretaker of the masjid.
- Before taking photograph of any random stranger please ask permission.
- Women traveling here are mostly devotees and do not allow others to photograph them. So please be considerate.
- You can fly drone for any aerial shot. However, before flying drone take enough precautionary measures.
- Take care of your equipment. Neither leave those unattened nor keep those to someone you do not know.
- Before entering the masjid check your dress. A man should enter covering his knees, and a woman should cover her body and use scarf over her head.
Despite the remote and isolated locations, a good number of people visit the place every day. Most of them come here to offer prayers, while a good number of people come here to visit this exquisite historical place. It is expected, if it is maintained well, and if the authority promotes this place positively, it will be able to attract a lot of tourists and history enthusiasts from both home and abroad.