Majidbaria Shahi Masjid Patuakhali

Majidbaria Shahi Masjid is one of the examples of ancient Muslim architecture in southern region in Mirzaganj upazila of Patuakhali district. Built approximately 550 years ago, this Shahi Mosque is a witness to the glorious history of Muslim architecture and tradition of the Sultanate period. This area is named after the mosque. According to the inscription of Majidbaria Shahi Mosque, Khan-e-Moazzem Uzial Khan built this mosque in 1465 during the reign of Nawab Ruknuddin Barbak of Ilyas Shahi dynasty.

Limestone and terracotta bricks are used in the construction of Majidbaria Shahi Mosque with attractive architectural style and craftsmanship. This ancient mosque with huge dome is 49 feet long and 35 feet wide. The main structure of Majidbaria Shahi Mosque has 3 beautifully carved arches, three archways, 6 minar-like pillars at eight corners, 4 windows in total on east-north and south sides, square main room and a balcony. Apart from this, with 75 inch thick walls, some ancient artefacts can be seen inside this mosque. And on the south side of the mosque there are the tombs of Yakin Shah and Kala Shah and a huge lake.

This mosque built in Chandradwip was the first brick architecture of that time. Later on Chandradwip was attacked by cyclones and Magh-Harmads, the mosque and the surrounding area were left uninhabited for a long time by mixing with the deep forest of Sundarbans. The Shahi Masjid came to the notice of the locals while surveying the land in 1860. Then the mosque was renovated according to the old architecture under the archeology department. At present, in addition to offering prayers, many worshipers from far and wide participate in the waj mahfil organized in the square adjacent to the mosque every year.

Patuakhali can be reached from Dhaka by river and road  . As the Padma Bridge has been opened, Dhaka to Patuakhali can be reached by road in much less time and easily. Distance from Dhaka to Patuakhali is about 226 km. It will take about 5-6 hours to go by bus. From Dhaka's Syedabad, Abdullahpur, Arambagh or Gabtali bus stand, buses from Sakura Paribahan, Shyamoli, Greenline, Euro Coach, Hanif, TR Travels and many others go directly to Patuakhali via Padma Bridge. Non-AC bus fare from Dhaka to Patuakhali is Tk 750-900 and AC bus fare is Tk 1100-1600. Besides, a launch for Patuakhali leaves every evening from Sadarghat and reaches Patuakhali around 7 am. Launch deck rent 400-500 taka, single cabin 1300 taka, double cabin 2400 taka, VIP cabin rent 7000 taka. You can go to Majidbaria Mosque located 20 km southwest by rickshaw or bike from Patuakhali town to Payaraganj and cross the river. Besides, you can go directly to Majidbaria Shahi Mosque by bus or car from Barisal's Bakerganj via Subidkhali.

Kalikapur Residential Hotel, Hotel Hilton, Hotel Panama International, Hotel Safari, Payra Hotel and Hotel Riaz are among the various residential hotels located in Patuakhali.

There are several food restaurants near Barisal-Subidkhali Road in Mirzaganj. Apart from this, you will find hotels with good quality food near the small intersection of Patuakhali city.

Kuakata Beach , Char Vijay , Water Museum, Sonarchar and Fatrar Char etc. are notable among the places of interest in Patuakhali .

Feature Image: Collected