360 Sylhet city of Aulia is known as ‘Punyabhumi’. Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) is one of the pirs and dervishes who are buried in the soil of Sylhet. And that is why he is called Olikul Shiromani. Hazrat Shah Jalal (RA) was respected by people of all religions. Every year a large number of people irrespective of caste and religion can be seen visiting the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA).
What will you see in the shrine?
There is a pond to the north of Hazrat Shahjalal’s shrine. This pond is adorned with numerous garfish. It is said that Hazrat Shahjalal (R.A.) came to Sylhet with 360 awliyas and brought Ghajar fish. The visitors enjoy seeing these fishes floating in the pond and feed the fishes. There is a well beside the shrine of Shahjalal (RA). Golden and silver colored fish are seen in this well.
Legend has it that after hearing about Hazrat Shahjalal’s (RA) spiritual powers, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya (RA) welcomed him and gifted him a pair of swarthy colored pigeons as a sign. That pigeon is now widely known as Jalali pigeon. Pigeons flocking to the shrine entertain visitors.
To the south of the shrine is a room just two feet wide studded with grillahera stars. It was used by Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) as a shrine. People say that Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) spent about 23 years worshiping here.
Through the Dargah Madrasah building, on the left side, Mufti Nazimuddin Ahmad’s house has facilities for visitors to see swords, khams, plates, bartis etc. used by Hazrat Shahjalal (RA).
The main Dargah Sharif of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) is a sacred place, keep an eye on the sanctity of the Dargah while exploring around.
How to go
The shrine can easily be reached by CNG, rickshaw or auto rickshaw from Sylhet railway station or Kadmatoli bus stand. If you go by rickshaw, the fare is usually 20-25 taka and if you go by CNG, the fare will be 80-100 taka. And you will get an auto rickshaw to go to the shrine from any part of the city.
Nearest Places to Visit
Apart from Dargah of Hazrat Shahjalal, the notable tourist places in Sylhet city and surrounding areas are Hazrat Shahparan Shrine, Malnichhra Tea Garden, Jaflong, Bichnakandi, Ratargul, Lovachhra, Lalakhal, Panthumai Jharna, Sangrampunji Jharna, Keen Bridge, Ali Amzader. Ghari, Hakaluki Haor, Bholaganj, Dreamland Park etc.