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 consists of 3 beautifully carved mehrabs, three archways, 6 minar-like pillars in eight kopas, total 4 windows on east-north and south sides, square main room and a barasha. Apart from this, some elaborate ancient artifacts can be seen inside this mosque with 75 inch thick walls. And on the south side of the mosque 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, due to Cyclone and Magh-Hamdad attacks on Chandradwip, the mosque and the surrounding area mixed with the deep forest of Sundarbans became uninhabited for a long time. The Shahi Mosque came to the attention 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, apart from offering prayers, many worshipers from far and wide participate in the waj mahfil organized every year in the square adjacent to the mosque.
How to go
Patuakhali can be reached from Dhaka by river and road. As the Padma Bridge has been opened, it is possible to go from Dhaka to Patuakhali in much less time and easily by road. Distance from Dhaka to Patuakhali is about 226 km. It will take about 5-6 hours to go by bus. From Syedabad, Abdullahpur, Arambagh or Gabtali bus stand in Dhaka, 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.