Shankar Pasha Shahi Jame Masjid
Exquisite 15th-century Bengal Sultanate terracotta mosque on a scenic hillock
Quick Travel Facts & Visitor Guide (2026)
Shankar Pasha Shahi Jame Masjid is a prominent travel destination in Habiganj, Sylhet Division, Bangladesh. The optimal time to visit is October to March for cool, pleasant weather and clear blue skies for photography. for a recommended trip duration of Half day (Easily combined with Baniachong Village and Satchari National Park). Entry ticket is Free Entry and weekly off day is Open Daily. A magnificent 15th-century Bengal Sultanate red-brick mosque in Uchail, Habiganj, built in 1493 CE, celebrated for its four domes, ornate terracotta floral motifs, and peaceful hillock setting.
Overview
Shankar Pasha Shahi Jame Masjid (popularly known as the Uchail Shahi Mosque or Gayebi Masjid) is one of the most architecturally exquisite and historically significant medieval Islamic monuments in northeastern Bangladesh, situated in Rajiura union of Habiganj Sadar upazila, roughly 8 kilometres south of Habiganj town. Built in 1493 CE during the glorious Bengal Sultanate era, the mosque stands gracefully atop an elevated grassy hillock (tilla).
Constructed entirely of deep red kiln-fired bricks with lime-mortar bonding, the mosque measures 21 feet square externally, crowned by a large central dome accompanied by three smaller domes over the eastern veranda corridor. The exterior facades and inner mihrab walls are adorned with breathtaking terracotta relief plaques depicting intricate floral vines, rosette medallions, hanging bell patterns, and geometric arabesques.
The main prayer hall is entered through three pointed arched doorways flanked by ornate corner octagonal minarets that rise gracefully above the roofline. Adjacent to the mosque lies a serene historic pond (dighi) and ancient banyan trees that reflect the glowing red-brick architecture on the tranquil water surface.
Carefully preserved by the Department of Archaeology, Shankar Pasha Shahi Masjid is a masterpiece of pre-Mughal Sultanate architecture and an inspiring pilgrimage destination for heritage lovers.
History & Culture
Inscriptions record that the mosque was built in 1493 CE (899 Hijri) by Majlis Alam during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah, the celebrated Sultan of Bengal.
Hazrat Shah Majlis Amin, a renowned Sufi companion of Hazrat Shah Jalal, lived and preached at this site in the 14th century, and his sacred tomb rests adjacent to the mosque.
The Department of Archaeology declared the mosque a protected national monument, carrying out delicate structural preservation of its terracotta relief carvings and domes.
Top things to do in Shankar Pasha Shahi Jame Masjid
Admire Medieval Terracotta Relief Art
Examine the intricately carved 500-year-old terracotta plaques adorning the exterior walls and mihrab arches.
Pray Inside the Sultanate Mosque
Experience congregational prayers inside the cool, high-ceilinged prayer hall beneath the historic brick dome.
Visit the Shrine of Shah Majlis Amin
Pay respects at the adjacent sacred tomb of the revered 14th-century Sufi companion of Hazrat Shah Jalal.
Stroll Along the Historic Mosque Dighi
Walk around the quiet water pond and photograph the red-brick domes reflecting on the calm water surface.
Video Guide: Experience Shankar Pasha Shahi Jame Masjid
Watch cinematic 4K footage and essential visual travel highlights before planning your trip to Shankar Pasha Shahi Jame Masjid.
Shankar Pasha Shahi Jame Masjid in pictures
Curated photography via Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licensing.
Highlights
- ✓Exquisite 15th-century Bengal Sultanate red-brick architectural masterpiece (1493 CE)
- ✓Four graceful domes (one large central dome and three veranda domes)
- ✓Intricate terracotta relief plaques with floral vines, rosettes, and arabesques
- ✓Scenic elevated hillock setting overlooking a peaceful historic dighi pond
- ✓Adjacent sacred shrine of Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Majlis Amin
- ✓Convenient location just 15 minutes from Habiganj town centre
How to reach Shankar Pasha Shahi Jame Masjid (Transport Routes)
Take a 15 to 20-minute CNG auto-rickshaw south from Habiganj town (Chowdhury Bazar / Shaistanagar) along the Shaistaganj road to Uchail / Shankar Pasha (approx. 8 km).
Take an intercity train from Dhaka (3.5 hrs) or Sylhet (1.5 hrs) to Shaistaganj Junction, then take a 15-minute auto-rickshaw directly to the mosque.
Best time to visit Shankar Pasha Shahi Jame Masjid& Seasonal Advisory
November to February: Cool winter months; ideal for photographing the terracotta details in soft natural light.
Year-round: Active and open daily for all five daily prayers and visitors.
Where to stay near Shankar Pasha Shahi Jame Masjid
Stay at hotels in Habiganj town (Hotel Sonar Bangla, Circuit House) or luxury resorts in nearby Sreemangal (30 mins by road).
Local food & dining
- 🍽️Traditional Habiganj-style beef bhuna and fresh haor fish curry
- 🍽️Traditional Habiganj sweetmeats and roshogolla from town bazaars
- 🍽️Fresh coconut water and tea from village stalls
Essential Travel Tips & Rules for Shankar Pasha Shahi Jame Masjid
- 💡Dress modestly with covered legs and shoulders when visiting this active mosque and shrine.
- 💡Remove footwear before stepping onto the brick-paved mosque platform and prayer hall.
- 💡Shaistaganj Railway Junction is located only 10 km away, making access by train very convenient.
- 💡Combine with Baniachong Village (Asia's largest village) for a full-day Habiganj heritage tour.
Nearby Places to Visit around Shankar Pasha Shahi Jame Masjid
Combine your visit to Shankar Pasha Shahi Jame Masjid with these closely located attractions and scenic destinations.
18.7 km (SE)A renowned 14th-century Sufi pilgrimage complex in Chunarughat, Habiganj, holding the sacred tomb of Sipahsalar Hazrat Syed Nasiruddin (commander of Hazrat Shah Jalal) and 120 holy saints.
19.2 km (N)Recognized as the largest village in Asia, spanning 32 square miles in Habiganj, famous for ancient kingdom ruins, massive royal dighis (Kamala Ranir Dighi), and vibrant haor culture.
26.6 km (S)Satchari National Park in Chhabatibari, Habiganj spans 243 hectares of tropical evergreen forest, famous for its elevated canopy walkway, Hoolock gibbons, and deep hiking trails.
27.5 km (S)A dense, biodiverse national park in Habiganj, renowned for its primate population, canopy walk, and vibrant birdlife.
Curated Destination Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions about Shankar Pasha Shahi Jame Masjid
When was Shankar Pasha Shahi Mosque built?+
It was built in 1493 CE during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah of the Bengal Sultanate.
How many domes does the mosque have?+
The mosque features four domes: one large central dome over the main hall and three smaller domes over the eastern veranda corridor.
Is there an entry fee to visit the mosque?+
No, visiting the mosque and surrounding heritage grounds is completely free.
Related Destinations & Travel Guides
Explore 5 interlinked destinations in Habiganj, Sylhet Division& surrounding regions
Recognized as the largest village in Asia, spanning 32 square miles in Habiganj, famous for ancient kingdom ruins, massive royal dighis (Kamala Ranir Dighi), and vibrant haor culture.
A protected wetland sanctuary near Srimangal, renowned for its incredible diversity of water birds, lotus fields, and serene natural beauty.
A dense, biodiverse national park in Habiganj, renowned for its primate population, canopy walk, and vibrant birdlife.
An ancient medieval settlement in Pakundia, Kishoreganj, featuring the 1652 terracotta-ornamented Sadi Mosque, Shah Mahmud Mosque, and legendary Baro-Bhuiyan fortifications.
A renowned 14th-century Sufi pilgrimage complex in Chunarughat, Habiganj, holding the sacred tomb of Sipahsalar Hazrat Syed Nasiruddin (commander of Hazrat Shah Jalal) and 120 holy saints.