Shah Niamatullah Mosque
About Shah Niamatullah Mosque
The Shah Niamatullah Mosque belongs to a later chapter of Gaur’s history. It was built in the mid-17th century under Shah Shuja, the Mughal governor of Bengal and son of Emperor Shah Jahan, for the Sufi saint Shah Niamatullah Wali, whom he revered.
The mosque has three domes over a single prayer hall, in the restrained Mughal style that replaced the terracotta exuberance of the Sultanate. Beside it stand the saint’s tomb, still visited by pilgrims, and the Tahkhana, a two-storey brick palace beside a large tank, said to have been built so Shah Shuja could stay near the saint.
Together they make the most complete group of buildings on the Bangladeshi side of Gaur, and a good place to end a day after the Sultanate mosques: Choto Sona Mosque, Darashbari Mosque, Khania Dighi Mosque and Dhania Chalk Mosque.
Evergreen Bangladesh Tours visits the complex on private tours of Chapai Nawabganj with a local guide.
Things to do
-
Visit the mosque
See the three-domed Mughal prayer hall, still in use by local worshippers.
-
Explore the Tahkhana
Walk around the brick palace by the tank, linked by tradition to Shah Shuja’s visits to the saint.
-
Pay respects at the shrine
Visit the tomb of Shah Niamatullah Wali, a living pilgrimage site.
-
Mango country
In early summer the roads here run through orchards heavy with Chapai Nawabganj’s famous mangoes.
Getting there
From Rajshahi: the Bangladeshi side of Gaur, around Shibganj and the Sona Masjid border crossing, is roughly 80 km away, about two hours by car.
From Dhaka: fly or take the train to Rajshahi, or drive about seven to eight hours. Trains also run to Chapai Nawabganj town.
Where to stay
Rajshahi city has the widest choice of comfortable hotels and makes a good base for a day in Gaur. Chapai Nawabganj town has simpler options closer to the sites.
More to see in Chapai Nawabganj
Tours that visit Shah Niamatullah Mosque
Short Tours
Heritage Treasures of North Bengal
from $550 per person
Questions
Who built the Shah Niamatullah Mosque?
It was built in the mid-17th century under Shah Shuja, the Mughal governor of Bengal, in honour of the saint Shah Niamatullah Wali.
What is the Tahkhana?
A brick palace next to the mosque, traditionally said to have been built for Shah Shuja so he could stay near the saint.
How long should I allow?
About an hour for the mosque, shrine and Tahkhana together.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Cover shoulders and knees, and women should bring a scarf for the mosque and shrine.