Khan Jahan Ali’s shrine is located along the Khulna-Bagerhat highway in Bagerhat district of Bangladesh. It is about 200 km from the capital Dhaka and 3 km from Bagerhat city .
The name of Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali (RA) is remembered among those who have played an important role for the propagation of Islam in Bangladesh. His tomb is well known throughout the country as the Mausoleum of Khan Jahan Ali. He spent a good part of his life in the service of Islam. He was at once a preacher, saint, ruler and warrior. Khan Jahan Ali is a well-known name in the southern region of the country. He built the famous sixty-domed mosque.
The identity of Khan Jahan Ali (RA).
Khan Jahan Ali (R) was born in Delhi in 1369 to a noble Muslim family. His father’s name is Akbar Khan and mother’s name is Ambia Bibi. Many believe that his ancestors were natives of Turkey. He started his career in the army in 1389. In 1394 he became the governor of Jainpur province. Later Niti invaded Bengal.
It is believed that 360 Auliya came with him. In keeping with their numbers, he dug 360 mosques and 360 dighis for fresh water in the entire Bhati region starting from Barobazar in Jessore. Initially starting out as a ruler, he later became more focused on evangelism and human service. For the welfare of people, he dug many lakes, built roads, established bazaars and built mosques. Sixty-domed mosque was his court house. His residence was about one kilometer away from the Sixty Dome Mosque. Now it doesn’t exist anymore. He died in 1459 at the age of 90 while praying Esha in the Durbar House.
Khan Jahan Ali’s shrine
After his death he was buried on the north bank of Khanjeli Dighi. His mausoleum has been constructed there which is known as Khan Jahan Ali’s shrine. The wall of the mausoleum is 25 feet high and has a large dome on the roof. Inside the mausoleum is the shrine of Hazrat Khanjahan (RA) on a stone-built altar. The architecture of the dargah or mausoleum is like sixty domes.
In addition to the date of death, burial date, the name of Allah, some surahs of the Qur’an Sharif and may Allah’s peace be upon him are recorded in the inscription. Every day thousands of devotees irrespective of caste and religion from different parts of the country and abroad come to visit the shrine in the hope of receiving his spiritual blessings. Besides, every year on the 25th of Agrahayan, a big fair is held in the premises of the great saint’s shrine to mark the annual Orsh Mubarak and the first full moon of the month of Chaitra. Thousands of devotees from far and wide gather at his shrine to pay their respects in this festival and fair.
How to Go
To visit the shrine of Khan Jahan Ali, first you have to go to Bagerhat town. From there by auto to the shrine of Khan Jahan Ali. Many buses depart from Dhaka’s Syedabad daily from 6 am to 10 am and from 7 pm to 10 pm – Meghna (0171717388553), Banphool, Tahira (01711131078), Falguni, Ara, Baleshwar, Hamim and Dola. Besides, Sohag (01718679302), Shakura (01711010450), Hanif and Eagle transports depart from Gabtali. Rent 300 to 400 taka. Travel time takes about 7 hours. You can also go by train from Dhaka to Khulna. You can go to Khulna by intercity train Sundarban Express and Chitra Express and then take a bus to Bagerhat. It takes about 40 minutes to drive from Rupsa to Bagerhat. Its location is 300 yards away from Khulna- Bagerhat highway. You have to walk this way after getting off the bus.
Bagerhat city has AC/Non AC hotels of different quality. You can stay in any one of your choice. There are also government guesthouses. Here you can stay at Mumtaz Hotel on Rail Road. Although this hotel has few facilities, the service quality is good and the cost is a little high. Besides, there are some other hotels to stay around this hotel. Moreover, you can stay at “Hotel Abhi” on the main highway in front of Khan Jahan Ali’s shrine. Rent 400 Tk. Phone 01833742623. Besides, for staying in Bagerhat, you can stay at Hotel Al Amin (0468-63168, 01718692737), AC double room 1000 taka, non AC room 100 to 400 taka, next to the central bus station. Khulna city is only one hour away from Bagerhat city. If you want, you can come to Khulna and stay.
