Jor Bangla Masjid Jhenaidah

Jor Bangla Masjid (Jor Bangla Masjid) or Jora Dhibi Mosque is located in Barobazar of Kaliganj Upazila of Jhenaidah District. The craftsmanship and architecture of the mosque can be considered as one of the signs of Muslim civilization and excellence. It is believed that Shah Sultan Mahmud Jor, the son of Alauddin Hussain Shah, established the Bangla Mosque in 800 Hijri. The mosque is so named because of a pair of huts or twin ponds that stood at the site many years ago.

This square shaped mosque is built on small thin brick masonry on a foundation about 11 feet high. The eastern side of the mosque has three arched entrances, 4 carved turrets with quadrangles and three semi-circular terracotta patterned arches on the western wall. The central mihrab of the mosque as well as the flower and leaf work on the western wall are very interesting. Similarities in architectural style can be seen with Jhor Bangla Mosque at Sarasnagar in Dumuria, Subharada Mosque at Abhaynagar and Bibi Kerani Mosque at Bagerhat.

Near the Jor Bangla Mosque are a few graves and on the north side a dighi called Andhpukur excavated during the reign of Sultan Mahmud Shah. The pond was dug to meet the needs of Muslims for ablution and drinking water. A few years after its construction, the Jor Bangla Mosque was covered by the forest. The mosque was discovered by the Bangladesh Directorate of Archeology in 1992-93. Currently, several parts of the mosque have been renovated and rebuilt. Local Muslims offer regular prayers in this mosque.

Jhenaidah can be reached by Royal, Sonar Tari, SB Transport, JR Transport, Chuadanga, Hanif, Darshana and Purbasha Deluxe buses from Dhaka's Gabtali. AC/Non AC buses will cost 650 to 1300 Tk. From Jhenaidah you can go to Barobazar via Jessore-Jhenaidah highway by bus or CNG. Jor Bangla Mosque can be reached by rickshaw from Barobazar.

Among the residential hotels located in Jhenaidah city are Hotel Ratul, Hotel Radiation, Hotel Zaman, Nayan Hotel, Kshanika Rest House and Hotel Dream Inn.

There are normal quality food shops in Barobazar. And there are good quality hotels and restaurants like Cafe Kashful, Kasturi Hotel, Ajay Kitchen, Liza Fast Food, Ying King Chinese, Rupsi Bangla Restaurant, Sweet Hotel and Ahar near Payra Chatwar in Jhenaidah.

Other places to visit in Jhenaidah include Barobazar, Naldanga Rajbari Resort, Mier Dalan and Johan Dream Valley Park.

Feature Image: Mukhlesur Rahman