MAUSOLEUM OF SHAH JALAL

The tomb (sabah) of Shah Jalal is the highest place of Muslim pilgrimage in Bangladesh. Shah Jalal is a Sufi saint from Central Asia to spread Islam in the th Century. He defeated Gaur Govinda, a Hindu leader, and settled in the Sylhet region in which he introduced Islam. If it is certain that it has existed, his life is not documented, because the first biographical stories have only been known since the th century. The site includes a mosque and tomb that is accessed by East Khwaja Gate via a walk of stairs. You must leave his shoes at the foot of the stairs and cross the mosque to access the tomb. The tomb itself is covered by a rich brocade and in the evening it is surrounded by candles that fill the atmosphere of serenity and contemplation. Chats calves in an adjacent pond; legend claims that they are a reincarnation of Govinda. On Friday, the pilgrims come from the whole country for the great prayer and the hotels in the city often display complete. The place is open to non-Muslims but proper attire is required (no shorts). Women cannot access either the mosque or the tomb, but a prayer room is reserved for them.