The Mazar of Hazrat Mia Chand Shah, located in Manik Khali Katiadi, Dhaka, surrounded by the tranquil lowlands known locally as haour, stands as a testament to our dedication to blending tradition with contemporary design. This sacred site honors one of the revered Sufi saints, Hazrat Mia Chand Shah, who, along with his relative and senior Sah Samsuddin Awlia, played a significant role in the spiritual history of the region.

 

Our design approach for the Mazar began with a deep respect for the existing elements and the spiritual significance of the site. We aimed to address the challenges of the current situation minimally and sensitively, preserving the road that connects the villagers, retaining all existing trees, and maintaining the deep tub-well that holds historical memories.

 

Our vision extended to incorporating phenomenological elements inspired by the spiritual teachings and symbols of Sufism. Drawing inspiration from the poetry of Lalon, particularly the concept of “খাচার ভিতর অচিন পাখি কেমনে আসে যায়” (where the body is the cage and the soul is the bird), we designed the Mazar to symbolize a lotus flower on the water, with the petals abstractly representing elephant tusks—a recurring symbol in Sufi iconography.

 

The Mazar’s architectural design is a harmonious blend of traditional symbolism and modern aesthetics. Key features of the project include:

 

• Lotus Flower Design: The Mazar is designed to resemble a lotus flower floating on the water, symbolizing purity and spiritual enlightenment. The petals’ shapes are inspired by the form of elephant tusks, adding a deeper symbolic layer to the design.

• Smooth Curved Lines: Inspired by the fluid movements of the Sama Qawwali dance, the design incorporates smooth, curvilinear lines that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, creating a harmonious and serene environment.

• Historical Ghat Plaza: We reconstructed the historical ghat, a significant communal space that many locals remember fondly. This plaza serves as a reminder of the site’s history and provides a peaceful place for reflection.

• Pavilion and Ablution Space: A new pavilion with an ablution space has been added to enhance the visitor experience. This pavilion also houses a small library, offering visitors a place to engage in spiritual reading and contemplation.

• Reorganized Grave Area: The area around the grave has been reorganized with black stone pathways and a water fountain, creating a tranquil and spiritually uplifting space for visitors to walk and meditate.

In keeping with our commitment to sustainability, we used locally sourced materials and incorporated traditional construction techniques. The landscape design respects the natural haour surroundings, enhancing biodiversity and maintaining the ecological balance.

 

The Mazar of Hazrat Mia Chand Shah is more than just a resting place for a revered saint; it is a spiritual sanctuary that harmonizes the old with the new. At Chinta Sthapatya, we are honored to contribute to the preservation and celebration of this sacred site, ensuring that it continues to inspire and uplift future generations.