Cumilla’s centennial three-domed mosque. File Photo

CUMILLA, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS) - The historic Bhauksar village in Barura upazila is home to a century-old architectural treasure that continues to captivate visitors with its heritage and design.
 
The ‘Bhauksar 3 Dom Old Jame Masjid’, built in 1902, has stood as a silent witness to more than a hundred years of local history.
 
Constructed by Zamindar Syed Muhammad Gazi Chowdhury, husband of Nawab Faizunnesa Chowdhurani, the three-domed mosque was built in front of his residence. An inscription above the entrance inside the mosque states that it was established in 1309 Bangla (1902) by the philanthropist Muhammad Gazi Chowdhury.
 
Located about 30 kilometers from Cumilla city, the mosque becomes visible upon entering Bhauksar village through the Bijra–Bhauksar road. The structure features three domes and three minarets, five wooden doors, thick lime-surkir walls, and intricate Mughal-style designs. Floral artwork crafted from lime and lead adorns the interior ceiling, drawing admiration from worshippers and visitors alike.
 
Former imam Md. Abdus Sattar, who served at the mosque for 25 years before retiring last Ramadan, described the structure as a symbol of the area’s history and tradition. “Even after retirement, I still offer most of my prayers here. This mosque represents our heritage,” he said.
 
 
According to local sources, Syed Muhammad Gazi Chowdhury’s father, Enayet Gazi Chowdhury, had built another mosque more than half a century earlier on the eastern side of a pond. Although that mosque has undergone several renovations and lost its original structure, the two mosques still stand on opposite sides of the water body — the older one to the east and the three-domed mosque to the west. Both are now managed by a local committee, as no members of the Zamindar family reside in the area.
 
Current Imam Hafez Md. Masud Rana said that despite minor renovations, the mosque’s original structure has largely remained intact over its 124-year history. “People from distant areas come here, especially on Fridays, to pray and admire its beauty. We try our best to preserve its original charm,” he said.
 
Local resident Md. Abdul Latif, 70, said the mosque has given the area a unique identity. “Many people come to see the old mosque. Some take photographs, others record videos. It is a source of pride for our village,” he added.
 
With its distinctive Mughal-inspired architecture, strong lime-surkir construction, and deep historical roots, the Bhauksar Three-Domed Mosque continues to stand as a testament to the region’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.