Shah Safiuddin’s Astana
Shah Safiuddin's Astana' the enclosed space containing the mausoleum of Shah Safiuddin. According to legend current at chhota pandua (Hughli district, West Bengal), Shah Safiuddin attained martyrdom after conquering the place. His body was brought to pandua and buried there. A modest rauza (mausoleum), within an enclosed area, was built upon his grave. The mausoleum is a brick built square structure with curved cornice and covered over by a dome. At the four corners are four minaret-like towers surmounted by lanterns. A stone tablet fixed into the wall above the door on the west bears the ayatu'l-kursi (a verse from the Holy Quran).
Besides the mausoleum, the astana has several other structures of which the most important is the Karia or Moti Masjid. It is a red brick building, square in plan and roofed by a dome. It has three arched doors on the eastern side and one each on the north and south sides. All the arches are cusped.
At present entry into the prayer only the central door in front provides chamber, others have been converted into windows. The qibla wall of the chamber accommodates three arched mihrabs. There are four minarets at the four corners. Later revocations have obliterated most of the original features of the mosque, which was once embellished with arabesque design. [Dipakranjan Das]
