Information on Bawaman Mosque (Panchmahal, Gujarat) - History & Architecture

Bawaman Mosque is popular masjid situated in Champaner city of Gujarat. It is located in the western portion of one of the historical entrances of archaeological park in that city. Bawaman Mosque was entitled when Bava Man was admired as a Muslim saint. He was a follower of Sadan Shah, whose tomb is preserved in Kalika Mata Temple at the top of Pavagadh hill. Bawaman Mosque was constructed throughout the reign of Mahmud Begada, who was one of the most protuberant sultans of Gujrat.

Bawaman Mosque Religious Significance

Bawaman Mosque is an ideal specimen of harmony between Hindu and Muslim religion since, it is regarded as the tomb of a Muslim saint who was a fan of a Hindu saint. The tomb is traced back to the era when various other masjids was created around the Bawaman Mosque, such as Jama Masjid, Ek Minar, Keveda Masjid and Khajuri among others. Since the masjid belong to traditional time and owing to the way of time and the whims of monsoons, the structure of the masjid was ruined.

According to historical records, Bawa Man and Sadan Shah was quite famous among the people of Champaner city. Due to this reason, even today, considerable number of Muslim devotees come to give their prayers to Bawaman Mosque. The masjid is existed for about long period of time and at present, the faith of people towards the masjid has increased considerably. Apart from Bawaman Mosque, there are other adjacent masjids which are regarded as constructed within similar time frame and was reinstated by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Bawaman Mosque Mythology

Bawaman Mosque can be dated back to 15th century and the previously existent masjid is thought to have been carved at that time. Nevertheless, time had worn majority of the magnificence of the masjid. Moreover, very few information is known regarding the history of Bawaman Mosque. Since, it was damaged due to low maintenance, ASI has taken significant effort in order to restore it. Due to this reason, the traffic of visitors in the masjid has increased gradually.

Bawaman Mosque was restored in two stages. The first stage of restoration necessitated to obtain the structure in such a condition where it can be visited by devotees. The second stage of restoration necessitated additional maintenance of the site. Thus, not only Bawaman Mosque is a great religious place, but it has also become an important tourism spot.

Devotees can visit and pray to Bawaman Mosque at any time throughout the year during daylight. However, there are restrictions for the devotees to visit the masjid after sunset. Furthermore, tourists who arrive in the masjid for the purpose of visiting, required to give small charge as a part of maintenance by the ASI.

Bawaman Mosque Architectural Significance

Bawaman Mosque is a lovely masjid created on a raised stage and boasts of a tower which stands out above the trees. There are three tombs in the masjid which adds beauty to the religious place. The features of the masjid comprise three mihrabs on the rear wall and three curved entrances. There is also ablution tanks which is close to Bawaman Mosque. These tanks are intended to perform ritual refinement which help to remove precisely demarcated uncleanliness before conducting any religious activity. The present Bawaman Mosque is considered as the leftovers of past glorious construction. The remaining structure of Bawaman Mosque is more the accomplishment of ASI who invested considerable amount for certifying the wellbeing of the masjid for visitors.