Draft:Bagmati Barkati Jame Mosque
| Gyanwali Masjid | |
|---|---|
ग्यानवाली मस्जिद | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Islam |
| Location | |
| Location | Birgunj, Parsa District, Madhesh Province, Nepal |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Mosque |
| Style | Islamic |
Gyanwali Masjid (Nepali:ग्यानवाली मस्जिद) is a mosque in the city of Birgunj in southern Nepal. It is located in the Ghantaghar area (around the central clock tower) of Birgunj.[1][2]
The mosque serves Birgunj’s Muslim community, which makes up roughly 17–18% of the local population (around 25,000 people).[3] Travel guides note that Gyanwali Masjid is especially known for its “beautiful white marble front and tall minarets”.[4] Its facade and overall style reflect typical Indo-Islamic architecture integrated with local influences. The mosque has a large open courtyard and a spacious prayer hall capable of accommodating several hundred worshippers.[4]
History
[edit]The founding date of Gyanwali Masjid is not well documented in published sources. It appears to be a relatively modern addition to Birgunj’s religious landscape, likely built in the late 20th century. The mosque stands adjacent to Birgunj’s Ghantaghar clock tower, a city landmark completed in 1976.[1][2] Over time, Gyanwali Masjid has become one of Birgunj’s principal mosques. It is frequently mentioned in travel literature about Nepali mosques and has served as a center for the local Muslim population for decades.[4]
Architecture
[edit]Gyanwali Masjid exemplifies a blend of traditional Islamic and Nepali architectural elements. It is highlighted by its gleaming white marble façade and multiple tall minarets.[4] The entrance leads into a wide courtyard, which in turn opens onto the main prayer hall. The prayer hall is a large rectangular space with a high ceiling, and can accommodate hundreds of worshippers during congregational prayers.[4] Inside and out, the mosque features Islamic design motifs such as pointed arches and ornamented doorways. Although the exact number of domes is not specified in sources, mosques of this region typically have one or more domes; the overall design has drawn praise for standing out “from the busy town around it”.[4]
Role in the Community
[edit]Gyanwali Masjid plays a central role in the cultural and religious life of Birgunj’s Muslims.[4] It is the site of the five daily prayers as well as special prayers for Islamic festivals. For example, during Eid al-Fitr (the festival marking the end of Ramadan) thousands of Muslims from Birgunj gather in the city’s mosques for communal prayers.[3] The Himalayan Times reported that roughly 25,000 Muslims in Birgunj throng some 20 local mosques for the Eid morning prayer, indicating the importance of places like Gyanwali Masjid in the community.[3] The mosque also hosts educational activities and community events; according to travel accounts, it holds “spiritual events, festivals, and learning programs” for the faithful.[4] During Ramadan, the mosque’s courtyard and hall are often filled nightly for Taraweeh prayers and communal iftars (fast-breaking meals). In this way, Gyanwali Masjid not only serves as a place of worship but also as a cultural center for Birgunj’s Muslims.
Location and Surroundings
[edit]Gyanwali Masjid is situated in the heart of Birgunj. It faces Ghantaghar – Birgunj’s famous clock tower – and lies in the city’s main market area.[2][1] The Ghantaghar Plaza is described as the “main center of attraction of Birgunj,” making the mosque highly visible and easily accessible. Birgunj is Nepal’s commercial capital in the south and is nicknamed the “Gateway of Nepal” due to its proximity to the Indian border. The mosque’s location near Ghantaghar places it amid shops, hotels, and civic buildings that serve both Nepali and Indian visitors. This central setting highlights the mosque’s civic role: it is not only a neighborhood worship site but also part of the city’s public square and daily life.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Tripathi, Ritesh (2017-06-03). "Ghanta Ghar: Identity of Birgunj". Republica. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ^ a b c Karki, Amrit (2021-11-04). "Birgunj-based clock tower resumes functioning". Nepal News. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ^ a b c Sarraf, Ram Sarr (2017-06-26). "Birgunj Muslim community throng mosques on Eid al-Fitr". The Himalayan Times. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Nangia, Avni (2025-01-29). "Top 10 Mosques In Nepal To Visit For A Spiritual Journey". TripXL. Retrieved 2025-07-24.