The family of the famous Maharaja Shashikant Acharya of Bengal got the first zamindari during the reign of Nawab Murshid Quli Khan of Bangla Bihar Orissa and they started managing the zamindari based on Muktagacha. Gradually, in the 18th century, the Maharaja built the Rajbari on the site of the present Teachers Training College outside Muktagacha, which still stands tall as a unique architectural landmark. History is spread in every inch of this palace located in the city of Mymensingh. Maharaja Suryakant Acharya named Shashi Lodge. The Shashi Lodge and the sculpture of Venus, the Greek goddess of beauty in front of it, stand today as an iconic representation of the Mymensingh district. On 9 (nine) acres of land surrounded by lots of greenery, Shashi Lodge stands as a witness of the past, bearing the traditions of the past. Its shaded heart-touching cool atmosphere, the building’s beautiful attractive industrial craftsmanship Kadai, Ashoka, Deodaru, Kathgopal, Arjuna, Kapur grandeur and antiquity take the visitors and tourists to the golden period of history when it was built. Ghatla, a two-storied pond known as “Jalghar” behind the building. The identity of this sculptor is not known. The history of the marble-covered polygonal two-ghat rear pond is not known. However, it is known that the oldest tree on the western side of the pond standing as a witness to the prestige of the Rajbari is the Nagalingam, which resulted At that time it was used as food for elephants. The architecture of Shashi Lodge will attract many tourists and beauty for ages The memory of the founder Shashikanth will be eternal. Maharaja Suryakanth built this palace with great care. When he climbed the stairs, a special kind of music was played.
History
The famous Maharaja Shashikanta Acharya’s family first acquired a zamindari during the reign of the Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, which included Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, and they began administering their zamindari centred around Muktagacha. Gradually, in the 18th century, Maharaja Shashikanta built a palace outside Muktagacha, on the site of what is now the Teachers’ Training College, which still stands as a unique example of architectural style. Every inch of this palace, located in the city of Mymensingh, is steeped in history. Maharaja Suryakanta Acharya named it Shashi Lodge. Today, Shashi Lodge, along with the statue of Venus—the Greek goddess of beauty located in front of it—has become an iconic symbol of Mymensingh District. The Shashi Lodge, spread over 9 acres of land surrounded by greenery, has remained an indelible witness to the past. The cool, serene environment under the shade of trees, the beautifully adorned architecture, including carvings of various trees like Kairi, Ashoka, Deodar, Kothgopal, Arjun, and Camphor, draw visitors and tourists into the golden era of when it was built. Behind the building is a two-story pond with a platform known as “Jalghar” (water house). The identity of the sculptor remains unknown, as does the history of the pond, which is covered with marble and has two sides. However, it is known that the ancient Nagalingam tree on the western side of the pond, once used to feed elephants, still stands as a testament to the grandeur of the royal palace. The architectural marvel of Shashi Lodge will continue to attract countless tourists and beauty enthusiasts for generations to come. The memory of its founder, Shashikanta, will remain bright in the courtyard of Shashi Lodge for eternity. Maharaja Suryakanta built this palace with great care in honour of his adopted son, Shashikanta. As one ascends the staircase, a unique melody would play. The founder of this zamindari was Shri Krishna Acharya. Shashikanta was the last heir of this Zamindari family.
How to go
From Dhaka you can go to Mymensingh by Ena, Alam Asia, Shamim Enterprise, Shoukhin or Safe Transport bus for a fare of Tk 320. It takes two and a half to three hours to travel from Dhaka to Mymensingh. You can get down at Masakanda bus stand and take an auto or rickshaw to visit Shashi Lodge. Rickshaw will charge 30-40 Tk.
If you want to travel to Mymensingh by train from Dhaka, Teesta Express (7:30 am), Mohanganj Express (01:15 pm), Jamuna Express (04:45 pm), Brahmaputra (06:15 pm) and Haor Express (10:15 pm) You can go directly to Mymensingh by any of these trains as per your time and choice. Class-wise fare is 120 to 501 taka. It will take 3 to 4 hours to go. You can go to Shashi Lodge by renting a rickshaw of Tk 20-25 from the railway station.
Where will you stay
You can choose the best hotel for you from various quality hotels in Mymensingh city. Moreover, trust can be in Amir International or Hotel Mustafiz in Mymensingh.
Where to eat
In Mymensingh city, you can taste the taste of Rooster Pollaw at Press Club Canteen. Apart from this, Hotel Dhansindi and Hotel Sarinda have a good reputation for good quality food.
Shashi Lodge is a historic royal palace in Mymensingh. the palace remains a significant symbol of royal heritage and continues to attract visitors, preserving the legacy of Maharaja Shashikanta and his family.