Poa Mecca

Poa Mecca is a historic mosque located on Garurachal Hill in Hajo, Kamrup district, Assam, about 30 km northwest of Guwahati. Built in 1657, it is centered around the tomb of Sufi saint Pir Giasuddin Auliya, who is believed to have brought soil from Mecca. The mosque is revered as offering one-fourth the spiritual merit of a pilgrimage to Mecca, making it an important Islamic pilgrimage centre in Northeast India.

Visitors can expect a white domed mosque and shrine complex situated atop Garurachal Hill, reached by a flight of steps. The complex includes the main prayer hall, the tomb of Pir Giasuddin Auliya, and an open courtyard with views over Hajo town and surrounding plains. The setting is quiet and religious, with pilgrims offering prayers and visitors observing Mughal-influenced brick architecture and simple interior decoration.

The mosque was built in 1657 during the period of Mughal influence in the region, associated with Sufi saint Pir Giasuddin Auliya. Tradition holds that the saint brought a handful of soil from Mecca and established the shrine on Garurachal Hill, giving the site its name Poa Mecca meaning one-fourth of Mecca. The structure was later repaired and maintained as an important Islamic monument in Assam.

Poa Mecca is one of the most revered Islamic pilgrimage centres in Assam and Northeast India. It is believed that offering prayers here grants one-fourth the merit of Hajj to Mecca, attracting pilgrims especially during Urs festival. Located in Hajo, a town sacred to Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists, it reflects the region's tradition of religious harmony and shared sacred geography.