Bara Imambara, Lucknow , Lucknow
About Bara Imambara, Lucknow
Asafi Imambara also known as Bara Imambara or Bada Imambara is the largest and grandest historical monument in Lucknow city. Imambara means Shia Muslims' Shrine. In 17th century, Asaf-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Lucknow built the Bada Imambara. 'Bara' implies 'big' and 'imambara' implies 'sacred hall where Muslims perform their rituals around the time of Muharram, the major festival of mourning for the death of Hussein in the battle of Karbala. The Imambara Complex also includes the Asfi Mosque, BhulBhulaiya - a Labyrinth and Step well which has running water. As per historical facts, the Nawab built this Imambara in order to provide work to ordinary people who suffered in great famine in 17th century. It took approximately 6 years (1785-91) to complete the construction. In those days itself, it cost over 10 million Rupees to construct this grand structure.
The building includes the mosque, the labyrinth (Bhul Bhulaiya) and a stepping well with running water (bowli). There are two gateways that lead to the main hall. It is said that there are 1024 ways to reach the terrace but only one way to come back.
The ravishing architecture of the complex reflects the grandeur of the ornamental Mughal design. The main feature of this building is that iron and European architecture has not been used anywhere. The interior of the building is also picturesque that it will leave you amazed.
Like Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, no European materials or iron was used for its constructions. The main Imambara which has the tomb of Asaf-Ud-Daula stands elegantly without any support beams. The height of the ceiling of central hall is 15 meters. The amazing hollow walls of the central hall help in keeping it cool during summer and also lighten the load of the structure.
Eight chambers which surround the main Imambara are interlinked by a wide labyrinth - known as Bhool-Bhulaiyan consisting entanglement of 486 zig-zag ways. Bhool-Bhulaiyan is the most interesting and fascinating structure of Bara Imambara. The Rumi Darwaza which is situated just outside the main Imambara is of 18 m tall. In that period of time the architect from Delhi won the contract of construction over tough competitive procedure. You can see the architect’s tomb by the side of tomb of Nawab inside main chamber. As per legends the secret passages which link the Imambara with other places like Gomti River, Delhi, Faizabad and Allahabad have been closed permanently.
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Places to Visit near Bara Imambara, Lucknow
Buddha Park, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
0.9 km from Bara Imambara, Lucknow - See map
Like many other attractions in the city, the Gautam Buddha Park in Lucknow also has its own unique charm. Located near the Rumi Darwaza, the...
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Rumi Darwaza, Uttar Pradesh
0.9 km from Bara Imambara, Lucknow - See map
Popularly termed as Turkish Gate”, Rumi Darwaza was built by Asaf-ud-Daulah in 1784 nearby Bara Imambara. Rumi Darwaza was constructed using...
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Husainabad Clock Tower, Uttar Pradesh
1.1 km from Bara Imambara, Lucknow - See map
Adjacent to Rumi Darwaza, on the banks of Gomti river, majestically stands the Husainabad Clock tower. Husainabad clock tower is the tallest clock...
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Chhota Imambara, Uttar Pradesh
1.6 km from Bara Imambara, Lucknow - See map
Chota Imambara is a striking monument located in the city of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Otherwise termed as “Husainabad Imambara”, the Chhota...
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Lucknow Residency, Uttar Pradesh
2.1 km from Bara Imambara, Lucknow - See map
The Lucknow Residency, is a cluster of buildings ruins that were built in 18th century by the then Nawab of Oudh, Nawab Saadat Ali Khan. Purpose...
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Shaheed Smarak, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
3.1 km from Bara Imambara, Lucknow - See map
The city of Lucknow played an important role in First War of Independence and throughout our freedom struggle until 1947. Erected to mark the...
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Ramakrishna Math,Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
3.4 km from Bara Imambara, Lucknow - See map
Ramakrishna Math in Lucknow is a branch of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Belur. The Math or the mission consists of idols of Ramakrishna,...
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Kaiserbagh Palace, Uttar Pradesh
3.4 km from Bara Imambara, Lucknow - See map
Kaiser Bagh Palace, the most frequented tourist spot in Lucknow was built by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah in the year 1847. The Nawab had a passion for...
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Moti Mahal, Uttar Pradesh
3.7 km from Bara Imambara, Lucknow - See map
Located on the banks of Gomti River, nearby Hazartganj, Moti Mahal is often termed as “Pearl Palace”. Nawab Sadaat Ali Khan constructed this...
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Begum Hazrat Mahal Park, Uttar Pradesh
3.8 km from Bara Imambara, Lucknow - See map
A marble memorial building which was established in Victoria Park to honor the great Begum Hazrat Mahal on August 15th 1962 is called as “Begum...
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Lucknow Zoo, Uttar Pradesh
5.4 km from Bara Imambara, Lucknow - See map
Spreading across 72 acres of ground, Lucknow Zoo is categorized by Central Zoo Authority of India as Large Zoo. Footfalls of visitors counts to...
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Ambedkar Park, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
8.3 km from Bara Imambara, Lucknow - See map
The 107 acres spread of land; dedicated to memory of Dr B.R. Ambedkar is one of the major attractions of the Nazakat & Nafazat ka sheher Lucknow....
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