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read read read read read Bara Imambara

Bara Imambara (Tomb of a Muslim holy man)

 

Bara Imambara alias Asfi Imambara , situated at the banks of river Gomti was built by Asaf-ud-Daula, the 4th Nawab of Lucknow in 1784 for famine relief. Imambaras are actually the replicas of mausoleums dedicated to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his family members. Bara Imambara houses the mausoleums of Asaf-ud-Daula and his family. It is one of the most important monuments of Lucknow, famous for its unique style of architecture. It is a mixture of Rajput and Mughal architectures with Gothic influences. The center hall of Bara (big) Imambara is said to be the largest arched hall in the world, which measures 15 meters height and 50 meters length. The ceiling of this hall is more than 15-meter high. One can enter this huge hall through two magnificent triple-arched gateways.

The most noticeable thing about the construction of this monument is that its roof stands without the support of any pillars. It was joined with interlocking bricks without using any beam and there is no woodwork anywhere. Rumi Darwaja, the main gate can be visible from all the windows and galleries of the main hall. It is said to be an important religious monument of the Muslims belonging to the Shia community who gathered here to celebrate the religious festival of Muharram every year.

Bara Imambara houses the bhulbhulayah, bowli (a step-well) and the large Asfi mosque. Bhulbhulaiya located in the upper floor is the main attraction of the Imambara complex. It is a complicated maze with numerous passages, which can confuse the people to find the way out. One can reached it by an external stairway. Asfi mosque located on the left of Imambara was built on a two-storied plinth. It has two tall minarets in the courtyard. The mosque is opened only to the Muslims. Bowli, a five-storied step-well is located to the right of the mosque. It is the only source of water for the large complex, which is connected with the Gomti river by secret tunnels. It is said that a large treasure lies undiscovered in these tunnels. One can get an excellent picturesque view of the city from the top of the Imambara. The monument remains open from morning 6am to evening 5pm.


  Nearby Attractions
›› Rumi Darwaza
›› Clock Tower
›› Chhota Imambara
›› Gautam Buddha Park
›› Masjid Malika Jahan
›› Asfi Mosque
 Picture Gallery
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