Bara Imambara, Lucknow - The Imambara with Thousand Interconnected Passages
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh is a modern city that boasts of some grand Nawabi architectures. Situated at the banks of river Gomti (one of the major tributaries of the Ganga), Lucknow is known for its parks, gardens, and exceptional archaeological monuments. The city retained its appeal as a bastion of cultural as well as culinary delights. If you are fond of 'chikan', the specially embroidered dress materials, this is the place to find the best of the fabrics.The Bara Imambara – Its Parts
The glorious Bara Imambara was created by Asaf-Ud-Daula in the year 1784. He was the fourth Nawab of Awadh and the construction was taken up as a rescue mission for a famine relief project. The bhulbhulaiya, which is the labyrinthine network of roughly thousand consistent passageways are made on top of the chambers. The hollow passageways helped to keep the weight of the ceiling reduced. Even today, this maze or bhulbhulaiya is impossible to navigate without a guide for the visitors.The Bara Imambara, Lucknow complex has a large separate mosque which is called the Asafi Mosque. The campus opens to a sprawling courtyard and the brilliantly ornate gateways makes the place one of the favourite for the shutterbugs. You cannot miss the baoli or the stepwell while in the Bara Imambara. The scalloped arch of the Rumi Darwazais one of the most spectacular gates of India and is the west access to the complex. The gate in itself serves as a doorway to the city’s storied past.
The story behind the Lucknow Bara Imambara is indeed inspiring to think that how the culture, art, architecture, and other traditions reached a height during that time. Later in the 18th century, the region was affected by famine when Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula embarked on the project of constructing this Imambara. This project was to give employment as building workers to the folks and the rest is history!
An imambara is an exclusive building used by Shia Muslims and is neither a mosque nor a mausoleum. It is ideally built for sacred gatherings through the month of Muharram. The unparallel beauty of this imambara through its architectural opulence is also sometimes referred to as the AsfiImambara. One of the best time to visit the place is during the festival of Muharram when the entire region is filled with light and fervour.
The five-storied baoli (step well) is another intriguing structure which belongs to the pre-Nawabi era. Often referred to as the Shahi-Hammam (royal bath), this baoli is linked with the river Gomti. However, only the first two stories are designed to be above water, while the rest is perennially under water.
As You Enter the Bara Imambara, Lucknow
The Rumi Darwaza opens to a huge courtyard which ends at a triple-arched doorway. As you move further, this additionally leads to the focal courtyard wherein the Imambara stands. The outer facade of the architecture is colossal in scale and you can view the city from several levels.The Magnificence of Architecture
The structure of Bara Imambara, Lucknow has a combination of Rajput, Mughal, and Gothic styles. Designed by Hafiz Kifayat Ullah, one of the most renowned architect of the time, created an exemplary engineering marvel which still has no parallel.There are nine halls inside the monument, out of which the central hall is the largest. As you enter the structure, you cannot miss the ceiling and certainly deserves a special mention. At a towering height of about 15m, the structure is supported without any iron rods, columns, beams or girders. This was particularly designed keeping in mind that the central hall was actually used as a place for prayers. The inarched hall is the largest of its kind you will ever visit.
The monument is built of Lakhauri bricks which are laid in lime mortar. Stucco works along with parapets and chattrisadorn the entire structure. Talking in terms of splendour and grandeur, the interior compliments and at time exceeds the exterior. Chandeliers, tazias, alam, have been extensively used in its decoration. One of the most striking features in the construction is that there is complete absence of wood or any form of metal. It remains one of the finest structure built by the Nawabs.
Facts You Cannot Ignore about Bara Imambara, Lucknow
• The largest inarched hall in the world is the main hall which is also called the Central Hall of the Bara Imambara• Many interconnected passages of the Bhool Bhulaiya, the maze inside the Imambara, were closed to the general public after there were reports of people missing
• According to some, there are secret tunnels in the Bara Imambara that lead directly to the Gomti River which connects to Delhi, Allahabad and Faizabad.
When Is the Ideal Time to Visit?
Bara Imambara, Lucknow can be visited it throughout the year. However, the summers in Lucknow can get very hot, with the temperature reaching up to 45°C and the weather gets hot and dry. During winter months, the weather remains cool and pleasant, and is the ideal time to explore the monument. Also, one of the best things to do in Lucknow is go for the plethora of cuisines available. Winter is once again the ideal time to enjoy the spicy platters.Places of Nearby Attractions
• Chowk• Chota Imambara
• Hazratganj
• Hussainabad Clock Tower
• Rumi Darwaza
• Aurangzeb’s Mosque
• British Residency
Quick Facts
• Best time to visit – Morning or afternoon – 6 am to 5 pm• Facilities - Food vendors, Washrooms
• Recommended Hours – At least 2 hours
• Best Visited With - group, family, couple or solo
• Closed on - Mondays
• Allowed–Camera (extra charges), Video, Footwear
Railway Junctions
• Lucknow City Railway Station (3.39 km)• Aishbagh Railway Station (4.95 km)
• Lucknow Railway Station (5.23 km)
By air
There are many connecting flights from the main cities of the country that connects Lucknow airport.