Bara Imambara – It Has A Unique Fashion Architecture Of The 18th Century Significance

BARA IMAMBARA

AT

LUCKNOW

The Bara Imambara was built in the year 1784 by the fourth Nawab of Awadh known as Asaf-ud-Daula. It was built as a part of a relief project for a major famine that took place in the year 1784. The Bara Imambara of Lucknow is one of the most famous monuments of this place.

It is also called Asfi Imambara after the name of the Nawab of Lucknow who got it constructed. It is an important place of worship for the Muslims who come here every year to celebrate the religious festival of Muharram.

The Bara Imambara has a unique style of construction. The central hall of Bara Imambara is said to be the largest arched hall in the world. Except for the galleries in the interior, there is no woodwork in the entire structure.

The hall measures 50 meters long and goes upto a height of 15 meters. What makes the construction unique is the fact that the blocks have been put together with interlocking system of bricks and there has been absolutely no use of girders and beams. The roof stands steady till date without any pillars to support it. 

It has large underground passages which have been blocked up. A staircase from outside leads to a series of labyrinths known as Bhool-Bhulaiyan, which is a complicated entanglement of zig-zag passages. Visitors are advised to visit only with authorised guides. Within the compound of the Imambara is the grand Asafi Mosque. Shahi Baoli is another attraction here.

Timing: Sunrise to Sunset.

Entry fee : Rs. 25.00 (Indian). Rs. 500.00 (Foreigner) (inclusive of Bara Imambara, Chhota Imambara, Picture Gallery, Shahi Hamam).

By Air

Lucknow can be easily reached by air as the place has its own independent airport. The airport at Lucknow is located at a distance of around 14 kilometers from the city center at a place called Amausi. Flights operate from Amausi to nearby places like Delhi, Patna, Ranchi and also other cities like Mumbai. 

By Train

There are two main railway junctions at Lucknow. One is at Lucknow city center itself and the other is at Charbagh, which is located at a distance of around 3 kilometers from the city center. Trains from all major places near and around Lucknow ply daily to this place. 

By Bus

Lucknow can be easily reached from Delhi, Kanpur, Agra, Allahbad and Dehradun. Highways from all these places connect them with Lucknow. The major highways passing through Lucknow are N.H. - 25, N.H. - 28 and N.H. - 56.