The Unknown Glory of Bara Imambara, Lucknow

The Northern Indian city of Lucknow is a fascinating fusion of heritage and modernity. It is a special location because of its rich history and culture. The Bara Imambara, an architectural wonder constructed in the 18th century by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, is located in the centre of Lucknow. You’ll find a massive hall inside with no supporting pillars, an engineering marvel. On the top floor, don’t miss the fascinating labyrinth known as Bhulbhulaiya, which is intended to confuse and delight tourists. The magnificent Asfi Mosque is located close to the Imambara. A trip through history and a must-do when discovering Lucknow’s beauties is a visit to the Bara Imambara.

History of Bara Imambara 

The Bara Imambara was constructed in 1784 by Asaf-ud-Daula, the fourth Nawab of Awadh. It was constructed as a component of a relief effort for a significant famine that occurred in the year 1784. One of Lucknow’s most famous landmarks is the Bara Imambara. It also goes by the name Asfi Imambara, after the Lucknow Nawab who ordered its construction. For the Muslims who visit here yearly to observe the Islamic festival of Muharram, it is a significant place of prayer.

The masterpiece is the outcome of Nawab’s devotion to and love for his people. This monument was built with the intention of boosting industry after a tragedy severely damaged the Awadh region. He decided he would make them build wonderful structures that provide them jobs and nourishment.

The magnificent maze known as Bhulbhulaiya at the Bara Imambara is well-known. This is situated on the monument’s upper level. To reach this level, use the stairs. From the summit of this monument, one can see a beautiful panoramic of the city, which is really breathtaking. The Bhulbhulaiya is a must-see, and hiring a guide is the easiest way to leave without getting lost. There are rumours that this maze’s subterranean passages contain enormous treasures.

Additoion Facts About Bara Imambara

• Visitors must cover their heads with suitable clothes before entering the Imambara because it is a holy place. The main entryway is where you may get these clothes.
• You must take off your shoes outside the entrance.
• Bring a torch when touring the Baori and the labyrinth (Bhool Bhulaiya) so you can see the area clearly.
• Hire a guide if you don’t want to get lost in the Bhool Bhulaiya.
• The building’s lack of use of iron during construction is its most notable feature. It hasn’t yet included any references to European architectural styles.
• Three large rooms in this building are connected by lengthy hallways that are hidden by their 20-foot-thick walls.
• This interesting structure cost between INR. 5 to 10 lakh to build at the time.
• There are no roof supports on the 50x16x15-meter main complex of the building.

Architectural Design of The Bara Imambara 

The area being utilised is 50 metres long and 16 metres wide. At a height of 15 metres, the ceiling is built. The absence of supporting columns is the ceiling’s primary characteristic. Also, the ceiling was not supported by beams, iron rods, or a girder.

The Imambara was built in a distinctive manner. The centre hall, which is reputed to be the largest vaulted chamber in the world, is where one may also see Nawab Asaf-Ud-Dowlah’s burial and his crown. The Imamabara is constructed out of Lakhauri bricks and embellished with chattris, parapets, and stucco work. The roof of this Imambara is unique since it was built from rice husk ash.

What’s Inside Bara Imambara? 

There are three main attraction in Bara Imambara; take a look below at how Bara Imambara look like the inside:

• Central Hall (Main Attractions):  This is the main attraction of the Bara Imambara. It’s an enormous central hall that’s truly inspiring. What’s unique about this is that Bara Imambara does not have any beams or pillars to support its massive ceiling, which shows the creativity of the engineering. And one more thing that grabs your attention is that the monument is made of rice husk, which makes it light but sturdy.
• Labyrinth (bhulbhuliya): This is a maze of narrow passages on the upper floor of the Imambara. It’s a fun and puzzling experience to navigate through it. The architecture is designed to confuse you, and it’s said that even if you get lost, you can find your way out eventually.
• Asfi Mosque: Adjacent to the Bara Imambara is the Asfi Mosque, which is a beautiful piece of Islamic architecture. It’s a serene place for prayers and reflection.

Best time to visit and entry fees of Bara Imambara

Bara Imambara is open weekdays and weekends from 6 am to 5 pm. For Indians, the entrance charge is INR 25, whereas it is INR 500 for visitors. Bara Imambara can be explored with the help of guides; the cost of the guides is listed at the ticket desk. So, are you prepared to visit and explore the location?

Ways To Reach Bara Imambara 

There are several ways to go to Bara Imambara Lucknow, including by plane, rail, and road. Through these three forms of transportation, Lucknow is connected to all of India’s main cities.

• By Air- Amau, which is roughly 15 kilometres from the city centre, is where you’ll find Lucknow Airport.
• By Train- Northern and North-Eastern Railway Network’s Charbagh Station, located 3 kilometres from the city centre, serves Lucknow.
• By Road- National Highways 24, 25, and 28 travelling east, west, and south intersect at Lucknow. It has good connections to important cities like Delhi, Agra, and Varanasi.

Interesting Facts about Lucknow

If you subscribe to the proverb that “Some wonderful routes can’t be found without exploring the beautiful city of Lucknow,” you must become disoriented in order to find Lucknow, one of the historic towns of India. Lucknow is a historical city that dates back thousands of years and is known for its delectable cuisine, music, artwork, and handicrafts. Through the British Raj, the city has evolved into a goldmine of fascinating facts throughout its journey from the Sultanate Era to the current decade.

• Lucknow City of Nawabo ki Nagri
• The Mughal Era
• The Center for the Indian Rebellion of 1857
• Rumi Darwaza or The Turkish Gate
• Bara Imambara
• Chota Imambara (The Place of Lights)
• The Tallest Clock Tower

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