Have you ever wondered how a building can stand without any pillars or beams for over two centuries? How a maze can have more than a thousand passages and only one way out? How a whisper can travel across a hall of 50 meters? If you are curious to find out the answers, then you should visit Bara Imambara, a monumental marvel of Mughal architecture in Lucknow, the city of Nawabs. In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, and secrets of Bara Imambara, and also give you some tips and information on how to plan your visit to this amazing place.
History of Bara Imambara
Bara Imambara, which means the big shrine, was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, the fourth Nawab of Awadh, in 1784. The Nawab built Bara Imambara as a relief project for the people of Lucknow, who were suffering from a severe famine. The Nawab employed thousands of workers, artisans, and craftsmen, who worked day and night to construct this magnificent edifice. The Nawab spent his entire treasury on this project, and even sold his personal belongings to fund it. The Nawab’s generosity and benevolence earned him the title of Asaf-ud-Daula, which means the guardian of the state.
Bara Imambara was designed by Kifayatullah, a Persian architect, who is said to have died before the completion of the project. The construction of Bara Imambara took 14 years, from 1784 to 1798, and involved the use of bricks, lime, and plaster, without any iron or wood. The Nawab intended Bara Imambara to be a place of worship for the Shia Muslims, who gather here during the month of Muharram to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
Bara Imambara played a significant role in the 1857 rebellion, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, when the Indian soldiers and civilians rose up against the British rule.
Architecture of Bara Imambara
Bara Imambara is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, which reflects the glory and genius of the Nawabs of Awadh. Bara Imambara consists of four main parts: the central hall, the maze, the mosque, and the step-well. Each part has its own distinctive features and functions, which make Bara Imambara a wonder of engineering and design. Let us take a look at each part in detail:
1. The central hall of Bara Imambara:
The central hall of Bara Imambara is the largest and the most impressive part of Bara Imambara. It is the largest unsupported structure in Asia, without any pillars or beams to support it. It is also the largest hall in Asia, with a length of 50 meters, a width of 16 meters, and a height of 15 meters. The central hall has a splendid dome, which is decorated with floral motifs and chandeliers. The central hall has three gates, which are named after the three directions they face: the eastern gate, the western gate, and the northern gate.
2. The maze of Bara Imambara:
The maze of Bara Imambara, also known as the Bhool Bhulaiya, is the most complex and fascinating part of Bara Imambara. It is located on the upper floor of the central hall, and consists of more than a thousand passages, corridors, staircases, and balconies, which form a labyrinth of twists and turns.
3. The mosque of Bara Imambara:
The mosque of Bara Imambara, also known as the Asafi Mosque, is the finest example of Mughal style of architecture in Bara Imambara. It is located on the left side of the central hall, and has a capacity of 10,000 people. The mosque has a rectangular shape, with three domes and two minarets.
4. The step-well of Bara Imambara:
The step-well of Bara Imambara, also known as the Baoli, is the hidden treasure of water in Bara Imambara. It is located on the right side of the central hall, and is accessed by a narrow staircase. The step-well is a deep well, which has several steps leading to the water level. The step-well is connected to the river Gomti, and has a constant supply of fresh water. The step-well also has some chambers and tunnels, which were used as storage and hiding places during the 1857 rebellion.
The architecture of Bara Imambara is based on the principles of vaults, arches, domes, and acoustics, which make it a wonder of engineering and design. The architect of Bara Imambara used the technique of interlocking bricks, which are held together by lime and plaster, without any iron or wood.
Other Attractions in Lucknow
Bara Imambara is not the only attraction in Lucknow, the city of Nawabs. Lucknow is a city that has a rich and diverse culture, heritage, and cuisine, which make it a must-visit destination for any traveler. Some other attractions in Lucknow that are worth visiting Chota Imambara, British Residency, Rumi Darwaza, Husainabad Clock Tower and Ambedkar Memorial Park.
Bara Imambara Lucknow Timings
Bara Imambara is open from 6 am to 6 pm on all days of the week, except on Fridays, when it is closed for prayers.
The best time to visit Bara Imambara is in the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the gardens are in full bloom. You can also visit Bara Imambara during the festivals of Muharram and Eid, when the place is decorated with lights and flowers, and the atmosphere is festive and lively.
Bara Imambara Lucknow Entry Fee
The entry fee for Bara Imambara is Rs. 50 for Indians, Rs. 500 for foreigners, Rs. 25 for children, and Rs. 5 for camera users. Here are some tips on how to save money and avoid scams while visiting Bara Imambara:
1. Buy a combined ticket for Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, and Husainabad Clock Tower, which costs Rs. 100 for Indians and Rs. 600 for foreigners, and saves you Rs. 50 per person.
2. Avoid the touts and guides who may approach you outside or inside Bara Imambara, and offer you a tour of the place for a hefty fee. They may also try to sell you fake or overpriced souvenirs or services. Instead, hire an official guide from the ticket counter, who will charge you Rs. 100 for a group of up to 10 people, and will give you an authentic and informative tour of Bara Imambara.
3. Bargain and tip wisely. If you want to buy some souvenirs or snacks from the shops or vendors near Bara Imambara, make sure to bargain and compare the prices before you buy. Also, tip the guide, the caretaker, and the shoe-keeper according to your satisfaction and budget, and not according to their demands or expectations.
Bara Imambara Lucknow Address and Contact Details
Bara Imambara is located at Machchhi Bhavan, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003. You can use the map to find the exact location and directions of Bara Imambara.
You can reach Bara Imambara by different modes of transport, such as car, bus, train, or flight. Here are some details on how to reach Bara Imambara by each mode of transport:
By car: You can drive to Bara Imambara by taking the NH 27 or the NH 30, which connect Lucknow to other major cities in India. You can also hire a taxi or a cab from the airport, the railway station, or the bus stand, which will charge you around Rs. 300 to Rs. 500 for a one-way trip to Bara Imambara. You can park your car at the parking lot near Bara Imambara, which will charge you Rs. 20 per hour.
By bus: You can take a bus to Bara Imambara from the Charbagh Bus Stand, which is the main bus terminal in Lucknow. You can find buses to Bara Imambara every 15 minutes, which will charge you Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 per person. You can also take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw from the bus stand, which will charge you Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 per person.
By train: You can take a train to Bara Imambara from the Lucknow Junction Railway Station, which is the main railway station in Lucknow. You can find trains to Bara Imambara every 30 minutes, which will charge you Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 per person. You can also take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw from the railway station, which will charge you Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 per person.
By flight: You can take a flight to Bara Imambara from the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, which is the main airport in Lucknow. You can find flights to Lucknow from all the major cities in India and abroad. You can also take a taxi or a cab from the airport, which will charge you around Rs. 300 to Rs. 500 for a one-way trip to Bara Imambara.
Bara Imambara is a monumental marvel of Mughal architecture that showcases the glory and genius of the Nawabs of Awadh. It is a place where history, culture, and mystery come together to create a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or a thrill seeker, you will find something to admire and enjoy at Bara Imambara. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and explore the secrets of Bara Imambara for yourself. You will not regret it.
