The 2 Imambaras of lucknow
Symbol of History and Faith
The Bada Imambara, is also known as the Asafi Imambara, Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784,an architectural marvel and a site of profound historical and religious significance. This grand structure, located in Lucknow, India,offers visitors a deep insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region and the mouring commemorations for Imam Hussain(as).Bada Imambara @ Wiki
Chhota Imambara, or Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak is a monument located in the city of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. It took 54 years to build. Built as an imambara, or a congregation hall for Shia Muslims, by Muhammad Ali Shah, the Nawab of Awadh in 1838, it was to serve as a mausoleum for himself and his mother, who is buried beside him.Chota Imambara @ wiki
What is an Imambara?
An Imambara, also known as 'Husainiyah', or 'Ashoorkhana', is a dedicated place
where Muslims gather to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s.), the son of
immaculate parents, Ali (a.s.) and Fatima (s.a.), and the third of the twelve Holy Imams in
Shia Islam.
Imam Hussain (a.s.) was mercilessly martyred in Karbala, Iraq, on 10 Muharram 61
AH (Ashura), along with his family and companions.
In this unparalleled, divinely ordained
test, he willingly sacrificed everything a human being can offer.
As God's error-free
Vicegerent on earth and the Inheritor of all guidance progressively revealed to mankind
through Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all), his
unique and supreme sacrifice prevented God's Religion from obliteration, ensuring continued
pristine guidance for the salvation of humanity. Thus, truth, justice, and freedom were
preserved as virtues, distinctly separated from Falsehood and Injustice.
The significance of "Panjetan," the holy five, is emphasized with five main doorways in Chota Imambara. There is a Shehnasheen (a platform where the Zarih of Imam Husain is kept.) Zarih is the replica of that protective grill or structure which is kept on the grave of Imam Husain at Karbala, Iraq.
Who is Hussain (a.s)?
Hussain (as)was the grandson of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (as), son of immaculate parents Imam Ali (as) and Syeda Fatima (sa).
He was mercilessly martyred in Karbala, Iraq on 10 Muharram 61 AH (Ashura) along with all his family including his 6-month-old baby, by a huge army of over 30,000 soldiers of the tyrant Yazid, son of Muawiah.
Hussain (as), grandson of Prophet Mohammed (as), was God's error-free Vicegerent on earth and Inheritor of all Guidance progressively revealed to mankind through Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them all).
He did not pay allegiance demanded by the tyrant and willingly sacrificed everything a human being can, in this unparalleled divinely ordained test event.
This unique and supreme sacrifice prevented God's Religion Islam ( which means submission to HIM) from obliteration. This ensured continued pristine Guidance for the Salvation of Humanity. Truth, Justice, and Freedom remained as virtues, separated from Falsehood and Injustice.
The Tragedy of Karbala
The Bada Imambara stands as a tribute to the harrowing events of Karbala. On the 10th of Muharram in 61 AH (680 A.D.), Imam Husain (a.s.) and 71 of his family members and companions were confronted with huge over 30,000 men oppressive forces of Yazid, son of Muawiah. All of them inclusing womed and children were starved and deprived of water for 3 days, but they stood firm in their commitment to truth and justice. The forces beheaded Imam Husain (a.s.) and his companions,including his 18-year-old son, Ali Akbar (a.s.), and his 6-month-old infant, Ali Asghar(a.s.). The women and children (including his 4 year old daughter Sakina / Ruqaiya who succumbed later ) were taken captive and subjected to severe mistreatment in Kufa and Damascus.
This profound sacrifice serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding humanity of the virtues of courage, patience, and steadfastness in the face of oppression. Lectures and elegies (Majalis) continue to be held globally, keeping the memory of Imam Husain (a.s.) alive in the hearts of millions.
The Construction of the Asafi Imambara
Commissioned by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, the Bada Imambara was constructed as a means to provide employment during a severe famine. This massive project employed around twenty thousand workers and took six years to complete, costing approximately 15 million silver coins. The construction also accommodated the participation of needy men and women from respectable families, who worked discreetly at night.
Architectural Splendor
The Asafi Imambara is renowned for its stunning Islamic architecture, standing alongside mosques and mausoleums as a significant symbol of cultural heritage. The Imambara features a vast hall with an arched ceiling, notable for being constructed without the use of wood or steel. The support system relies on bow-like arches, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world.
Within the hall, visitors can admire exquisite chandeliers from Belgium and England. The Shahnasheen houses valuable Tazias (replicas of Imam Husain's Mausoleum) and Alams (symbols representing Imam Husain's group in Karbala). The graves of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula and his consort Begum Shamsunnisa are also situated here, adding to the site's historical significance.
The Bara Imambara, also known as the Asfi Mosque, is an impressive historical structure in Lucknow,
India.
Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, it is renowned for its architectural grandeur.
The Bara Imambara, also known as the Asfi Mosque, is an impressive historical structure in Lucknow,
India.
Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, it is renowned for its architectural grandeur.
Key architectural features inside Bara Imambara:
1. Central Hall
Size and Design: The central hall is one of the largest arched constructions without support beams in the world, measuring about 50 meters long and 15 meters high.
Intricate Design: The hall features intricate Mughal architecture extensive ornamentation and stucco decorations.
2. Rumi Darwaza
Gateway: The imposing Rumi Darwaza serves as the main entrance to the complex. It is an architectural marvel in itself, reminiscent of Turkish design, particularly the gateways of Constantinople.
3. Asafi Mosque
Mosque Structure: Within the complex, the Asafi Mosque stands out with its symmetrical design, typical of Mughal architecture. The mosque is known for its domes and minarets.
Decoration: The mosque's interiors are adorned with intricate calligraphy and floral patterns.
4. The Baoli
(Stepwell)
Water Reservoir: The Baoli is a stepwell used to collect water. It has a distinctive structure with steps leading down to the water, reflecting.
5. Labyrinth
(Bhulbhulaiya)
Complex Pathways: The labyrinth is a major attraction with its network of narrow passages and stairways. It was designed to confuse intruders, adding a strategic defensive element.
Acoustic Features: The design allows sound to travel distinctly, enabling communication across different parts of the building without modern technology.
6. Courtyards
Open Spaces: The courtyards within the complex are vast, with manicured gardens and water features, typical of Mughal architectural landscapes.
7. Chhatris and
Jharokhas
Pavilions and Windows: The structure includes several chhatris (elevated, dome-shaped pavilions) and jharokhas (overhanging enclosed balconies), adding to its aesthetic and functional design.
8. Stucco
Decorations
Detailed Work: : The interiors are richly decorated with stucco work, featuring floral and geometric patterns, showcasing the artisanship of the period.
9. No Usage
of Iron or Wood
Construction Technique: Remarkably, the Bara Imambara was constructed without using iron or wood, relying instead on bricks and lime plaster, which showcases the advanced engineering skills of that era.
10. Ceiling
Design
Vaulted Ceilings: : The ceilings in various parts of the Imambara are vaulted, with some featuring intricate designs and others left plain to emphasize the structure's vastness and strength.
