Bara Imambara is the main attraction of Lucknow and the first destination point of tourists. You will get here detailed information about this must-see monument of Lucknow.
In the vicinity, you can also see Asifi Mosque, Shahi Bawali, Rumi Darwaja.
After seeing these, you
may proceed to see Chhota Imambara, Hussainabad Picture Gallery, Clock
Tower etc. which are situated upwards on the same road.
Asafi
Imambara, also called as Bara Imambara in Lucknow is a sprawling
historical monument of India. This beautiful splendid building was built
by 4th Nawab of Awadh- Nawab Asaf-Ud-Dowhala and the construction work was taken up in the year 1784. It took 14 years to complete. It was designed by the Architect Hafiz Kifayat ullah. Shahjahanabadi, a prominent Architect of that time.
The Noble Mission - To provide work and food- This great structure was started with a noble cause. During 18th century a devastating famine struck the Awadh Estate, the Nawab thought of a plan to provide food for its starving subjects. He decided to
make magnificent buildings which would in turn provide employment to the
people of the state. Thus the idea of Food- for- work was implemented. This basic concept is still prevalent in India and poor are always benefited of such schemes whenever sponsored by government.
No Discrimination
It
is said that the famine had affected to all segments of the State. To
keep pace with crippling food scarcity poor people worked in day-time as
usual while a section of the noble people worked during night hours.
This it was ensured that each section of society gets opportunity to work.
Unique Construction
The whole building is made of Lakhanui bricks (small size bricks) and lime plaster. No wood or metal has been used in the construction. This special contemporary style of construction makes the structure unique and amazing.
What
will surprise you is the arched roof of the central halls where not
even a single piece of beams or girders has been used. It is said that
this is the only building of the world without any pillar support though
it is largest one . The height of the ceiling is 15 meters. The amazing hollow walls of the central hall not only keeps it cool during summer but also help to lighten the load of the structure. You can view the grave of Nawab Asaf-ud-Dowlah and his crown kept in the central hall.
Bara Imambara in fact establishes a unique link with Lucknow's past.
Best of the structure is excellent architecture that represents
Lucknow's culture, art, its ethos and Nawabi way of life which is always
peculiar to Avadh (Province).
So where is Bhool Bhulaiya (the Labyrinth) in Bara Imambara
The most interesting and amazing structure of Bara Imambara -Bhool Bhulaiya or the Labyrinth, is constructed above the Imambara. On left hand side you will see steep chain of stairs going upto the roof of the monument. Put
on your shoes, equip yourself with a torch and of course with acqua
water bottle if it is summer days, explore the world most discussed and
appreciated Bhool Bhulaiya which comprises a network of more than 1,000
passages, 489 identical doorways and a number of staircases that goes up or down. Some
of the doorways open into the balconies of the Central vault, while
some open into the windows where from you can see the main road, and
other structures and the rest ways are blocked !
The structure appears like a maze game involving a number of stairs, tracks, openings which confuse the visitor. Few of the tracks are sealed because of maintenance or other reasons. If
you visit, keep in mind that maximum stairs have opening to the roof of
the structure. If you find yourself confused, you may opt for to go on
roof … and this is the easiest way. This looks like secret code to crack the maze.
An unknown Significant fact : You will find some guides burning a matchbox stick at the other end of the balconies that have openings to the Central Hall. In fact, this is another significant and architectural art of the building that has been used in this structure. You can listen the sound of a match stick at the other end of the hall. It is really interesting and seems unbelievable. If you happen to visit this monument, please do observe this uniqueness.
It may be probably due to grooves made on the walls of the Hall. You
can see grooves lining in black colour. Another most unusual feature is
that Imambara provides different moods - either at dusk or dawn. Please
visit it in early morning and thereafter in evening and you will find
still more to explore.
The Top of the Bhool Bhulaiya:
Ah, what a look of Lucknow. The city of Minarets and domes. Have
a bird's eye view of monuments, the Roomi Darwaja, the Gates, Asifi
Masjid, Clock Towers, Laxman Tila Masjid, the blue river - Gomti and the
busy streets of Lucknow city.
Bara
Imambara in Lucknow is probably the most visited monuments of the city
by the tourists coming from all over the world who find it one of the
really fascinating buildings of the world. - a building
created about 226 years ago to help the needy, the poor during the sad
days of famine - and the building that still provides employment to a
number of shop owners [selling bone articles, jewellery, nawabi shoes,
ornaments, decorative items, chikan clothes, etc.], to the well behaved
Guides- equipped with Lucknow's etiquette and manners, the helpful staff. The Asifi Imambara is not only a great monument of Lucknow but also a message of humanity, kindness and love.
Entry Ticket : Buy
here a COMBINED PASS (Entry ticket) : Rs. 35/- from the Ticket Window
at 2nd Gate of Bara Imambara- Provided by Hussainabad Trust, Lucknow,
for visiting Bara Imambara, Bhool Bhlaia, Shahi Hamam, Bouli, Picture
Gallery, Chhota Imambara. (Earlier it was Rs.25/- revised from 01.12.2010)
Care: Being
a religious place, tourists are expected to cover their heads with
proper clothes before entering Imambara. If you do not have any such
clothe, it is available near gate. Please take a torch while visiting Bhool Bhulaiya (Labyrinth). Do not be alarmed of the closed Galiyara (passages). Keep
in mind that if you try to climb up stairs towards upper roof, you can
find down-stairs there. Guide facility is provided and they charge
Rs.150 or more.
How to reach : Take
a reliable Taxi or auto or Rickshaw if you are in city. If you are
coming through train or Air, please take a pre-paid taxi or auto
rickshaw.
Held
in sanctity by the Buddhists, Jain and Brahmanical faith alike, Mathura
has a long and chequered history. One of the Sapta Mahapuris, it was
ruled in turns by the kings of Solar and Lunar dynasties and became a
center of three Cultures India Indo-Scythian and Hellenstic. For are
creation Mathura is the Athens of India. The great school of sculpture
known as Mathura school of Art flourished here for 1200 Years. Such
proliflic creativety and gushing devotion to novel Art Forms and
experi-ment in sculptures and clay figurines as found in this school
are rare in the annals of indian Art History. A survey of this glorious
School of Art can be made in the Government Museum, Mathura. The present
day Mathura abounds in Place of Religious and Historic Interest, All
round the year A large number of Festival and fairs are held in Matura
and adjoining areas of Vrindavan Gokul, Brazen and Goverdhan The rascal
of Brij is thematically the basis of many performing Arts.
Vrindavan Dham
Baldev ( Dauji )
