Bara Imambara Lucknow

History of Bara Imambara

Bara Imambara, an iconic historical monument built in 1791, stands as the pride of Lucknow. Bara means Big and Imambara means House of Imam or Court of Imam. Bada Imambara monument was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula as a part of a famine relief program that started in 1784 and was completed in 1791. Also known as Asfi Imambara, it has the grave of Asaf-ud-Daula and his crown kept in the central hall of the building. Besides its historical and tourist attraction, it is an important place of worship for Muslims at Asfi Mosque and to celebrate the festival of Muharram.

Bada Imambara has one of the largest halls in the world, with a unique feature being that it doesn’t have any external support of wood, iron, or stone beams. In fact, the roof of its central hall is a result of interlocking bricks without any beam or girder. Its central hall is huge, with dimensions 50 meters in length, 60 meters wide, and 15 meters high.

Bara Imambara and Bhool Bhulaiya(Labyrinth)

Within three huge halls named China Hall, Persian Hall, and Kharboza Hall lays the highlight of Bara Imambara, a series of labyrinths known as Bhul Bhulaiya. Bhulbhulaiya (Labyrinth), an amazing maze of 20 feet thick walls, is said to have 1024 entry points but only two exit points. So, you should not take the risk of visiting this place without a guide.

What Material Bara Imambara is Made Up Of?

Many people ask questions about the material used and Bara Imambara architecture like Bara Imambara is made up of which rock or stone and what is the Bada Imambara architecture. The answer to the first question is Bara Imambara is made up of Lakhori bricks or Badshahi bricks. Traditional lime mortar is a mixture of unique masala comprising choona, surkhi, urad dal, sheera (molasses), or jaggery or honey. Farez (tree gum), was used to fix the Lakhori bricks together. The roof of the Imambara is made up of rice husk which makes this Imambara a unique building. And for the second question Bada Imambara’s marvelous architecture is a blend of Mughal and Rajput styles with Gothic influences.

Bara Imambara Opening Time, Guide Price & Ticket Cost

You can visit Bara Imambara on weekdays and weekends between 6 am to 5 pm. The entry fee for Indians is INR 25, and for foreigners is INR 500. The guides are also available to explore Bara Imambara and the guide price is mentioned at the ticket counter. So, are you ready to go and check out the place?

Reviews of Bara Imam Bara on Google

Bara Imambara

4.4

Waquar Ahmed

10:58 11 Oct 22

A beautiful and soothing place. I'd recommend you guys to visit during winter as in summer the temperature is around (35-40)°C so you guys will get exhausted, sun tanned and then it becomes boring. Also make sure you hire a guide for better understanding of the inside architecture and history.

Ranjeet kumar

11:31 31 Aug 22

I've found this place good. It has been kept well by the govt despite of the fact that huge number of people visit here everyday. However, I found that the rate of tickets were at the higher side. 300 for the age of 16 and above is absolutely unnecessary. If this is considered as a place of worship then let people enjoy some rebate on ticket rates. Overall good experience. Cheers.A great place to visit and walk around if you’re around Lucknow..I almost stay there 3 to 4 hrs at Noon there was also a bit crowded which I assume was due to Moharram so I didn’t mind not being able to access the Imambara totally, a great spot for pictures! Keep a guide with you to know about your history enjoy the Experience ...One has to walk barefoot! Really love it but i think cleanliness of monument was missing somewhere!! ❤

Chinasa Okolo

06:30 18 Jul 22

A nice place to visit and walk around if you’re in Lucknow. I wasn’t able to gain access since the electronic payment methods were down but I got to visit the lawns which were nice.It was also a bit crowded which I assume was due to Eid so I didn’t mind not being able to access the temple itself. Overall, a great spot for pictures!

Himadri Bhakat

20:03 11 May 22

This is a heritage monument related muslim religion. Good architecture, moderately maintained. You can buy cold drinks and snacks inside the monument campus. The small garden was properly maintained and the place was clean. I missed the opportunity to visit the entire place as my mother was having problems with so many stairs. I personally feel that the entry ticket is highly priced as you have to pay to the guide in addition to entry tickets. Otherwise the place is good.

Akash Gupta

17:34 17 Feb 22

I've found this place good. It has been kept well by the govt despite of the fact that huge number of people visit here everyday. However, I found that the rate of tickets were at the higher side. 300 for the age of 16 and above is absolutely unnecessary. If this is considered as a place of worship then let people enjoy some rebate on ticket rates. Overall good experience. Cheers.