The Shahnajaf Imambara was a beneficiary of loan agreements between the Awadh Nawabs/ Kings & the British Resident. This commitment moved to the British Government & then to the Uttar Pradesh Government.
The Imambara has an enormous dome & is built of lakhauri bricks in lime concrete mortar. It has a closeted verandah all around the inner building.
This was undergoing renovation when I visited but, luckily, it was still open to visitors. It was empty except for a couple of foreigners. Remove your footwear, cover your head & enter.
The central hall has the graves of the king, Ghazi - ud - din Haider, & his queens. The hall is also decorated with historical mementos.
Photography inside is allowed. It is worth it too - chandeliers & crystal glass lampstands!
Caution - Women are required to cover their heads here.
Shah Najaf Imambara was constructed by Nawab Ghazi-ud-Din Haider in 1818, the last nawab wazir and the first King of the Oudh state in 1818 to 1827. The building was named after the term Shah-e-Najaf (King of Najaf) which is an allusion to Ali This imambara served as Ghazi-ud-Din Haider's mausoleum. His three wives Sarfaraz Mahal, Mubarak Mahal and Mumtaz Mahal are also buried there.
The thick walls around the mosque are said to have withstonod the heavy gun fires of British naval brigade during their advance in 1857
Shah Najaf Imambara is a beautiful and well preserved Imambara in Lucknow, India.
Shah Najaf Imambara is a peaceful and serene place.It is a great place to relax and reflect, and it is also a great place to learn about history and culture of Lucknow.
A peaceful and beautiful place located on the right bank of Gomti river. Provided with huge and impressive dome and build of lakhauri bricks. This place used to be the strongholds of freedom fighter during 1857 struggle. In the central there is graves of king and his queens. One can visit this place for free.
Photos taken in december 2021. Such a beautiful monument and outstanding interiors experience. The central room under the tomb is the beauty of this imambada. There are plenty of tazias are put with the graveyard of Nawab ghazi ud din haider. Worth visiting imambada if you love heritage structures.
Near Sikandrabad, on the bank of Gomti River, there is located a mausoleum - Shahnajaf Imambara that was built in the 19th century. It was the first king of Awadh clan - Ghazi-ud-Din Haider, who constructed this historical site in Lucknow. He built the Imambara as a token of his devotion to Hazrat Ali, who was the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. Shahnajaf Imambara is a replica of Ghazi-ud-Din's own tomb in Iraq. At present, Shahnajaf Imambara is one of the main tourist attractions in Lucknow mainly because of its historical significance and impressive architecture. Near the Imambara, a house and a mosque for Mumtaz Mahal (his wife) were also constructed by Ghazi-ud-Din Haider. However, in the year 1913, the house was torn down to construct a road on the riverside. Inside the Imambara, there lie the remains of him as he wanted to be buried here. Along with that, the graves of his wives Mubarak Mahal, who died in 1849, Sarfaraz Mahal who died in 1878, and Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1896. On 13th of Rajab (birthday of Hazrat Ali) and between 7th and 9th Muharram, the Imambara is beautifully decorated.
History
Constructed in the year 1816 - 1817, Shahnajaf Imambara is the mausoleum of Haider Ali and his three wives. However, the aim to build this Imambara was to create a place for Azadari (mourning for the sacrifice of Imam Hussain).
Architecture
Coming on to the architecture of this popular tourist place in Lucknow, the Imambara boasts a strong influence of Mughal architectural style. However, the highlight of the architecture of this Imambara is the large dome which is unique in its shape. Unlike other domes, the neck of the dome is not slender but is onion-shaped. Along with that, there is also a doorway at both front and back side of the Imambara.
Location Address
Rana Pratap Marg, Hazratganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001, India.
Visiting Timings
Shahnajaf Imambara remains open all days a week. One can visit the place on any day between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Entry Fee
No Entry Fee
If you are trying to find peace and gain mental strength then visit this spiritual place in front of Saharganj mall.
What a peaceful place it is, you can sit here for hours talking to yourself or to your God.
Had an incredible experience while visiting this, I met 2 transgender here they were very happy while I was going in and they were going out (means they were going back after visiting this Imambara) I approached them and asked politely that you find this place good? They replied it is the best place after all the humiliation we have faced, people looking at us judging us this the only place where we are not judged or after having a bad day we come here and all our pain just vanish like there was no pain in my heart at all, nothing has happened, we find peace here.
I thanked them for there reply and went inside to find peace for myself.
Just beside the gomti river and nearest landmark is Saharanganj Mall, this is an important monument in lucknow sightseeing. Full of greenery and imambara made of white marbel. lots of chandelier made of Belgium glass. A must visit
Shahnajaf Imambara that was built in the 19th century and was built by first king of Awadh clan - Ghazi-ud-Din Haider, who constructed this historical site in Lucknow. He built the Imambara as a token of his devotion to Hazrat Ali (A.S). Shahnajaf Imambara is a replica of Ghazi-ud-Din's own tomb in Iraq. At present, Shahnajaf Imambara is one of the main tourist attractions in Lucknow mainly because of its historical significance and impressive architecture.
Frequently asked questions About Shah Najaf Imam Bara
Where is Shah Najaf Imam Bara Located ?
Shah Najaf Imam Bara Located in Lucknow of Lucknow. The complete address is VW5W+8C6 Shah Najaf Imam Bara, Rana Pratap Marg, Hazratganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001.
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