Bara Imambara stands as an architectural marvel and a testament to the grandeur of the Nawabs of Awadh. Constructed in the 18th century under the patronage of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, this imposing structure is renowned for its intricate design and cultural significance.

The Bara Imambara serves not only as a place of worship for the Muslim community but also as a symbol of Lucknow's rich heritage and artistic prowess.

The history of Bara Imambara is quite intriguing, as it desperately shows the Nawab's love for his people during the city's hard times.

The construction was started in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula, the fourth Nawab of Awadh. The monument's significance lies in the story behind the construction, which attracts visitors.

Awadh faced severe catastrophic famine in the 18th century, and most people were unemployed due to the disaster. This was the peak time when people needed their leader.

Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula prompted a strategy to help out his people. He began to build great structures across the city that could give them work and food. He succeeded as more than 20,000 people were employed. The strategy was that the working class and poor started building structures in the morning while the nobles and upper class destroyed the construction during the night. It was a continuous cycle.

The only reason for such a strategy was to give employment to his people and relieve their starvation. Hence, the construction was for 11 years, which was exactly the time when conditions returned to normal.

With history in the making, the monument's architecture is also eye-catching, and the design is an amazing blend of Mughal and Rajput styles.

• The monument was designed by Hafiz Kifayatullah, a well-known architect of the 18th century. Interestingly, the architect didn’t use wood or metal in its construction, only Lakhori bricks and rice husks.
• The monument has two large gates: one end is the Asafi mosque, and the other is a large baoli with a five-storey stepwell. The main gate has three arches and is designed with a dual fish motif.
• The monument has nine halls, one of which is a central chamber about 164 feet in length and 52 feet in width, which houses the tomb of Nawab Asaf-ul-Daula.
• The roof is not supported by iron rods or metal but by complex interlocking bricks. For decades, it has helped the monument stand tall despite disasters.
• The other eight chambers surrounding the main hall have roofs of different heights, which helped create a three-dimensional structure interconnecting balconies and passages. The main prayer hall measures 50 meters long and 150 meters high.
• This maze-like structure is well known as Bhul Bhulaiya, which starts from the central hall and ends at the rooftop. The irony of the site is that it comprises 489 identical doors, ultimately impossible to navigate.

1. Best time to Visit Bara Imambara

The best time to visit Bara Imambara in Lucknow is from October to March as the weather remains pleasant.

2. Bara Imambara Lucknow Location

Bara Imambara is located at the Husainabad Trust Road, Macchi Bhavan, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

3. Bara Imambara Timings

• Days: Tuesday to Sunday (Monday is a holiday)
• Opening Time: 6 am
• Closing Time: 5 pm

4. How to Reach Bara Imambara in Lucknow?

Lucknow is well-equipped with local transportation facilities like cabs, taxis and autorickshaws. Here are the best possible ways to consider while travelling to Bara Imambara.

• Nearest Airport to Bara Imambara: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport is the nearest airport to Bara Imambara, about 15 km away.
• Nearest Railway Station to Bara Imambara: Lucknow Railway Station is near Bara Imambara, about 6 km away.
• Nearest Bus Station to Bara Imambara: Shakti Bus Stand is the nearest bus station to the monument, 2 km away.
• Nearest Metro Station to Bara Imambara: Durgapuri Metro station is the fastest and nearest way to reach the monument, which is just 3 km away.

5. Entry Fee for Bara Imambara

There is a minimal entry fee for visitors as the place is also cited as one of the famous tourist places that attracts a huge crowd.

• For Indian Citizen: 
  1. Adults - ₹50
  2. Children - ₹25
• For Foreigners: ₹500
  

6. Bara Imambara Nearby Places to Visit

While visiting the monument, here is the list of places secluded near Bara Imambara.

1. Rumi Darwaza
2. Aurangzeb’s Mosque
3. Hazratganj
4. Hussainabad Picture Gallery
5. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden
6. Indira Gandhi Planetarium

1. Visitors are required to cover their heads, wear appropriate garments, and remove shoes before entering.
2. The Bhul Bhulaiya in the monument was an unintentional act. It was more of a maze created to hold a monument.
3. Rumours abound that a few people who went inside the Bhul Bhulaiya were missing; hence, the general public is not allowed to enter.
4. The most interesting fact is that the architect Kifayatullah, who built the Bara Imambara, is also buried in the monument.

Bara Imambara is a tall monument in Lucknow that contributes to India's cultural legacy. The intricate architecture and design of the structure attract a huge crowd all over the world. It intrigues visitors with the mysteries of the Nawabi Era and the great thought behind the construction of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula.