Bara Imambara

Bara Imambara

Bara Imambara is a colossal mausoleum in Lucknow, it is worth seeing on its own, but the highly unusual maze of corridors on the upper floors make a visit to this Imambara (a tomb dedicated to a Shia saint) special. The ticket price includes a visit to the Chota Imambara (clock tower) and the baradari (summer palace), which can be reached from here on foot.

General Information

Bara Imambara is entered through two giant gates leading into a huge courtyard. On one side is a beautiful mosque and on the other side is a large baori (step well), which you can also explore. Take a flashlight with you. At the far end of the courtyard is the huge central hall, one of the largest vaulted galleries in the world. Tazia (small models of Imam Hussein’s tomb in Karbala, Iraq) are kept inside and are part of the procession during the Shiite Muharram mourning ceremony.

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But what’s behind the small door to the left of the center hall, intriguingly called the “labyrinth,” overshadows everything. You enter Bhulbhulaiya, a fascinating tangle of narrow corridors stretching through the upper floors and eventually leading to rooftop balconies. As with exploring the well, it’s best to bring a flashlight.

Next is the unusual and imposing Rumi Darwaza Gate (Rumi Darwaza) It is said to be an exact replica of the gate at the entrance to Istanbul. “Rumi” (related to Rome) is the word Muslims used to call Istanbul when it still belonged to Byzantium and was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. Across the street is the beautiful white Tila Wali Masjid mosque, built in 1680. At first glance the building seems small, but this is a deceptive impression. Inside, the mosque is repainted annually to match the original pattern.