Imambaras of Lucknow

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Lucknow is known as a city of imambaras as it contains a large number[clarification needed] of them, among which, some are very well known.

Lucknow is the center of Azadari in India because of the large number of Imambaras in the city. There are multiple replicas of every holy Shia shrine which reflects the efforts of the Nawabs of Awadh (Oudh) to promote Azadari in the Indian sub-continent. Lucknow holds the privilege of holding the Shabi-e-Rauza (Replicas of the original Shrines or Tombs) of all the Members of Muhammad S.A.W. 's family, collectively known as Ahlebait a.s.. Not only the Nawabs but also the noble men and the locals built the Shrines(Shabi-e-Rauza) of Ahlebait a.s. in Lucknow. These shrines were built for the people who were unable to visit the original Shrines in the Middle East region.[citation needed]

Imambara

Imambara Mir Zain-ul-Abideen Khan, Lucknow
Imambara at the residence of Mr. Aziz Alam, Sharif Manzil, Husainabad, Lucknow

An "Imambara" or an "Imambargah" means (House of Imam or Court of Imam); this word is a North Indian origin. An Imambara is also known as Husayniyya, Ashoor Khana. An Imambara is a place or a building with a hall where people assemble for "Majlis" (Mourning Congregations) of Imam Husain a.s. and Martyrs of Karbala.

An Imambara is different from a Mosque as it is intended for "Majlis". But Namaz can be offered in an Imambara. An Imambara in Indian Sub-continent is generally built south facing and the western wall of the hall can be used for Namaz.

The main building of an Imambara is called "Azakhana" and is constructed in a manner where under the dome the "Taaziya" (The replica of the original tomb) or "Zarih" (The wooden or metal protective grill constructed around the Holy Graves.) is kept on an approximately 3 feet high platform called the "Shehnasheen", where the Zaireens (Visitors) can bow their head and kiss the platform in a manner to pay respect to Imam Husain and the martyrs of Karbala. One or two halls are added after the "Shehnasheen" for the "Majlis".

The first hall generally serves as the burial place for the builder of the Imambara and his household. A "Mimber" (A staircase like structure) is kept in the second hall for "Majlis". The "Zakir" (The Orator) sits on the "Mimber" and the "Azadaars" (The Mourners) sits on the floor of the hall. As the number of "Azadaars" (The Mourners) increases The "Zakir" (The Orator) sits one step upwards on the "Mimber" in order to address the whole gathering. The "Azakhana" generally have five doorways resembling the significance and importance of "Panjetan" in Shia Islam.

The oldest imambara of Lucknow was built during the reign of Nawab Abul-Mansur Khan (Nawab Safdar Jung) in 1745 by Mirza Abu Talib Khan. He was son of Haji Mohammad Beg and enjoyed a respectable position during the reign of Nawab Safdar Jung. This imambara no longer exists. Almost every Shia constructs an imambara at their home. The Imambara may differ in terms of size and material used for its construction e.g. wood, metal or concrete.

Imam Chabutra at Karbala Musahab-ud-Daulah, Misri ki Baghiya, Ali Colony, Lucknow

Imam Chabutra

An "Imam Chabutra" is a structure built on the site where the soil from the shrines of all "14 Masoomeen" (The Fourteen Infallible) is buried in one place. An "Imam Chabutra" is generally constructed with a dome and 12 doors (3 doors on each of its 4 sides) and a "Zarih" is mounted inside it. The purpose of building the Shrine is to give an easy access to those people who are unable to visit the original Shrines in the Middle-Eastern region. Lucknow has two "Imam Chabutra".

1. The oldest "Imam Chabutra" is situated at Karbala Musahab-ud-Daulah, Misri ki Baghiya, Ali Colony, Lucknow. The original structure was destroyed by time and only the platform was left but a new structure is erected on the same platform. This new structure has a dome and 12 doors (3 doors on each of its 4 sides).

2. The second Imam Chabutra is situated at Shahganj in Nkkhas area.

Dargah

Dargah is generally associated with Abbas Alambardar. "Shah-e-Wafa" (The King of Loyalty). He was the younger brother and the Flag Commander of Imam Husain at the battle of Karbala. Abbas Alambardar was martyred on 10th of Muharram 61 AH (10 October 680 AD) in the battle of Karbala. A "Dargah" is an "Imambara" like structure where the "Zarih" is kept on a high platform (generally 4 to 5 feet high) under the dome, where the "Zaireens" (Visitors) can raise their hands in such a manner if they are asking for their wishes.

Lucknow has two Dargahs of Abbas Alambardar

1. Dargah Abbas Alambardar, Rustam Nagar, Lucknow. This Dargah came into existence during the reign of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah (1775–1797 AD). A poor man, Mirza Faqeera Beg, was visited by Abbas in his dream and directed to dig out his Alam (Standard) from a specific location in the city. 2. Dargah Abbas Alambardar, situated at Karbala Musahab-ud-Daulah, Misri ki Baghiya, Ali Colony, Thakurganj, Lucknow. This Karbala also has a Mosque, an Imambara of Bi Misri Sahiba {Associated with Ali Akber} and an Imam Chabutra. 3 Dargah Abbasbagh situated at road between Thakurganj and balaganj Ali Colony

Rauza

A "Rauza" (Tomb) is the replica of the original Tomb or Shrine situated in the Middle-Eastern region. The "Rauza" is different from an "Imambara" and "Dargah". In a "Rauza" the "Zarih" is mounted from the floor under the Dome and the "Zaireens" (Visitors) can do "Tawwaf" or "Circumambulation" (To move around) of the Zarih.

Karbala

The term "Karbala" is derived from the city of Karbala (Iraq), where the original tombs (shrines) of Imam Husain and other martyrs of Karbala are situated. A "Karbala" is the place or compound where the Replica of Rauza of Imam Husain or more Rauza are built. But it is not necessary that a "Karbala" should have the Replica of Rauza of Imam Husain. A Karbala may contain the Rauza of other Imams also. The "Karbala" also serves as the cemetery for the local residents.

Gunj-e-Shaheedan

The land of the Karbala compound which is used for the burial of "Taaziya" is called "Gunj-e-Shaheedan".

List of Holy Shrines in Lucknow

See also

References

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