Imambaras of Lucknow explained

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

Lucknow the center of Azadari in India

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 family, collectively known as Ahlebait. Not only the Nawabs but also the noble men and the locals built the Shrines(Shabi-e-Rauza) of Ahlebait in Lucknow. These shrines were built for the people who were unable to visit the original Shrines in the Middle East region.

Imambara

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 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

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 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

Rauza of Muhammad

The original Rauza of Muhammad is situated inside Masjid-e-Nabawi at Medina (Saudi Arabia). In Lucknow the Rauza of Muhammad is situated near Madarsa-e-Waizeen adjacent to Jahaz wali kothi in the Raja Bazar area of Lucknow. This rauza is known as "90 dar ki Masjid". This mosque is the small scale replica of Masjid-e-Nabawi and Rauza of Muhammad. This Masjid also have the replica of Rauza-e-Fatimain, Medina.

Qadam-e-Rasool

The shrines related to Muhammad are also known as "Qadam-e-Rasool", where the relic of Muhammad's foot print is kept. Once Lucknow have many "Qadam-e-Rasool".

Rauza of Ali

Ali is buried in the City of Najaf-e-Ashraf in Iraq, so the Rauza of Ali is called The Najaf.

Rauza-e-Fatimain (Rauza-e-Jannat-ul-Baqi)

The original tomb constructed over the Graves of Muhammad's daughter Fatimah and grandsons Hasan ibn Ali, 4th Shia Imam Zayn al-Abidin, 5th Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, 6th Imam Jafar al-Sadiq was situated at Jannat ul-Baqi, Madina, and was known as Rauza-e-Fatimain. The tomb was demolished on 21 April 1926 by king Abdul Aziz ibn Saud, but Lucknow have many replicas of the Tomb.

Bait-ul-Huzn

Bait-ul-Huzn is the replica of that place which Ali built for Fatimah to lament for her loving father. After the death of Muhammad Fatimah was so heart broken she lamented for her loving father, but some Muslims objected to this and complained to Ali for this. Lucknow have three replica of Bait-ul-Huzn.

Rauza of Husain

Lucknow have many Rauzas of Husayn ibn Ali which are often called Karbala as Husain is buried in the city of Karbala, Iraq.

Qaima Gah

"Qaima Gah" is the shrine constructed over the same spot where the camps of Imam Husain were present during the battle of Karbala. The original shrine is situated at Karbala, Iraq. Lucknow has two "Qaima Gah".

Rauza-e-Zainabiya, Rauza of Zaynab bint Ali

Lucknow have two replicas of Rauza-e-Zainabiya, Rauza of Zaynab bint Ali and One Tila-e-Tilla-e-Zanabiya.

Tila-e-Tilla-e-Zainabiya.

Tila-e-Tilla-e-Zainabiya is a pyramid-shaped structure with stairs on all four sides and an Alam (Standard) is mounted on the top of the platform. This shrine is situated at Imambara of Malika Jahan Sahiba, Shahi Jama Masjid, Tahseenganj, Husainabad, Lucknow.

Rauza of Abbas ibn Ali

Lucknow have One Imambara associated with Abbas ibn Ali, Two Dargahs of Abbas ibn Ali and Five Rauzas of Abbas ibn Ali, which are listed below.

Imambara of Ali Akber

Imambara of Bi Misri Sahiba is situated at Karbala Musahab-ud-Daulah, Misri ki Baghiya, Ali Colony, Lucknow. The Imambara is not in good condition at present. This Karbala also have a Mosque, an Imam Chabutra and a Dargah of Abbas Alambardar.

Rauza of Qasim

Rauza of Sakina

Lucknow have few Rauzas of Sakina bint Husayn.

Yaad-e-Sakina "Remembering Sakina bint Husayn"

This is a Mourning event organised on the 4th Sunday of the month of Muharram every year at Imambara Husainabad Mubarak (The Chota Imambara), Husainabad. During this grief-stricken event a temporary small scale replica of the "Qaid Khana" (Prison or Dungeon) is constructed with a small grave of Sakina bint Husayn inside this "Qaid Khana" to depict the Agony of Sakina bint Husayn. Thousands of mourners gather here to visit the "Qaid Khana" and to pay tribute to Sakina bint Husayn. This Sorrowful event was founded in 1990 by Late. Muhammad Sarfaraz Khan Sahab (Late. Banney Miya Sahab) of Beal Wala Tila, Muftiganj, Lucknow. The members of Anjuman-e-Gulzaar-e-Panjetan take active part in the organisation and management of this event.

Rauza of Musa al-Kazim

The original Rauza-e-Kazimain, Tomb (Shrine) of Musa al-Kazim and his Grand Son Muhammad al-Jawad is Situated in the city of Kazimain in Iraq. The tomb have two golden domes and four golden minarets. Lucknow have two Rauzas (Replicas) of Kazimain.

Rauza of Ali al-Ridha

The original Rauza or Tomb (Shrine) of Ali al-Ridha is situated at the city of Mashhad, Iran. Lucknow have a replica of Rauza of Ali al-Ridha which is situated at Karbala Azimullah Khan, near Karbala Mir Khuda Baksh (Karbala Taal Katora), Rajaji Puram, Lucknow. This rauza also have a Mosque by the name "Masjid-e-Gauhar Shaad" adjacent to the Rauza. This Mosque is also a small scale replica of "Masjid-e-Gauhar Shaad" in Mashhad, Iran.

Rauza of Fatima al-Kubra

Rauza of Ali ibn Muhammad, Ali al-Hadi, Ali an-Naqi

The Rauza of Ali an-Naqi is situated at Karbala of Malika Afaq Sahiba (Karbala-e-Askarien) (Gaar wali Karbala). The Karbala was built in the year 1837-42 by Malika Afaq Sahiba who was the wife of third king of Awadh Muhammad Ali Shah Bahadur.

Beneath the dome are four graves, those of Alī an-Naqī and his son, Hasan Al-Askari, Janab-e-Hakimah Khatoon, the sister of Alī an-Naqī, Janab-e-Nargis Khatoon, the mother of Mehndi.

Rauza of Hasan al-Askari

In Lucknow the Rauza of Hasan al-Askari is situated at Karbala of Malika Afaq Sahiba (Karbala-e-Askarien) (Gaar wali Karbala).

Mosque of Muhammad-al-Mahdi

In Lucknow the Mosque of Muhammad al-Mahdi is situated at Karbala of Malika Afaq Sahiba (Karbala-e-Askarien) (Gaar wali Karbala). Ghar wali Karbala also has the similar pattern and devotees enter cave by the flight of stairs. Arrangement for holding Majlises and Namaz has also been made by erecting a hall over the cave.

Rauza of Muslim ibn Aqeel

Muslim ibn Aqeel was the Cousin, Brother-in-Law and Ambassador of Husain. The original Rauza of Muslim ibn Aqeel is situated at Masjid-e-Kufa, Kufa, Iraq. Lucknow have two Rauza of Muslim ibn Aqeel.

Rauza of Muhammad and Ibrahim

Muhammad and Ibrahim were the sons of Muslim and Bibi Saiyyada Ruqayyah . After Muslim was martyred, Muhammad and Ibrahim were also arrested and put into a dungeon. Muhammad was just eight years old and Ibrahim was ten years old.

The two innocent children were killed brutally near the river of Euphrates on 12th Zil-Hijja, 60 AH and are buried near the town of Musayyib, Babil Province, Iraq.Lucknow has one Rauza of Muhammad and Ibrahim.

Rauza of Hani ibne Urwah

The martyrdom of Hani ibne Urwah is also a very touching part of Karbala revolution. He was executed on the orders of Ibn Ziyad, Governor of Kufa, after the martyrdom of Muslim bin Aqeel. Hani ibne Urwah lost his life for playing host to Muslim bin Aqeel, the ambassador of Imam Hussain and refusing to handover him to the Governor Ibn Ziyad (L.A.).The original Rauza of Hani ibn Urwa is situated at Masjid-e-Kufa, Kufa, Iraq. Lucknow has two Rauza of Hani ibn Urwa.

Rauza of Hur

"Al-Hurr ibn Yazid al Tamimi" was among the first martyrs of Karbala. He was also martyred along with his son on 10th Muharram, 61 AH (10 October 680 AD) in the battle of Karbala. The original Rauza of Hur is situated at Karbala, Iraq. Lucknow has one Rauza of Hur.

Rauza of Mukhtar

Mukhtar was also known as "al-Mukhtār ibn Abī Ubaydah al-Thaqafī", "Mukhtar-e-Thaqafi". He was born in Taif (near Mecca, Saudi Arabia) in the First year of Hijri (622 AD). Mukhtar avenged the death of Imam Husain and the martyrs of Karbala. Later at the age of 67 Mukhtar along with his 17 companions was also martyred on 14th Ramzan 67 AH (3 April 687 AD). After that his wife "Bibi al-Numan bin Bashher al-Ansary" was taken captive to a place in the desert between Hira and Kufa where she was beheaded. Mukhtar is buried near Masjid-e-Kufa, Kufa Iraq.

In Lucknow the Rauza of Mukhtar is built inside Rauza of Muslim situated at Rais Manzil, Husainabad.

See also

References

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Lucknow | Bada Imambara ..::: . Lucknow.me . 2014-01-01.
  2. Web site: Lucknow | Chota Imambara ..::: . Lucknow.me . 1994-06-06 . 2014-01-01.
  3. Web site: Lucknow | Maqbara of Amjad Ali Shah | Imambara Sibtainabad ..::: . Lucknow.me . 1998-05-27 . 2014-01-01.
  4. Web site: Lucknow | Imambara of Zain-ul-Abidin Khan ..::: . Lucknow.me . 2014-01-01.

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