Ever heard of a city that has a place for everyone? A city where nobody is an outsider, a city where you can find literally everything, from good food to peaceful hospitality, and a city that never disappoints in telling a cultural story every time you visit. Sounds like a beautiful dream, right? But what if I tell you that this dream is a reality you can actually visit?
I am talking about the glorious capital city of Uttar Pradesh – Lucknow. The city is often called the City of Nawabs. Historically, Lucknow has witnessed many beautiful eras but the Nawabi era is said to have the strongest impression on the city. Everything we see in Lucknow today has something to do with the era of the Nawabs.
Each nawab gave a new direction to the city and contributed towards the culture we see today in Lucknow. One of the Nawabs who once influenced today’s Lucknow was Muhammad Ali Shah.
The Chota Imambara in Lucknow was built by him. It is known as one of the most important landmarks in present-day Lucknow. Here’s more about the history of Chota Imambara Lucknow and Muhammad Ali Shah.
A Nawab’s Design And Devotion Combined: Chota Imambara
The relationship between Muhammad Ali Shah and the Chota Imambara is like the one between a piece of art and its artist.
Muhammad Ali Shah was the third king of Awadh. He was a visionary leader who contributed to the legacy of the nawabs. His vision can still be seen in the modern day, when you visit the Chota Imambara.
The foundation of the Chota Imambara was kept in 1837 by Muhammad Ali Shah. It took 5 years to bring the nawabi vision to life.
If I had to describe this beauty in one word, it would be magnificent. The Chota Imambara reflects royalty and devotion at the same time.
If you think that the purpose behind the Chota Imambara was just art and craftsmanship, you are completely mistaken. Muhammad Ali Shah wanted Chota Imambara to be royal and magnificent, but his vision did not stop there.
The Chota Imambara is also used as an assembly hall for Shia muslims during festivals, showing the devotion of Muhammad Ali Shah towards his faith.
Through The Doors Of The Chota Imambara
The Chota Imambara is one of the most beautiful products of the Nawabi era. The monument carries the architectural vision of Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah, as the design of the monument is inspired by Persian, Mughal, and Awadhi architecture.
The Chota Imambara is also called Hussainabad Imambara, and it is located in Purana Lucknow, which is also called the heritage zone of the city. It is made with white lakhauri and has beautiful carvings, paintings, calligraphy, and chandeliers.
The royal paradise has two gates called Rauza and Baqeeda, which lead the visitors to the main hall.
Rauza is the main entrance, and it has two minarets and a clock, which is symbolic of Islamic devotion. The clock and the minarets are symbols of the time of prayer, calling devotees.
Baqeeda is the secondary entrance. It is basically a smaller version of Rauza. The Chota Imambara carries the vision of its creator as it serves the purpose of prayers and processions for Shia muslims, especially in the month of Muharram.
Initially, the Chota Imambara was seen as a monument showcasing faith and devotion, but today it has become more than that. It is visited by a huge number of travellers and is an important tourist site in Lucknow.
The Imambara also has a raised terrace, which was also the place of Muhammad Ali Shah and his mother.
Shia Muslims and Chota Imambara
Muhammad Ali Shah was a man of strong faith. He was devoted to serving the Shia muslim community. There are two kinds of muslims under the Islamic the Shia and the Sunni. The Shia are the ones who believe in Ali ibn Abu Talib as their leader.
Chota Imambara was made to serve the spiritual purpose of the Shia community.
The month of Muharram enhances the beauty of the monument as it is decorated beautifully, symbolising the light within every human being, even in the times of sorrow.
Muharram At Chota Imambara: Never Miss It
The month of Muharram is known as one of the most sacred months for muslims, especially for Shia muslims.
Muharram portrays immense grief, remembrance, and reflection. This Islamic month marks the sacrifice of Imam Hussain, who was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. He and his 72 followers lost their lives in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE as they fought for truth and justice.
During Muharram, the beautiful site of Chota Imambara embraces mourners. The mourners are filled with grief, and this lasts up to ten days.
On the 10th and final day, called Ashura, the Chota Imambara expresses pain and grief, and the mourners chant “Ya Hussain” and “Labbaik Ya Hussain”.
Chota Imambara radiates spirituality and grief of the Islamic faith during Muharram. Alams, which are basically religious flags, are displayed in the Imambara during Muharram. The Maulanas recite the story of Karbala. Their words echo the sacrifice through the wall of the Chota Imambara as the mourners grieve.
Even during the hardest times of pain and mourning, the monument is decorated with lights. These lights do not play any festive role but a spiritual one. The lights are symbolic of the light of sacrifice that Imam Hussain made.
The Chota Imambara is visited by a number of visitors regardless of their religion, showing respect and empathy for those in sorrow.
FAQs
What is the ticket price of Chota Imambara?
For Indian adults, a ticket to the Chota Imambara will cost ₹50, and for kids, it will cost ₹25. For foreigners, a ticket costs ₹500.
Who made the Chota Imambara?
The third nawab of Lucknow, Muhammad Ali Shah, made the Chota Imambara.
What is the significance of the Chota Imambara?
Chota Imambara is not just a monument but also a place of religious importance for the Shia muslim community. It is also an important destination for many tourists visiting Lucknow.
What is the Chota Imambara also known as?
Chota Imambara is also called Husainabad Imambara.
What is the biggest Imambara in India?
Nizamat Imambara in Murshidabad, West Bengal, is India’s biggest Imambara.
Is Imambara a mosque?
An Imambara is not a mosque. It is a hall of gathering for Shia muslims. Prayers can be offered in an Imambara, but that is not the only purpose.
When was the Chota Imambara built?
It was built in 1838.
Conclusion
The Chota Imambara is a breathtaking beauty of Lucknow. It was built in the era of the Nawabs by Muhammad Ali Shah. The traces of detailed architecture and intricate craftsmanship can be observed in the Chota Imambara just like any other nawabi influence.
The Chota Imambara is not only a monument but also a place of spiritual belief of the Shia muslim community.
During Muharram, the Chota Imambara becomes an important centre for mourners as the monument was dedicated to the Shia community by Muhammad Ali Shah. It serves the purpose of being a tourist attraction as well as spiritual site.
From detailed architecture to spirituality, there’s so much that the Chota Imambara tells to its visitors. If you’re someone who’s always curious to know more about the history, architecture, culture, and heritage, Chota Imambara is not the place you should miss!