Chhota Imambara

Located in the heart of Lucknow city, Uttar Pradesh, Chhota Imambara is one of the most visited places and is also known as Hussainabad Imambara. Constructed in 1837 AD, Chhota Imambara, Lucknow is the composition of Mohammad Ali Shah. It is said that Muhammad Ali Shah was buried here after his death. The story or the daughter and son-in-law of Mohammad Ali Shah is famous here.

The Chhota Imambara, Lucknow is a replica of the famous Taj Mahal and its texture is inspired from there to a large extent. The main building had a canal in front, there are expensive chandeliers and white mosque along with a garden which is similar to the Taj Mahal.

There are quite several refreshments kept inside as well. The inside looks beautiful and quite attractive due to the wax, ivory, sandalwood, etc. Most of the part consists of expensive silver in it which is quirky and outstanding.

As mentioned earlier as well, the other name of this place is Husseinabad Imambara. It has Indo-Persian architecture and it is called the 'Kremlin of India'.

Chhota Imambara is well

decorated especially during the time of festivals. This is the reason why it is also called 'Palace Of Light'. The chandeliers that you will get to see here are all imported from Belgium. It was known as the interior. The moon on top makes the dome and the sun rises in the lap of it. At the same time, you will get to see a fish that will show you the direction and nature of the wind at the canal.

Things To Do In Chhota Imambara

There are several things that one can do here. Following are certain places inside the Imambara which needs to mentioned separately and enjoyed as a tourist. They are:

• Eat dinner: When you visit this Imambara the first thing that you will get to see is the Naubat Khana, the beautiful main entrance. On the left side of the meal is the famous Shahi Hamam and on the right is Hussainabad Masjid. The Nawab after taking a bath used to enter Imambara and the royal Hamam was only for him. India was developed after the visit of Mughals. These Hamam are also the architecture made by the Iranians otherwise nobody had an idea about such a bathroom for common people in this country.

• The Main Building: Nawab's chic is displayed by this part of the Chhota Imambara. This is the place with a long hall which is wide enough for Shia Muslims to eclipse on the event of their festivals. This hall has beautiful lamps, chandeliers, and tazia. The chandeliers are all brought from Paris and Belgium. These are the read why the hall is always sparkling and called the Palace of Light.

• The Tomb Of Jinnat: To the right of Chhota Imambara, Lucknow, is the tomb of Jinnat. Jinnat was the daughter of the ruler, Muhammad Ali Shah. She lived a very short life and the structure of her tomb is directly inspired by the Taj Mahal.

• The Mosque Of Hussainabad: This place is located on the right side of the entrance. The place is small but attractive just like the Bara Imambara that is huge in both size and texture. The real story behind the Chhota Imambara is quite difficult to know but there are the tombs of the Nawab's Begum and Daughter inside the Imambara. Both the guides and the residents may tell you different stories but what is the reality is still not known.

Architecture

The Chhota Imambara Lucknow has a big golden dome on the main top. This main building is said to be the tomb of Muhammad Ali Shah and his mother. There is an incomplete clock in the opposite direction of the tomb which is called the “Satkhand”. It is believed that the construction of the clock was stopped after the Nawab died in 1840 AD. At that time the height of the clay was around 67 metres. You as a tourist will be pleased to see the decoration of the place during the time of their festival called Muharram.

Apart from the Chhota Imambara, there are other such beautiful buildings as well which are worth looking at. The Shia Community known as Nawab Irani was a clerk of the Mughals who later on declared themselves as independent when they started becoming weak. Till today, the Shia community is found in a great amount in the population of Lucknow. The Nawab was known for Chic bath and he used to be the charge of his subjects fairly and some of them used to give to the Mughals.

Best Time To Visit

Lucknow is a great place to visit during your holidays. It a city of Nawab, but people here have a big heart for all. The best time to visit this place is in summers. From March and April. The most comfortable time for travelling in June and July. During this time of the year, the temperature rises to 45-degree celsius. In winter, the climate of Lucknow is sunny and pleasant. The nights during this time are cold and foggy.

How To Reach Chhota Imambara Lucknow?

After reaching Lucknow, you can hire any local transport like bicycle rickshaw, auto, taxi and many more directly from the hotel or accommodation you are staying in. You can simply stroll if you wish and visit this place as well.

Some nearby transports are available from the Alambagh bus stand which will take you safely to the Chhota Imambara. You can also get hold of a metro to reach your destination. The nearby metro stations are Alambagh metro, Charbagh metro, Durgapuri Metro, Krishan Nagar Metro, Mawaiya Metro respectively.

Therefore, Chhota Imambara Lucknow is a great place for you to visit in your holidays and enjoy the royalty and beauty of architecture. This place is like a box full of surprises and it is never-ending. The food the culture and everything here is great and outstanding.