Shah Najaf Imambara, Lucknow - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 5 km from Lucknow Junction, Shah Najaf Imambara is a mausoleum situated in the Hazratganj area of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the best heritage places in Uttar Pradesh and famous Lucknow places to visit.

Situated on the bank of Gomti River, Shah Najaf Imambara was built in 1816 - 1817 by Nawab Ghazi-ud-Din Haider, the last nawab wazir and the first King of the state of Awadh. He built the Imambara as a token of his devotion to Hazrat Ali, who was the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. Adorning splendid Mughal architecture, the Shah Najaf Imambara is an all-white marble finished structure housing a large dome. It was built on the lines of Hazrat Ali's Tomb at Najaf in Iraq. The large dome of the Imambara is characteristic because it is so unlike the other domes which have a slender neck-like drum at the base and are onion-shaped.

Shah Najaf Imambara is also called Karbala because within its main hall lie the mortal remains of its builder, Ghazi-ud-Din Haider, who wished to be buried here. The monument also houses the graves of his three wives, Mubarak Mahal (died 1849), Sarfaraz Mahal (died 1878), and Mumtaz Mahal (died 1896). Besides, the premises of the monument contains a residence and a mosque which were also constructed by Ghazi-ud-Din Haider for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. However, in the year 1913, the house was torn down to construct a road on the riverside.

The Shah Najaf Imambara in Hazratgunj presents a spectacular view when it is profusely decorated and illuminated on the birthday of Hazrat Ali on the 13th of Rajab, which comes in the Muharram month as per the lunar calendar.

Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free