What’s special about the labyrinth at Lucknow?

The Bara (pronounced - Bada) Imambara in Lucknow is neither a mosque nor a `dargah.' It is a meeting place for the dominant Shia Muslims living in Lucknow to congregate during the mourning period leading to Muharram. The most impressive monument in Lucknow, the building of this complex was initiated during the great famine of 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulla. The project was started with the intention of providing livelihood to the poor & skilled artisans, & took in all fourteen years to complete.

Architects and engineers planned to build a huge prayer hall (170 feet * 55 feet) without the support of columns & pillars. It is believed by historians in order to keep the ceiling light there were hollow chambers built in it. This resulted in a labyrinth of 1000 passages & 489 doorways. Exploring the labyrinth with a guide is often the best way to go about. You could end up either at the balcony while walking the long passageways or at the Central Hall. Needless to say - the labyrinth also known as `Bhool Bhulaiya' offers enough suspense & excitement & an `irregular' tour of a grand, historic & magnificent monument is especially recommended.

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