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.A.W. 's family, collectively known as Ahlebait a.s.. Not only the Nawabs but also the noble men and the locals built the Shrines(Shabi-e-Rauza) of Ahlebait a.s. 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 a.s. 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 {Associated with Ali Akber} 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 Aasafi Imambara or Bara Imambara. (One of the oldest Imambara of Lucknow) it has Asia's largest flat roof unsupported by columns. Imambara Husainabad Mubarak or Chota Imambara. Imambara Shah Najaf. Imambara Sibtainabad Mubarak or Imambara Jannat Nasheen. Imambara Agha Baqar Sahab. (This Imambara is associated with Abbas Alambardar. This Imambara is second oldest in Lucknow. Built by Agha Baqar during the reign of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daulah. Imambara Ghufran Ma'ab. Imambara of Hakeem Sayyed Yusuf Husain Sahab, Imambara Qasr-e-Jannat (Jannat ki Khidki). During the reign of King Nasir-ud-Din Haider, The "Chehal Mimbari", was revolutionized at this Imambara by putting 39 Small "Mimbers" on a Large "Mimber". Imambara of Nazim Sahab. Imambara of Mir Baqar Saudagar. Imambara of Moghul Saheba, the highest "Mimber" in India is kept in this Imambara. Imambara Kaiwan Jah. Imambara of (Nawab Salarjung Bahadur) Mirza Muhammad Ali Khan Sahab or Kaala Imambara."Zarih" in this Imambara has 13 domes associated with "13 Masoomin" Imambara of Mir Zain-ul-Abidin Khan Sahab. Imambara of Raja Jhau Lal Sahab, (Bait-ul-Maal) Imambara of Meeran Sahab Imambara of Kazmain

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". The oldest "Qadam-e-Rasool" in Lucknow was built in the year 1630 AD by Alkutaash Khan near Asharfabad. The second "Qadam-e-Rasool" was built during the region of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah. This shrine was built in a small Mosque in the Sardaar Bagh in Rustam Nagar Area. The third "Qadam-e-Rasool" was built by King Ghazi-ud-Din Haider in Wilayti Bagh in the area of Bibi Pur on the right bank of river Gomti. The Wilayti Bagh was built for Mubarak Mahal (the European wife of King Ghazi-ud-Din Haider). "Malika Badsha Begam Sahiba" the wife of King Ghazi-ud-Din Haider also built a "Qadam-e-Rasool" in Husn Bagh in the area of Daliganj. In the year 1830 King Nasir-ud-Din Haider also built a "Qadam-e-Rasool" in Imambara Shah Najaf (Hazratganj). This "Qadam-e-Rasool" was the most magnificent of all other "Qadam-e-Rasool". This "Qadam-e-Rasool" was partially destroyed on 16–17 November 1857 by the British forces.

Rauza of Ali

Ali is buried in the City of Najaf-e-Ashraf in Iraq, so the Rauza of Ali is called The Najaf. Imambara Shah Najaf. This is an Imambara associated with Ali. In this Imambara the Zarih of Ali is kept on a platform "Shehnasheen". This Imambara was built by King Ghazi-ud-Din Haider. This Imambara also serves as the tomb of King Ghazi-ud-Din Haider and his three wives. Najaf Qadeem or Purana Najaf. This Rauza is situated in the area of Niwaz Ganj. This is said to be the oldest Najaf in Lucknow. Najaf in Karbala Haji Maseeta near Karbala Mir Khuda Baksh (Karbala Taal Katora). This Rauza and the Karbala no longer exist but some land of the Karbala is still left by the name Waqf Karbala Haji Maseeta near the Karbala Azimullah Khan. Najaf of Hasan Mirza Sahab. This Rauza is situated in the area of Rustam Nagar. On the Day of 21 Ramzan a Taboot Juloos (Coffin procession) of Ali is carried out from this Najaf to the Najaf in Mir Khuda Baksh (Karbala Taal Katora). Najaf in Karbala Mir Khuda Baksh (Karbala Taal Katora). The Taboot Juloos of Ali which is carried out from Najaf of Hasan Mirza Sahab reaches here and the Taboot of Ali is buried here. Najaf in Sarfaraz Ganj. This Rauza was built by Late Nawab Ali Husain Mirza Sahab (Late Gauhar Agha Sahab), for the Isaal-e-Sawab of Late Mohammad Husain Ali Sahab (Babba Nawab Sahab).

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. The oldest Rauza-e-Fatimain (Rauza-e-Jannat-ul-Baqi) in Lucknow is situated in the area of Bulaki ka Adda on the right hand near the Suppa Ros Swamp (Daldal). This Rauza can be reached by a narrow lane situated near the Petrol Pump. Another Rauza-e-Fatimain (Rauza-e-Jannat-ul-Baqi) is situated in the compound of 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-Nawabi and Rauza of Muhammad in Medina. Rauza-e-Fatimain (Rauza-e-Jannat-ul-Baqi) in the area of Rustam Nagar. Rauza-e-Fatimain (Rauza-e-Jannat-ul-Baqi) in Karbala Mir Khuda Baksh (Karbala Taal Katora).

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. The first Bait-ul-Huzn is situated in the Rustam Nagar area. The second Bait-ul-Huzn is Imambara Baitul Huzn (Aza-e-Husain) situated at Wazirganj, Lucknow The third Bait-ul-Huzn is small in size and is situated inside Imambara of Nawab Salaarjung Bahadur (Mirza Muhammad Ali Khan Sahab), (Kaala Imambara), in Peer Bukhara Locality of Lucknow.

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.