Mosques In India

Aasfi Mosque

Aasfi mosque is located in the complex of Bara Imambara which is in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Bara means big and imambara means shrine. It is one of the grandest buildings present in Lucknow.

History

Construction of this started in 1785, and it is said that ordinary people used to work in the day in building this mosque and noblemen used to work at night. Building up this got completed in 1791 and it is estimated the cost of this building is somewhere around half a million to million rupees at that time. After the completion the nawab used to spend five thousand every year on it for the decoration and look it has to get.

Architecture

The architecture of the building reflects that of mughal design and it is the last project which has no European elements or use of iron in it. In the imambara there is tomb of Asaf-ud-Daula present with no beams supporting and the hall is one of the largest such constructions in the world. There are eight chambers present which are built on different roof heights and the part of the building is referred as bhulbhulayah. It is known for the architecture and is the only building that is present in India of such type. Architect from Delhi has designed this and the tomb of him can also be seen in the imambara.

Significance

The mosque has the significance in its own way. It is one of the buildings that are grand, present in Lucknow. Many Muslims from all over the world come here to offer the prayers and not only Muslim there are tourists who visit this daily. It is well known for its architecture and is the only building present in India of such type. The designer of this is from Delhi who designed it for several days and as remembrance the tomb of the designer is also present in the imambara. It is unique aspect that the tombs of the sponsor and the designer lay side by side here.

How to Reach There

By Train

Reaching Lucknow is easy and Lucknow is the center for many stations in north India. There are direct trains from Bangalore, Trivandrum, Delhi, Kolkata and many other major cities to here.

By Air

There is an airport in Lucknow which is 14 kms away from the city. There are flights to Lucknow from all the major cities in India

By Road

Lucknow is easily connected by road and has good public transport. There are services with private bus to here. All major cities have buses to here.

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