Mosques In India

Hooghly Imambara

Imambara in Hooghly is a mosque and an imambara located in Hooghly, West Bengal. Imambara is a hall for ceremonies specially which are associated with Remembrance of Muharram. The name of this came from Husain ibn Ali who is a grandson of Muhammad and Imam. Husain was killed 1300 years back and shias still remember the death of Husain every year all over the world. Husain is different from mosque and usually used for gatherings for Muharram in remembrance for Husain ibn Ali and may not have Friday prayer every Friday. In south East Asia this Husain is referred as Imambara. In different places in the world it is called by different names. In United Arab Emirates it is called as matam, in Afghanistan it is called as takyakhana. So, an Imambara is holy place where are ceremonies are taken place usually during the time of Muharram.

History

From 16th century banks of Hooghly are destination for Europeans who came in the disguise of traders but later became the rulers of the place. European influence is seen in Hooghly as they ruled the place for a long time.

In 1580 Akbar allowed them to establish a port in Bengal which is named as Bandel of ugolim. Bandel means port in Portuguese. People believe that ugolim became Hooghly as time passed. Some of the historians have the opinion that there is abundant growth of elephant grass which in Bengali is called as hogla pata. This hogla pata gave the name Hooghly to this place. It became famous and ships came here from China, and other parts of Europe. In 1785 the name Hooghly became famous and a district is also is formed. The construction of Imambara in Hooghly was started Muhammad Mohsin in 1841 and was completed in 1861. It took 31 lakh to complete the construction at that period of time.

Architecture

The Imambara in Hooghly is a two storied building with a tall clock tower in the entrance. The gate where the entrance is seen has a tall clock in it. The complex in the mosque has designs and texts from Quran which are engraved in the wall. Texts from the holy book of Muslims are written on the walls of the mosque. The Imambara is an example for Islamic architecture in West Bengal. It stays as an example for the architectural value it is in Bengal. There are wonderful dual towers in front and are of 80 feet high. A clock is also present between the towers and the clock is brought from London at a cost of 12,000. The towers show a beautiful view to the river and the town. The historical temple and church are viewed from the top of this tower. There are beautiful fountains inside the Imambara and a water tank full of colored fish in it. Sun dial is also present in it.

Significance

Imambara is holy place to perform ceremonies and it is a place which is worshiped. Imambara in Hooghly is known for its design and architecture. Architecture present in this attracts tourists to this place. Muslims from different places come here and offer their prayers. This is holy place in the nearby area for the people to come and offer prayers.

How to reach there

By Road

Hooghly has well connected road from Calcutta. One can reach here from Calcutta by road.

By Train

Hooghly has train connectivity from all the major cities in west Bengal or one can reach Calcutta and from there it is more easy and convenient to reach Hooghly.

By Air

One can reach Calcutta by air and from there you can train or bus and come in a convenient way here.

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