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Asafi Masjid

Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is the largest and most developed city of North India after Delhi. This multi cultural city is well-known for its Nawabs. Lucknow - the City of Nawabs - are also well-known for its architecture. There are various structures in Lucknow which you should not miss if you are visiting Lucknow. One of them is Asafi Masjid. Asafi Masjid in Lucknow is located inside a popular structure called as Bara Imambara. Imambara is one of the largest structures in the world. This tomb was built in 1784 and Asafi Masjid in this building has its own significance till date.

Asafi Masjid Lucknow History

Structure of Asafi Masjid

Asafi Masjid was built by Asaf-ud-Daulah in 1784. Bara means huge and Imambara means a shrine built by Shia Muslims. This huge structure was built with an aim of famine relief project. Till date, it stands as one of the grandest buildings of Lucknow. The entire architecture of Bara Imambara building as well as Asafi Masjid reflects the Mughal Empire. One of the noteworthy things of this structure is that the entire building or the structure has various interlocking bricks without a beam or a grider. This also reflects an amazing work of the architects of the olden days.

Interiors of Bara Imambara

The interiors of the Bara Imambara building consists of Asafi Masjid or popularly known as Shahi Masjid. It also has baoli or popularly known as bottomless well. The main purpose of building the Asafi Masjid was to create employment during the famine of 1784.

Historic Significance


Asafi Masjid Lucknow Entry

Though Asafi Masjid was built in 1784 by Asaf-ud-Daulah for devotees to offer prayers, this mosque was utilized by British forces to store gunpowder and weapons. From 1857 to 1884 British used this mosque as a storage space for weapons. These weapons were used to attack the rebels and citizens of Lucknow who were loyal and faithful to the last king of Awadh. After about 27 years one of the religious known leaders Syed Mohammed Ibrahim made repeated representations to the British government and got the Asafi Masjid vacated. It was then that the Asafi Masjid was open to devotees to carry out their regular prayers and celebrate various festivals.

Entry Fee and Timings

In order to view the grand and marvelous Bara Imambara and Asafi Masjid you can visit this building anytime between 6.00 am to 5.00 pm. Taking a look at the entire structure will take time and hence ensure you have sufficient time with you. The entry ticket for the same is Rs 10. This entry ticket will include a visit to the ancient well or popularly known as bawli and a visit to view Rumi Darwaza, facsimile of one of the gates of Constantinople.

How to Reach Asafi Masjid

Well known Asafi Masjid is located at Husainabad road in Lucknow. There are various buses plying from multiple locations in the city to Husainabad road which leave you at Husainabad Inter College. Asafi Masjid is a five minute walk from this stop. You can also hire an auto or a taxi to view Asafi Masjid.

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