Shah Najaf Imambara is situated on the right Bank of the Gomati River in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. This magnificent edifice was built by Ghazi-Uddin Haider whose reign was from 1814 to 1827 AD. He succeeded Nawab Saadat Ali Khan and ascended the throne as first King of Awadh. This important Shia community’s religious place was built in the memory of Hazrat Ali, the son-in-law of Hazrat Mohammad ( Peace Be Upon Him ), the Prophet of Islam and the IVth Caliph of Islam.
First King of Awadh Ghazi Uddin Haider was buried here in 1827, as per his will. Crowned by a huge and impressive dome and built of Lakhori bricks in lime concrete mortar, it has a verandah surrounding the main building, known as the Shahnajaf Imambara, the walls of which are plastered with lime. The main chamber is adorned with the armour of Hazrat Ali (RA), elegies to scholars and emperors, numerous chandeliers, mirrors, glassware, photographs and paintings. The high wall of this projecting complex is adorned with a magnificent entrance facing the Gomti.
The central hall houses the tombs of the king and his three queens, Sarfaraz Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, and Mumtaz Mahal.
This place was one of the strongholds of the freedom fighters in 1857. In this freedom struggle, after the expulsion of Nawab Wajid Ali, Begum Hazrat Mahal led this movement with wisdom and bravery. After a year of fierce fighting at this religious place, the British army captured it.
It’s a peaceful religious place where especially in the month of Moharram mourning gatherings are taking place. It’s a popular tourists attraction and Shah Najaf Imambara is a prominent religious center of Shia community.