India Through My Eyes

Bara Imambara  ( Urdu :  بڑا امامباڑا ‎,  Hindi :  बड़ा इमामबाड़ा ) is an  imambara  complex in  Lucknow, India , built by Asaf-ud-Daula ,  Nawab of Lucknow , in 1784. It is also called the Asafi Imambara. Bara  means  big , and an  imambara  is a shrine built by  Shia  Muslims for the purpose of  Azadari . The Bara Imambara is among the grandest buildings of Lucknow, The complex also includes the large  Asfi   mosque , the  bhulbhulayah  (the labyrinth), and  bowli , a step well with running water. Two imposing gateways lead to the main hall. Construction of Bara Imambara was started in 1785, a year of a devastating famine, and one of  Asaf-ud-Daula 's objectives in embarking on this grandiose project was to provide employment for people in the region. It is said that ordinary people used to work in the day building up the  edifice , while  noblemen  ...

Mathura is the birthplace of the Hindu mythological character Lord Krishna at the centre of Braj or Brij-bhoomi, called Shri Krishna Janma-Bhoomi, literally: 'Lord Krishna's birthplace'. Govardhana (Sanskrit: गोवर्धन) is a hill located near the town of Vrindavana, in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It considered as sacred especially in the Vaishnava traditions within Hinduism. Known as Govardhan or Giriraj it is the sacred center of Braj and is identified as a natural form of Krishna. Govardhan Puja is celebrated the day after Diwali. It is the day Lord Krishna defeated Indra, the deity of thunder and rain. As per the story, Krishna saw huge preparations for the annual offering to Indra and questions his father Nanda about it. He debated with the villagers about what their 'dharma' truly was. They were farmers, they should do their duty and concentrate on farming and protection of their cattle. He continued to say that all human ...