Kashmiri Imambaras with their Brief History

A view of Imambara Hassanabad

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Kashmir, called as paradise on earth in view of its scenic beauty, also has in its kitty some of the oldest and magnificent Imambaras. Most of these Imambaras are located in Srinagar ,Kargil, Budgam and Laddakh regions. Imamis are aware about the existence of these Imambaras in the Kashmir valley under Indian control but they have no idea about the Imambaras of Gilgit-Baltistan. As Gilgit-Baltistan is under the occupation of Pakistan and infamous for persecution of Imamis and followers of Sufism, much material is not available on Imambaras in Skardu, Hussain Abad,Gilgit and other cities like Ghangche, Garikot,NasirAbad and Misgar.However,there is no dearth of material on Imambaras in Indian Kashmir.A brief history of some popular Kashmiri Imambaras is being given as under : 

Hassanabad Imambara is the 2nd oldest Imambara of Kashmir and is famous for its muharram rituals all over the world. Built after the construction of Kashmir’s most persecuted Imambara Zadibal, it is located in south west of city centre Lal Chowk area of Sri Nagar. The Imambara has surroundings that indicate nothing but communal harmony and inter-faith understanding. Imambara is surrounded by world famous Dargah  Hazratbal on one side, Temple of Mata Sharka Devi and Gurdawara Chatti Padshahi on other sides. The early foundation of Imambara was laid down by Mirza Mohammad Ali, a Srinagar based businessman.

During Mughal period, Hassanabad was a developed city and merchants and scholars and Sufis used to throng here in large number whenever emperors like Akbar and Jahangir camped there. The stay of emperors offered them opportunity to seek jobs, sell goods and satisfy the spiritual queries of the kings and their consorts. A Mughal graveyard surrounds the imambara and its contains "Baba Mazar" - the last ‘Aaramgah’(resting place of a number of luminaries like Baba Ali, Syed Mirza Shah , the great Persian poet of 17th century "Mulah Abdul Gani" and famous poet of  Kashmiri  Marsiya "Hab Saheb Mullah".

Budgam Imambara is one of the prime religious attractions of Budgam. A shrine dedicated to memory of martyrs of Karbala Budgam Imambara stands as a symbol of immense respect and faith in the valley. Its existence in a state known for the persecution of pro-Ahle-Bait Muslims for the past several centuries only reaffirms the belief that oppressive forces can never suppress the emotional and universal appeal originated from the martyrdom of Imam Husain on the plains of Karbala.  
Budgam Imambara is also an example of a magnificent architectural acumen. It comprises of five entry points with one especially reserved for the women devotees or visitors. Built in 1857, Imambara can be seen in the shape of an octagon. The interiors of Imambara carry a visible impact and influence of the Indo-Iranian architecture. The admirers of Imam Husain and his companions consider Budgam as an important religious place. The followers throng in large number almost daily to pay their homage and seek blessings of the Almighty and his Ahle-Bait at Budgam.

 During Muharram Imambara is visited by large number of people who come to offer their prayers to the feet of the ultimate divine power during first 10-day phase of Muharram mourning. Imambara Budgam not only entices pilgrims from Imami faith but also attracts reverence from the followers of other religions. As an ancient pilgrim spot of Jammu and Kashmir .Budgam has become a subject of prime interest for historians too. The governing body of Imambara makes all possible efforts on regular basis to enhance footfalls in the shrine.

Trespone is a most beautiful and famous  hilltop Imambara of Kargil region f Jammu and Kashmir state. It reflects a quaint mix of Islamic and Tibetan elements in its construction style and location. It is not only a place with holy relics but also popular among tourists. In all the brochures of J& K Tourism the imambara because of its antiquity and beauty is mentioned as a tourist spot. During Muharram, Imambara becomes a center of attraction due to observance of azadari rituals such as Duldul, Tazia and Alam processions.  

The Imambara at Trespone

It is also the place where the tradition of making a prototype of the ancient Scythian bow is still carried out by some families. This traditional bow is made from slivers of ibex horns glued to a central frame of mulberry wood, which being highly tensile and strong, is ideal suited for the purpose. There is high demand for these bows as they are used all over the region for the annual archery competitions held in almost very village of Kargil region during

Imambara Ahmadpura is another significant Imambara in Kashmir. It was built by Maulvi Mohammad Jawwad in 1948.It is a popular place for religious gatherings and muharram processions and functions under the management of All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association. Maulvi was an eminent scholar and social reformer. He not only constructed imambara but also erected the Shrine of Syed Mohammad Mosavi Ardbeli at Habak

Most of the Imambaras in Kashmir are controlled by supporters of ‘Qadimi’ and ‘Jadeedi’ groups. The former represent the Maulvi family and the latter are supporters of  Agha family of Budgam. Both groups have immensely contributed to the propagation of azadari in the valley but Agha family’s role surely surpasses Maulvi family in this context. Since 1857, Agha  family has produced great thinkers, scholars, social reformers and theologians who played a significant role in the development of Imami School in Kashmir. The respect given to the family can be gauged from the fact during the reign of Maharaja Gulab Singh, Pratab Singh, and Hari Singh, an article was included in the constitution of Kashmir that bestowed Agha family with a unique honour. The article stated that if any one from the Agha family was required to give testimony in any case then the court would not summon him but go to his residence to record the testimony.

Agha family is the descendent of Mir Syed Shamsuddin Iraqi. It was Ayatollah Agha Syed Mehndi, who after staying for twenty seven long years in Iraq during which he was awarded the rank of jurisconsult (Mujtahid), returned to his native land in 1880 and started preaching and propagation of Shia faith. Inspired by his articulate teaching and sagacity, hundreds of people accepted the Imami faith. Aga Syed Mehdi was a great scholar and he has left behind number of books dealing on various subjects like Islamic history, jurisprudence etc. His most popular book is the one that was written on the  Hazrat Ali. His death in 1892  coincided with the martyrdom of Imam Hazrat Ali i.e. 21 Ramazan. He was laid to rest in Budgam.

Agha was succeeded by his son, Agha Syed Mohammed.He laid the early foundation of Imambara Budgam. He established an organization,’ Hamiyul Islam’ to run Madrasas in different villages and towns of Kashmir. Aga Syed Mohammed left for the eternal abode on 7 March, 1931A.D. His elder son Agha Syed Ahmed shouldered the responsibility and dedicated himself to preservation and promotion of Imami faith. He rebuilt the tomb of Mir Shamsuddin Iraqi in 1352 Hijri and also got the Imambara Hassanabad reconstructed in 1354 Hijri. He breathed his last on 21 Zilhij,1364 Hijri. ( Reference available on request)