Imambara Zadibal
| Imambara Qadeem Zadibal | |
|---|---|
امام باڑہ زڈیبال | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Shia Islam |
| Region | Kashmir |
| Rite | Mourning of Muharram |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Husayniyya |
| Location | |
| Location | Zadibal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir |
| Country | India |
Imambara Zadibal in Jammu and Kashmir | |
Interactive map showing Imambara Zadibal in Srinagar | |
| Coordinates | 34°06′39″N 74°48′10″E / 34.110776°N 74.802866°E |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Persian architecture |
| Founder | Kaji Chak |
| Established | 1518 |
| Specifications | |
| Dome | 1 |
| Minaret | 2 |
Imambara Zadibal[a] also known as Imambara Qadeem[b], is one of the oldest and most prominent Husayniyya[c] in the Kashmir Valley. It was originally constructed in 1518 CE by Kaji Chak, a minister during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Shah. The Imambara holds a central place in the observance of Muharram in Kashmir, serving as the focal point for mourning processions and majalis.[2][3] It is located in the Zadibal area of Srinagar,[4] to the west side of Hari Parbat fort.
History
Local and secondary sources date the original foundation of the Imambara to the early 16th century. According to several accounts the structure was founded in 1518, by Kaji (Qazi) Chak, a minister in the court of Sultan Muhammad Shah.[5] However, other sources state the construction date was 1527.[1]
Destruction and reconstruction
The Imambara has been subjected to multiple incidents of arson and destruction throughout its history, with some sources stating eleven instances,[6] the last major burning occurring in 1872 CE during the Dogra period. Among the older Shia religious structures of Srinagar, Imambara Zadibal is the only one that has been fully rebuilt, whereas others have been redesigned or modified at different times.[5]
Architecture
The Imambara Zadibal is a two-storey structure that reflects a combination of Persian architectural influence and traditional Kashmiri construction techniques. The building features a central dome flanked by two slender minarets, forming a symmetrical design consistent with Persian-style religious architecture.[1]
The central prayer hall has a high ceiling supported by wooden pillars, with walls decorated with calligraphic inscriptions and floral motifs. Surrounding the hall on all sides are smaller rooms, which serve functional purposes for ritual and administrative activities. The main entrance consists of a large carved gateway featuring traditional ornamental designs.[5]
A staircase provides access to the second floor, which includes additional rooms and a balcony overlooking the hall, allowing extra space for congregants during gatherings. The interior also features papier-mâché panels and khatamband (geometric woodwork) ceilings, representative of local craftsmanship.[1][4]
The Imambara houses a Zarih, installed in 2018, designed in a modern Persian style to enclose and protect the holy relics.[1][4] The building is designed to accommodate over 32,000 visitors at a time, particularly during major religious events such as mourning of Muharram.
Observances
Shia Muslims are a minority in Kashmir. During the first 10 days of Muharram, Imambara Zadibal functions as a centre for mourning and religious gatherings (Majlis) in Zadibal. Mourners (Azadars) participate in the observances, typically joining processions from areas such as Bota Kadal, Lalbazar and finishing on the day of Ashura with the Zuljanah procession and parades through the streets of Zadibal ending at the Imambara.[7][3][8]
The mourning period extends from first day of Muharram to Rabi al Awwal, after which Eid e Shuja, is celebrated. This marks the end of the two-month mourning period.[9]
Administration and Recent Developments
The Imambara Zadibal is maintained by the Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association under the supervision of the Waqf Board.[10] In 2023, the government allowed the resumption of traditional mourning processions through the old city for the first time in three decades.[11][2] Government officials have periodically visited Imambara Zadibal to review facilities and oversee arrangements for Muharram observances.[12][13][14]
Notes
References
- ^ a b c d e Rizvi, Syed Iliyas (27 July 2023). "Kashmir's Imambara's Are Finest Specimens of Indigenous Architecture". kashmirlife.net. Archived from the original on 23 January 2025. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
- ^ a b "Traditional Kashmir Muharram procession allowed for first time in decades". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
- ^ a b "Main Ashoora procession to be allowed through traditional route only, on 10th Muharram tomorrow from Bota Kadal to Imambara, Zad". Kashmir Rays. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
- ^ a b c Khan, M Aamir (21 June 2022). "'Papier mache on Khatamband': Kashmir's 500-year-old Imam-bargah gets a Persian makeover". The Kashmir Monitor. Archived from the original on 24 June 2022. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
- ^ a b c Kawa, Ruhool Ahmad; Kawa, Ruhullah (16 March 2023). The Files of Kashmiri Shias: Genocide of Kashmiri Shias. Ruhool Ahmad Kawa. pp. 16–19.
- ^ Casimir, Michael J. (3 March 2021). Floating Economies: The Cultural Ecology of the Dal Lake in Kashmir, India. Berghahn Books. p. 39. ISBN 978-1-80073-030-4.
- ^ Kasmir, Greater (4 August 2018). "Hussaini Majalis, processions mark Majalis Asad in Kashmir". Greater Kashmir. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
- ^ "Ashura Procession To Be Taken Out From Botkadal Upto Zadibal: Report". Kashmir Observer. 28 July 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
- ^ CT, News Desk (27 July 2023). "Historic 8th Muharram Procession Takes Place in Kashmir Valley After 34 Years". The Chenab Times. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
- ^ "Imambada Zadibal, One of the most ancient monuments of India". www.imamhussainresearch.com. Archived from the original on 15 October 2025. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
- ^ KNS (13 August 2025). "All Jammu & Kashmir Shia Association Reviews Majlis-e-Asad Preparations; Zadibal to Host Thousands After Seven Years". KNS. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
- ^ "Dr Andrabi review Muharram facilities at Zadibal Imambara". Rising Kashmir. 2 July 2025. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
- ^ "Div Com visits Imam Bara Zadibal, Mir Shams-ud- Din Araqi's (RA) shrine in Srinagar". Lake City Times. 14 August 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
- ^ "Sakeena Itoo, Satish Sharma oversee Muharram arrangements at Imam Bara Zadibal, Hassanabad". Rising Kashmir. 19 June 2025. Retrieved 15 October 2025.