This magnificently built Ashur Khana is located
in Darul Shifa In the year 1360 H, in connection with the 1300th Anniversary
of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, a group of eminent Shias of Hyderabad,
consisting of Nawab Zain Yar Jung, Nawab Shaheed Yar Jung, Nawab Inayat
Jung and Allama Rashid Turabi made tireless efforts for the construction
of a Ashur Khan to be a humble but fitting tribute to the memory of the
Greatest of martyrs.
They started collecting donations in full swing. During that period
the Seventh Nizam's mother, Amtul Zehra Begum, also known as Badi Begum
Saheba, passed away. The Nizam was deeply attached to his mother and used
to call on her every afternoon at the Purani Haveli. He was so particular
about this visit that he would not miss the trip even when he was personally
indisposed or if he had to attend any important function of the State.
After the death of Badi Begum Saheba" the Nizam wanted to build
a magnificent Ashur Khana in memory of his departed mother. Since he had
personally liked the spot and the group of the eminent Shias too willingly
consented, he arranged construction of the Aza Khana-e-Zehra there. He
also announced that if people from the Community wished to have the privilege
of contributing to the noble cause they could make donations of Rs. 1,000
each. People of all faiths in the City came forward with donations.
This Ashur Khana is built on several thousand square yards of land. As
the outer elevations are magnificent so are the interiors of the edifice.
The pillars of the Ashur Khana divide it into three sections. Along the
two walls there are two court yards and a very big courtyard extending
from the main entrance upto the podium. On the sides of the large court
yard there are beautiful balconies constructed at suitable height where
there is arrangement for seating a large number of ladies during Majlis
gatherings.
The capacity of Aza Khana Zehra could be gauged from the fact that without
any congestion 10,000 people can be seated there on any occasion. The
walls of the Aza Khana have been decorated with the verses from the Holy
Quran and the sayings of the Holy Prophet in praise of Ali and his progeny.
These panels have been done by master calligraphists of the period and
have been fixed on the walls with such expertise that at a glance it appears
as they have been engraved on the walls.
On different dates during the hijra year different Alams are raised
at the Aza Khana. Most of these Alams are made of gold which have been
studded with precious stones. |
