Imam Khomeini's shrine

The Imam's Burial place

Imam Khomeini's grave is famously cited as "the holy shrine" in Iran. The holy shrine is situated in the southern part of Tehran near the martyrs' graves in the Behesht-e-Zahra cemetery. This construction is considered as a great and unique building.

Imam Khomeini passed away on the 4^th of June during the night. Soon after there was a meeting in Jamaran between the late Ahmad Agha Khomeini, some of the members of Imam Khomeini's office, the scholars of Qom and Tehran and other authorities of the country. They talked about where the Imam should be buried and each presented their suggestions. After they agreed about the whereabouts of the Imam's grave in Tehran, Haj Ahmad Agha Khomeini decided to bury Imam Khomeini near the graves of the martyrs of the revolution in Behesht-e-Zahra. Some of those present at this meeting then went to see the areas that had been suggested and found that Behesht-e-Zahra was indeed the best location.

The Holy Shrine

They bought the land and with the help of the authorities in Behesht-e-Zahra started to build the shrine. The public, different organizations, pledges and religious endowments provided the finances needed to build the holy shrine. At the time of Imam Khomeini's death and up to 40 days after his death, the holy shrine was constituted of only the grave and burial chamber. The present facilities and expansions were made later on. The building has a dome which is eight meters tall and there are four minarets on the four corners of the building. The Islamic architectural style of the holy shrine has been built in a special modern shape, which grabs the attention of visitors. The internal appearance of the shrine gives off a certain dignity and beauty.