The Taj Mahal is often listed as one of the wonders of the world and a must-see destination included on bucket lists around the world, not excluding mine. These designations raise expectations. Kind of like when a good movie comes out and everyone is saying how great it is and that you should go see it. Only, after you see it, you realize it was a lot of hype and the movie, although good, was not the most amazing film ever. As we prepared for India and approached our visit to Agra, I started to worry this would be the case with the Taj. I am very happy to say it surpassed my expectations immensely.
The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a work of true devotion in which the devotee did not skimp, cut corners, or forget even the smallest of details. Everything was thought of to replicate a heavenly paradise as described in scripture including the illusion of rivers flowing with milk and honey—this is why there are fountains.
The perfection, balance, and symmetry are unparalleled including the thought to have the four towers slightly tilt outward so that if they ever fell they would not disturb the sanctuary in the middle. In other words, the architect and designer was humble enough to consider that his monument of love might not be impervious to what the ages may bring.
This magnificent piece of architecture was built as a tomb for the emperor’s favorite wife. He had plans to build a second, slightly smaller, black one across the river for himself, but his son, worried there may be no money left for him, didn’t let that happen. He buried his father in a sepulcher next to the wife in the center of the Taj—the one detail causing any unbalance in the design.
An impressive overall sight and building, the true grandeur is in the smallest of details in the fine stone inlay work throughout the building. Photos are not permitted inside the building itself where the most amazing inlay work can be found, but I’ll share some pictures of similar work from the Agra Fort in the next post.
Precious stones of all kinds are used for the inlay of flowers and filigree. Black stone was used for the verses of Quran surrounding the doorways. And fine details were carved in the white marble structure that seem to glow at the right time of day.
On either side of the main structure are red sandstone buildings. One is a mosque, the other merely a mirror of the first to create a symmetrical design on the property. Around the property are beautiful walls and gates that are also magnificently decorated, and of course lush gardens to represent paradise.
Taj Mahal at Sunrise
The next morning, we walked from our guesthouse before sunrise to a small park on the side of the river next to the Taj. There we waited to see if it would be any different at that time of day. It is different, but not necessary. If I could do anything different, it would have been to go to the park across the river and see it from that side at some point during our visit.
I highly recommend going in the late afternoon or evening before sunset. The building comes alive in this lighting. Also, get the VIP tickets so you don’t have to wait in the line to get in. We wouldn’t have known this, but our tour company had a guide for us in Agra. He helped us not have to wait in the long lines or throngs. I highly recommend arranging for a guide before you get there who knows what it is all about. He showed us the translucent stones inside and described the whole story to us.
The Taj Mahal rightly deserves its spot on lists of greatness and should be on your bucket list if it isn’t. If you think it is overrated, you’ll be pleasantly surprised as I was. Be sure to include this wonder of the world on your trip to India.
