Mausoleum like no other in the world
High wall of red sandstone surrounds the complex on three sides and along the fourth runs a river, creating a water barrier. The enter is through the gate with majestic arches and beautiful bright-colored minarets, which repeat the forms of the museum.
Outside the bounds of the complex are scattered several small tombs built for the wives and prominent servants of the Shah. Behind the walls extends a magnificent Persian garden with landscaped flower beds, fountains and water mirrors. Once the park was designed to evoke the Garden of Eden and was filled with flowers and fruit trees, the ponds were full with fish and exotic birds sang in the trees.
Unfortunately, later the deserted park remained almost without flowers, and most of the areas were converted to lawn with paths and clipped bushes in the English style of the 19th century. The mausoleum, however, still looks calmly at the huge water mirror.
The central place of Taj Mahal is occupied, of course, by the major tomb itself, surmounted by a huge dome. It was built of a bright and shiny marble, which vibrates when the light changes and it changes from bright pink to pearl-gray and warm yellow. The huge dome is balanced by the square building, decorated on all sides with a massive decorated gate, surrounded with two balconies.
Symmetry, which is a principle of Mughal architecture is the key to the perception of the Taj Mahal. At the four corners of the courtyard stands a slender minaret with a slight outward slope, so if there is an earthquake it won't fall upon the main building. The huge gates and balconies are covered with yasnis, jade and other semi precious stones and the marble is etched in a way as to be created additional abstract elements of decoration. Calligraphic written texts from the Koran cover the walls and the plaster is carved with soft flowers, plants and garlands.
The interior of the mausoleum is even more beautiful. The arches give refinement of the high walls of the hall, shining with gems and calligraphy painted panels.
The top row arches are decorated with open balconies infront of each there is exquisite light marble screen.
Large octagonal panel with skillfully recreated imperishable garden with flowers, vines and leaves are surrounding the graves of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. Their bodies are buried under a tombstone in the crypt, as their faces, according to Islamic tradition are facing east towards Mecca.
The huge ending with dome mausoleum is reflected in the calm waters of the pond, lined with light-colored marble. On both sides of the Taj Mahal pass paths which are surrounded by elegantly landscaped trees, boasting excellent views of the majestic building.
