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Sunday, April 3, 2011

Asymmetric Taj Mahal Myth - Alamgir Khan (Taj Mahal Guide)

The asymmetric Taj Mahal myth is related to the placing of Shah Jahan's cenotaph. The position of his cenotaph is such that it looks offset from center. The legend of the asymmetric Taj goes on to state that the cenotaph was added to the monument, after the death of Shah Jahan by his son Aurangzeb. It is said that he deliberately placed Shah Jahan's cenotaph in the Taj Mahal, instead of constructing a separate mausoleum. This was done to destroy the symmetry of the Taj Mahal design. To know more about "why is Taj Mahal asymmetric", read the following lines…




The holy book of Kuran denounces any type of unnecessary display in the life of a Muslim and especially at the time of death. It is believed that Aurangzeb was a highly religious man and following the holy book, he also disapproved of all kinds of showiness. Therefore, he didn't approve of the Taj Mahal, which Shah Jahan had built in remembrance of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. So, he buried his father next to his mother's tomb without bothering much about the symmetry of the great monument. This, is why, Taj Mahal seems to be asymmetric on the inside.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Tourist destinations of India - Alamgir Khan, Taj Mahal Guide

       North India tour provides you a wonderful opportunity to explore some of top tourist destinations of India. There are many popular tourist destinations in northern India appealing tourists and vacationers from all over the world. Jaipur, Agra, Delhi, Varanasi, Kashmir, etc are popular tourist places in northern India.



Jaipur - The Pink City of India
Jaipur is one of the most popular tourist places of India appealing tourist through out the entire globe. Famously known as the Pink City of India it is the state capital of Rajasthan. There are a number of tourist attractions in this beautiful city. City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar are icons or major landmarks of Jaipur city. City Palace is a beautiful palace complex housing many palatial palaces and terrific temples with gardens and courtyards. The terrific Govind Devji Temple is located inside the City Palace Complex. Laxmi Narayan Temple, Swami Narayan Temple, Moti Dungri, Albert Hall Museum, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, etc are some other popular tourist places in the city of Jaipur. The city of Jaipur is also a base destination for commencing exciting Rajasthan tours and travels. Almost all the major cities and tourist places of Rajasthan can be conveniently accessed from Jaipur, the Pink City of India.

Agra - The City of Taj Mahal
Agra is an historical city located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is much known for the magnificent Taj Mahal – one of Seven Wonders of World. Other popular tourist attractions are Agra Red Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daullah, Buland Darwaza, Akbar’s Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, Dayal Bagh, Rambagh, etc. Itmad-Ud-Daullah is also known as the Little Taj Mahal or the Baby Taj or the Draft of Taj Mahal. Panch Mahal, Salim-Chisti Mosque, Birbal Mahal and ruins of ancient monuments are attractions of Fatehpur Sikri. Indeed, Agra is considered to be one of the most popular tourist destinations of India. You will certainly enjoy tourism in Agra, the city of Taj Mahal.

Delhi - The Capital City of India
Delhi is certainly one of the top India tourist destinations with many historical and heritage monuments. This is the home of three UNESCO World Heritage sites - Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, India Gate, Sansad Bhawan, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Old Fort, Lotus Temple, Birla Temple, Akshardham Temple, etc are popular tourist attractions in the city.

Varanasi - The City of Temples
Varanasi is one of the most popular tourist places of north India tour and travels. It is also a famous Hindu pilgrimage centre. It is also one of the oldest living cities in the world. There are many temples in this holy city. Hence it is often described as the city of temples. Vishwanath Temple is one of the most popular temple attractions in the city. Varanasi is also base to visit Sarnath - a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Kashmir - The Switzerland of Asia
Kashmir is a beautiful valley and hill town in northern India. Kashmir region includes many beautiful tourist places like Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar. All these places are endowed with superb and extraordinary nature beauty. Due to exceptional beauty, Kashmir is often referred to as the Paradise on the Earth.