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.