The Taj Mahal’s Gardens: A Celestial Alignment
The Taj Mahal’s Gardens and the Solstice
The Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, is renowned for its stunning architecture and lush gardens. However, few people know that these gardens have a special relationship to the summer solstice, the day when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky.
On the day of the summer solstice (usually June 21), careful alignments within the gardens and buildings of the Taj Mahal become apparent. If you were to visit the palatial white marble complex before sunrise on this day, you would witness a breathtaking spectacle.
As the sun rises over the horizon, it would appear directly over a pavilion to the northeast of the garden. Throughout the day, the sun would appear to move behind you and then set in alignment with another pavilion to the northwest. The mausoleum and minarets of the Taj Mahal are located between these two pavilions, and the rising and setting sun would appear to frame them.
The Mughal Gardens and the Garden of Eden
The Taj Mahal’s gardens are not just beautiful; they are also symbolic. Mughal gardens, like the Taj Mahal’s, are designed to represent the Garden of Eden, the paradise described in the Quran. This symbolism is reflected in the gardens’ four canals, which run from the center to the four corners of the world.
The Alignment of the Taj Mahal’s Gardens
The alignment of the Taj Mahal’s gardens with the sun is no coincidence. It was carefully planned by the architects and landscape artists who designed the complex. This alignment serves as a reminder of the Mughal Empire’s fascination with astronomy and their belief in the harmony between the natural and spiritual worlds.
High-Tech Satellites and the Appreciation of the Past
While the alignment of the Taj Mahal’s gardens may have been noted before, high-tech satellites are giving us a chance to appreciate anew the work of the architects and landscape artists of the past. Apps like Sun Calc use Google Earth satellite images to show sun movement at any given time and location. This technology allows us to see the alignment of the Taj Mahal’s gardens with the sun in a way that was not possible before.
Preserving Cultural Heritage for the Future
The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its universal cultural significance. It is our responsibility to preserve this site and its gardens for future generations to enjoy. By understanding the symbolism and alignment of the Taj Mahal’s gardens, we can better appreciate the ingenuity and artistry of the Mughal Empire.
Additional Information
- Visitors can use the Sun Calc app to see the alignment of the Taj Mahal’s gardens with the sun on any day of the year.
- The Taj Mahal is open to visitors every day of the week, but the best time to visit is during the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is most beautiful.
- The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, India, about 200 kilometers south of Delhi.