Last Updated on September 24, 2026 by admin
These Taj Mahal hidden symbols are easy to miss unless someone points them out, so before we get to the marble, here’s how the trip itself unfolded.
The Journey to Agra
So since I had some friends over from overseas who wanted to see the Taj Mahal in Agra, on a friday morning we left New Delhi for Agra. We took the Yamuna expressway by which you can reach the Taj Mahal in less than 3 hours from New Delhi.
While it is among the best expressways in India, I would strongly suggest you to travel on this road during the daytime as far as possible because it is an extremely accident-prone road and it should be especially avoided during the extreme foggy periods of December end to January beginning.
Soon we reached the majestic monument and our very knowledgeable guide took us to a side so we could have an almost voyeuristic look at the Taj.
If you do a google image search for Taj Mahal, you will not see many images like the one above, most of the pictures you will see will be from straight on. I think the monument looks more beautiful from this perspective.
The History Behind the Taj Mahal
As you might be well aware, Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor of India, to honor the memory of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal , who passed away at the age of 39 during child birth.
Taj Mahal Hidden Symbols: Hindu and Buddhist Influences
Inverted Lotus a Hindu symbol along with the Islamic Crescent Moon
See the picture above. Along with the Islamic symbol of Crescent Moon , you will see an Inverted Lotus.
In Hinduism, the theme of detachment features profusely in the Bhagwad Gita (one of Hinduism’s holiest books). And the lotus was a favourite analogy. For example in this succinct verse:
“One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, Is unaffected by sins, just as the lotus leaf is untouched by water”
In Buddhism too, the lotus represents purity and renunciation, floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire.
So the lotus (which is India’s national flower) was not just a big deal to Hindus and Buddhists since ancient times, it was a defining symbol.
Because the Taj Mahal was built by thousands of Artists and workers, many of them Hindus, as a gesture of appreciation to them, and to show the secular nature of India where all religions are equal , Hindu symbols were incorporated into the architecture and design of the eternal monument.
In the picture above, taken inside the monument, is shown the Sacred Hindu Symbol of OM.
Om is a mantra, or vibration, that is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions. Coming from Hinduism and Yoga, the mantra is considered to have high spiritual and creative power but despite this, it is a mantra that can be recited by anyone from any religion. the O is stretched out and the word ends with an M. So its chanted like OOOOOOOOOOOOOM.
The Lesser-Known Back Entrance
Now this is the back part of the Taj Mahal, the side facing the Yamuna River. The Taj has an entrance on all 4 sides of the monument and what is not widely known is that this was the Entrance used by kings and royalty to Enter the palace who came on boats. You can see from the picture above that the river flows really close to the Taj Mahal so this was (now the entrance is not used ) the shortest way to get to the main monument.
The only part of the mausoleum that is not ornately decorated is the actual grave…
Because..Per Muslim law, graves cannot be adorned with elaborate decoration, which would be an inappropriate expression of vanity.
In the picture above, can you see the 4 Minarets( towers at the edge of the platform ) tilt away from the main monument ? In order to protect the crypt of Mumtaz Mahal, chief architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri tilted the towers slightly so that they would fall away from the rest of the Taj Mahal, preventing the grave from incurring any damages in the event of an earthquake or collapse due to other reasons.
Some of the pictures I took during my visit..
Where to Stay in Agra: Seven Places
These stays range from budget-friendly rooms near the East Gate to a heritage-style resort. Rates vary by dates and room type; confirm availability, taxes, breakfast inclusions and booking terms before reserving.
- The Oberoi Amarvilas — A luxurious Taj-facing stay with every room offering a view of the monument. Sample Premier Room rate: ₹45,000 per room for one night, before applicable taxes; actual rates vary by dates and availability.
- Taj Bhoomi by Jivana — Just by the Taj East Gate, handy for an early visit. Deluxe room-only rates start at ₹2,000 per room per night for single occupancy; double occupancy starts at ₹2,500, before GST.
- Hotel Atithi — A central Fatehabad Road base with a pool and restaurant. Deluxe room rates start at ₹4,000 per night for single occupancy or ₹4,500 for double occupancy; taxes apply.
- The Agra Retreat — A small heritage-inspired stay near the Taj’s East Gate, with balconies and air-conditioned rooms. Deluxe Heritage Room from ₹2,500 per room per night; confirm the applicable occupancy and inclusions.
- The Grand Heritage Resort — Choose this for Mughal-inspired interiors and a more resort-like stay. Deluxe rooms from ₹6,500 per room per night; check the selected dates and applicable taxes.
- Hotel Amar Yatri Niwas — A practical budget choice on Fatehabad Road, about 1.5 km from the Taj. Standard rooms from ₹1,300 per room per night for single or double occupancy; check the live rate and inclusions.
- Taj Agra — A full-service hotel about a ten-minute walk from the Taj Mahal’s Eastern Gate, with an infinity pool and several dining options. Sample Superior King room-only rate: ₹7,400 per room for one night, before applicable taxes; actual rates vary by dates and availability.
Rates can change with season and availability. Check current availability, taxes, breakfast and cancellation terms before booking.
Where to Eat in Agra: Five Places
Menu prices below are sample dishes or meal prices in Indian rupees; taxes may be extra and menus can change. Check opening times and booking details before setting out.
- Pind Balluchi, Taj Ganj — For Punjabi and North Indian comfort food in a casual setting. Palak paneer is ₹379 per dish; Pindi choley is ₹339.
- Tajnuma — A fully vegetarian restaurant near the Taj, with Mughlai-inspired dishes. The Mughlai thali is ₹599 per person; government taxes are extra.
- The Grand Buffet at Jaypee Palace — A broad Indian and international buffet for a leisurely hotel meal. Buffet breakfast is ₹1,200 per person, lunch ₹1,600 and dinner ₹2,000, plus taxes.
- Altitude — A rooftop restaurant on MG Road with tandoor and Indian dishes. The Tandoori Heights non-vegetarian platter is ₹830 and is sized to share between two or three.
- The Taj Mahal Restaurant — Fatehabad Road dining with Mughlai, Indian and other menu options. Veg spring rolls are ₹395 per plate; its menu also lists butter chicken from ₹445 for a half portion.
Prices are menu prices and can change; confirm the current menu and any applicable taxes when ordering.
Five Places to Visit in Agra Beyond the Taj Mahal
Entry prices here are the standard weekday rates for Indian visitors; Friday rates differ at some monuments. Children under 15 enter free at the ASI sites. Check current ticket details and timings before visiting.
- Agra Fort — ₹50 per Indian adult — Explore the red-sandstone imperial complex, including its audience halls and palaces. It is about 2.5 km from the Taj and is open from sunrise to sunset.
- Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah — ₹30 per Indian adult — Known as the Baby Taj, this quieter marble tomb is notable for its inlay work and delicate screens.
- Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandra — ₹30 per Indian adult — Visit the emperor’s sandstone-and-marble tomb set in a large garden complex, roughly 10 km from Agra city centre.
- Mehtab Bagh — ₹25 per Indian adult — A riverside Mughal garden across the Yamuna, especially rewarding near sunset for a view back towards the Taj.
- Fatehpur Sikri — ₹50 per Indian adult — Allow time for this remarkably preserved red-sandstone Mughal capital, about 36–40 km west of Agra.
Monument fees can be revised, and some ticket rates vary by day or visitor category. Verify the ticket price before travel.
The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can read more about its official designation on the UNESCO World Heritage list. If Mughal and royal architecture is your thing, our Jodhpur Heritage Trail through Umaid Bhawan Palace and Mehrangarh Fort is a good next stop.
Do let me know in the comments below what you think of the Taj Mahal…
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