Taj Mahal Photo # 10

These corridors at the approach of the Taj Mahal are typically Hindu. They may be seen
in any ancient Hindu capital. Note the two octagonal tower cupolas at the right and left
top. Only Hindus have special names for the eight directions and celestial guards
assigned to each. Any octagonal feature in historic buildings should convince the visitor
of their Hindu origin. Guards, palanquin bearers and other attendants resided in
hundreds of rooms along numerous such corridors when the Taj Mahal was a Hindu
temple palace. Thus the Taj was more magnificent and majestic before it was reduced
to a sombre Islamic cemetery.