Hannah Jurgens

Pd. 7

Compare/Contrast: Taj Mahal and Lakshmana Temple

Similar to how North America has a group of particularly influential pieces of architecture,

other regions have "model" buildings as well. This can be seen with the "Taj Mahal" and the

"Lakshmana Temple". Both buildings are Indian places erected with references to religion and

love. They also built upon prior traditional design elements to enhance them in their own unique

way (the "Taj Mahal" has roots in Persian and Mughal architecture styles while the Lakshmana

Temple displays elements of Hindu designing).

While both structures relate to religion and love, they were both built with different

functions in mind. Taj Mahal was commissioned by a man who ultimately dedicated the

building to his deceased wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was created out of a direct act of love and

faithfulness. The Lakshmana Temple, on the other hand, was built with the intention of it being

used for worship by the Chandela Kings. The connection to love it has is a series of images

depicting couples, some of which are engaging in intercourse. It served a symbolic function,

used in rituals, and is significantly more erotic in nature. Included in the design is a shrine, a

roofed porch, a base platform and two rows of sculptures modeled after divine figures. While

Taj Mahal isnt religious inherently in function, it does include an exterior with refined

decoration and passages inscribed from the Quran. It also includes 130 feet-tall minarets and

fountains in the gardens that represent the four flowing river of paradise. Aside from function

and intent, both pieces of architecture are made from different material (Taj Mahal utilizing the

use of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones, Lakshmana Temple is made from

sandstone).