The Reflecting Pool
The reflecting pool in the center of the Taj
Mahal complex divides the gardens into four equal quadrants, and draws water
from each of the watercourses. The reflecting pool is designed to capture a
mirror image of the Taj Mahal, and if you are fortunate enough to arrive at the
complex before it is too busy, you will see this perfect symmetry between
building and pool as you walk up the steps from the watercourse. This is the
site where every group photo is taken, and by 8:00 in the morning it becomes
quite crowded. The photo above is askew, as the multitude of tourists in the
"sweet spot" forced me closer to the edge of the reflecting pool and further to
the right. Still it does give some idea of the concept of symmetry that the
architects sought.