The Reflecting Pool

The Taj Mahal is reflected in the 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.