Nefetrip

Referred to as Darwaza-i-Rauza or "gate of the mausoleum" by the architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri himself, the main gateway to Taj Mahal is indeed a worthy counterpart to the mausoleum in every sense of the phrase. No doubt that Taj looks splendid when seen from distance, but it's the child-like enthusiasm to adore it from touching distance that takes the anticipations to an all new level. And just when one reaches the open square before the main gateway, the majestic view of Taj disappears completely, only to manifest itself in an altogether glorious way when one stands right in the doorway itself, the doorway to the main mausoleum. The concept of Taj emerging out of the shadows and slowly growing on you seems even more praiseworthy if one dives into the abstract interpretation that suggests a transition from the outer physical world to the inner spiritual world.