1. What is the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is a white marble mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
2. Where is the Taj Mahal located?
It is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, on the southern bank of the Yamuna River in India.
3. Who designed the Taj Mahal?
The chief architect is believed to be Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, with help from a team of architects from Persia, Turkey, India, and Central Asia.
4. When was it built?
Construction started in 1632 and was completed around 1653, taking 21–22 years to complete.
5. How much did it cost to build the Taj Mahal?
It cost approximately 32 million Indian rupees at the time (roughly USD $1 billion in today’s value adjusted for inflation and economic scale).
6. What are the timings to visit the Taj Mahal?
Open: 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM (sunrise to sunset), closed on Fridays for prayers.
Night viewing is allowed 2 days before and after Full Moon, between 8:30 PM and 12:30 AM.
7. What is the entry ticket price?
Visitor Category Entry Fee (INR)
Indians: ₹50
SAARC/BIMSTEC: ₹540
Foreigners: ₹1,100
Children (under 15) Free
Extra ₹200 for entry to the main mausoleum.
8. How can I reach the Taj Mahal from Delhi?
By Car: Via Yamuna Expressway (approx. 3–4 hrs).
By Train: Gatimaan Express (Delhi to Agra Cantt, ~1 hr 40 mins).
By Bus: UPSRTC Volvo or private AC buses from Delhi ISBT.
9. What are the nearest places to visit near the Taj Mahal?
Agra Fort (2.5 km)
Mehtab Bagh (for sunset view)
Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)
Fatehpur Sikri (40 km)
Akbar’s Tomb in Sikandra (10 km)
Recent Controversy FAQs – Tejo Mahalaya Temple Theory
10. Is it true that the Taj Mahal was a Hindu temple?
No credible historical or archaeological evidence supports this theory. The Taj Mahal is well-documented as a Mughal mausoleum commissioned by Shah Jahan.
11. Who claimed it was a Hindu temple?
The claim was popularized by P.N. Oak, who suggested that the monument was originally a Shiva temple named Tejo Mahalaya.
12. Were any court cases filed about this?
Yes. Multiple petitions have been filed over the years, most recently in 2022 and 2024, seeking to open 22 locked rooms or to perform Hindu rituals at the site.
13. What did the courts say?
The Allahabad High Court and Supreme Court both dismissed the petitions, calling them speculative and lacking evidence. They directed such matters to be handled by historians, not courts.
14. What are the 22 locked rooms in the Taj Mahal?
They are sealed underground rooms in the plinth area, used by the ASI for maintenance and structural integrity checks. No idols or relics were ever found inside.
15. Has anyone performed rituals inside the Taj Mahal?
Yes. In 2024–2025, some individuals were caught performing rituals or bringing Gangajal, but such acts violated monument rules and led to legal action and investigation.
16. What is the ASI’s official stance?
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has repeatedly stated there is no evidence that the Taj Mahal is a temple. It maintains the monument is a protected Mughal structure.
17. Are mobile phones and cameras allowed inside the Taj Mahal?
Yes, but photography is not allowed inside the main mausoleum. Tripods, drones, and large bags are prohibited.
18. When is the best time to visit the Taj Mahal?
October to March is ideal due to cooler weather.
Full moon nights are best for night view (tickets must be pre-booked).
19. Is the Taj Mahal closed on any day?
Yes, it is closed every Friday for public viewing (used for Jumma prayers by Muslims).
20. Is there any development going on near the Taj Mahal?
Yes. The Agra Smart City Project and Heritage Corridor Development plans are underway to improve infrastructure, lighting, parking, and pedestrian-friendly access.
Symbolism and Legacy FAQs
21. What does the Taj Mahal symbolize?
It symbolizes eternal love, architectural brilliance, and Islamic-Mughal grandeur. It’s also seen as a syncretic masterpiece fusing Persian, Islamic, Turkish, and Indian elements.
22. Is the Taj Mahal part of the Seven Wonders of the World?
Yes, it was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a global poll organized by the New7Wonders Foundation in 2007.
23. Can I book tickets online?
Yes. Tickets can be booked via:
ASI official site
Taj Mahal website
Government travel portals or apps like Incredible India, IRCTC, and others.