Monday, May 07, 2007

Favorite Post of 2007 is "MoonLight Garden via Moon River"


I was tagged for a meme by CamilleNow: re my favorite post of 2007.

Here it is the legendary Moonlight Garden of the Taj Mahal.


"The Taj Mahal Moonlight Garden

I found out that I'm intrigued by the concept of a moonlight garden, i was delighted to find this historic reference.

Mahtab Bagh is situated on the sandy bank of Yamuna River just opposite the Taj Mahal mausoleum. Located across the river from the Taj Mahal, the Mahtab Bagh (or Moonlight Garden) was a pleasure garden built by Shah Jahan in the 1600’s. From this vantage point, the emperor could relax and enjoy the vista of his great work in a setting of fountains and airy pavilions.

Plan of the Taj Mahal Complex including the Mahtab Bagh

The place is an ideal spot for it provides picturesque view of Taj Mahal. The name Mehtab Bagh means 'Moon Lit Garden' and the same was testified by the beautiful reflection of Taj Mahal in the pool at night in Mahtab Bagh. The place has a history of its own. It is believed that the great emperor Shah Jahan who built Taj Mahal for his queen wanted an identical one for himself at Mehtab Bagh (or was an extension of the Taj Mahal garden). However the archaeological findings have proved the existence of garden complex. The important attraction of Mehtab Bagh is Taj Mahal itself.

The garden has been renovated by the Archaeological Survey according to the original plan. The place has been enriched with vegetation and at present more than 40 species of plants bloom in the garden.

Satellite imaging and an old plan of the Taj complex indicate that Mahtab Bagh was an extension of the gardens across the river:

Elizabeth B Moynihan's book, draws on an archaeological investigation of a garden opposite the Taj Mahal, originally forming part of a single composition. via the book ‘The Moonlight Garden’ – New Discoveries at the Taj Mahal"

Posted by Moon River at 11:57 PM

8 comments:

Moon River said...

Princess, we are soul mate of a sort..:)
i love that as well.

thanks

Bobby D. said...

The most gorgeous tomb on earth I am guessing--I have always wanted to see the Taj Mahal!

Chris Holliday said...

I'd love to see the Taj Mahal one day. Such a beautiful site in books and pictures. This year I'm going to visit Brazil and the Amazon Rainforest. I can't wait. I hope you're spring has started beautifully. Thank you always for the comments.

Chris x

Peter Haslam said...

I can always count on something unexpected and interesting.

S. Camille said...

Lovely choice. Intrigue, moonlight, gardens, archeology and mystery. A beautiful reflection to gaze into. Thank you Princess haiku.
Camille

Diane Dehler said...

Thanks, everyone. See you there someday.. dream

Digital Flower Pictures said...

I have never considered gardening by moonlight. It is an interesting concept. Thanks for posting.

Diane Dehler said...

DFG- There are books on Moon gardens; I have one called Alba Gardens. I would love to see what you could come up with in the way of flowers under moonlight.