<P> Muslim tradition forbids elaborate decoration of graves . Hence, the bodies of Mumtaz and Shah Jahan were put in a relatively plain crypt beneath the inner chamber with their faces turned right, towards Mecca . Mumtaz Mahal's cenotaph is placed at the precise centre of the inner chamber on a rectangular marble base of 1.5 by 2.5 metres (4 ft 11 in by 8 ft 2 in). Both the base and casket are elaborately inlaid with precious and semiprecious gems . Calligraphic inscriptions on the casket identify and praise Mumtaz . On the lid of the casket is a raised rectangular lozenge meant to suggest a writing tablet . Shah Jahan's cenotaph is beside Mumtaz's to the western side, and is the only visible asymmetric element in the entire complex . His cenotaph is bigger than his wife's, but reflects the same elements: a larger casket on a slightly taller base precisely decorated with lapidary and calligraphy that identifies him . On the lid of the casket is a traditional sculpture of a small pen box . </P> <P> The pen box and writing tablet are traditional Mughal funerary icons decorating the caskets of men and women respectively . The Ninety Nine Names of God are calligraphic inscriptions on the sides of the actual tomb of Mumtaz Mahal . Other inscriptions inside the crypt include, "O Noble, O Magnificent, O Majestic, O Unique, O Eternal, O Glorious...". The tomb of Shah Jahan bears a calligraphic inscription that reads; "He travelled from this world to the banquet - hall of Eternity on the night of the twenty - sixth of the month of Rajab, in the year 1076 Hijri ." </P> <P> The complex is set around a large 300 - metre (980 ft) square charbagh or Mughal garden . The garden uses raised pathways that divide each of the four quarters of the garden into 16 sunken parterres or flowerbeds . Halfway between the tomb and gateway in the centre of the garden is a raised marble water tank with a reflecting pool positioned on a north - south axis to reflect the image of the mausoleum . The raised marble water tank is called al Hawd al - Kawthar in reference to the "Tank of Abundance" promised to Muhammad . </P> <P> Elsewhere, the garden is laid out with avenues of trees labeled according to common and scientific names and fountains . The charbagh garden, a design inspired by Persian gardens, was introduced to India by Babur, the first Mughal emperor . It symbolises the four flowing rivers of Jannah (Paradise) and reflects the Paradise garden derived from the Persian paridaeza, meaning' walled garden' . In mystic Islamic texts of the Mughal period, Paradise is described as an ideal garden of abundance with four rivers flowing from a central spring or mountain, separating the garden into north, west, south and east . </P>

Garden inside the taj mahal is known as