Was
Taj Mahal a Shiva Temple? This question relates to the legend of the Taj
as a Shiva temple. It has been believed that the monument we now call
Taj Mahal was once a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Known by the
name of "Tejo Mahalaya", this temple was seized by Shah Jahan
and modified as the Taj Mahal. Infact, even the name of Taj Mahal is
alleged to be a distortion of the name of the temple. One of the staunch believers of the "Taj Mahal a Shiva Temple Myth" is Professor P.N. Oak, author of "Taj Mahal: The True Story". He even goes on to say that Mumtaz Mahal is not even buried there. According to him, all the records of the Taj Mahal are just instruments to hide its true origin. To prove his claim, he even sued in the court for permission to break open the cenotaphs, and to tear down brick walls in the lower plinth. However, his case was rejected by the court.