soami bagh
Travel Destinations,  Uttar Pradesh

Soami Bagh Mausoleum the new marvel of Agra?

I’m sure you’ve heard of the new white marble marvel structure in Agra that took 104 years to build. Every day, lots of spiritually inclined people are coming to see the new marvel wonder of Agra (Soami Bagh).  Although, it is especially for those who are interested in spirituality.

soami bagh
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photo credit: agratourism.in

Unveiling Agra’s Hidden Gem: The Soami Bagh Mausoleum

When I was there, many visitors were comparing this new building to the famous Taj Mahal in Agra. This new mausoleum, was build to honor the founder Param Purush Pooran Dhani Swamiji Maharaj of the Radha Soami sect. The mausoleum is about 12 km away from the Taj Mahal.

Marble Marvel of Agra’s Latest Architectural Masterpiece in Soami Bagh

The white marble building is now a popular spot for tourists in Agra. I was amazed to see the beauty of the Soami Bagh mausoleum. Thousands of people are visiting to see the beauty and masterpiece at Soami Bagh. I was so amazed to see the beauty and thought it was almost as grand as the Taj Mahal. In fact, this adds to the Agra city’s fame, which is known for its beautiful Mughal monuments.

Awe-Inspiring Dedication: The 104-Year Journey of Soami Bagh

The construction of Soami Bagh mausoleum started in the year 1904. In fact after some years the construction was paused but the preparation of marvel architectural designing continued. The Taj Mahal took 22 years to build with the help of many skilled workers in the 17th century. But the Soami Bagh mausoleum took more than a hundred years to complete, in a society that is more open and free.

Stand Tall: The Impressive 193-Foot Structure of Soami Bagh

The mausoleum is made using marbles. These marbles were brought from Makrana in Rajasthan, which is famous for marbles. The mausoleum is built on 52 wells and is 193 feet tall, made entirely of white marble from Makrana in Rajasthan.

A Spiritual Legacy: The Grand Mausoleum of Radha Soami Faith

It is located in the Soami Bagh colony in Agra’s Dayalbagh area. Every day, many tourists visit the mausoleum and admire its beautiful craftsmanship. The entrance is free, but you are not allowed to take photos inside.

Modern Marvels: The Role of Technology in Soami Bagh’s Construction

There are still a few small things left to finish. I saw many craftsmen working with big machines using modern technology. An official told, that they used machines like grinders, cutters, and lifters to help with the construction, and the results are amazing.

Can Soami Bagh Rival the Taj Mahal? Find Out Here!

Many visitors, including myself, have started to compare the Soami Bagh mausoleum with the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a world-famous monument that attracts thousands of tourists every day. It is the final resting place of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Soami Bagh is the headquarter of Radha swami Satsang movement. It serves as a spiritual and cultural hub for followers of the Radha swami faith, founded by Shiv Dayal Singh in 1861. The detailed craftsmanship in its pillars, domes, and archways showcases a diverse range of artistic influences. Soami Bagh mausoleum is a spiritual place for the seekers for serene contemplative environment.

A Sacred Journey: Building Soami Bagh as a Form of Worship

The people who supervised the construction of the Soami Bagh mausoleum said that building is a form of worship, and it will continue. It provides a spiritual atmosphere, particularly meaningful for followers of the Radha swami faith.

A Community of Faith: Exploring Radha Swami Followers in Agra

The mausoleum is surrounded by a community of Radha Swami followers. This faith has millions of followers in states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Karnataka, as well as in other countries.

Craftsmanship Through the Ages: The Long History of Soami Bagh

The original mausoleum was a simple white sandstone structure. In 1904, a new design was created by an architect from Allahabad. Although work was delayed for a few years, since 1922, people have been working hard, mostly by hand, on this huge and decorated building.

Devotion in Every Detail: Generations of Artisans at Work

The artisans work with great devotion. Some old men have spent their entire lives working here, just like their fathers and grandfathers did before them. Now, their sons and grandsons are doing the same. Even though they have some machines to help them, their work is still very detailed and careful.

Blending Styles: The Unique Architectural Design of Soami Bagh

The architectural design of the building does not follow any specific style, either modern or traditional. Instead, it blends different styles harmoniously.

Taller and Grander: The Spectacular Pinnacle of Soami Bagh

The gold-plated pinnacle on top of the mausoleum is 31.4 feet tall, which is taller than that of the Taj Mahal. It was placed with the help of a crane brought from Delhi for this special job. It took years to find marble stones of the right size. Most of the marble for the mausoleum came from Makrana and Jodhpur quarries in Rajasthan. The colorful mosaic stones are from Nowshera in Pakistan. Semi-precious stones for inlay work were collected from riverbeds in central and southern India.

Overcoming Challenges: The Story Behind Soami Bagh’s Construction

The construction faced many problems, like difficulties in finding the right quality of marble, even though they leased quarries in Mount Abu and Udaipur areas. Additionally, there was often a shortage of skilled workers because many masons moved to Gulf countries for better jobs.

A New Pilgrimage: Why Spiritually Inclined Visitors Are Flocking to Soami Bagh

While the Taj Mahal remains the top choice for visitors who love its romantic story and grand structure, spiritually inclined people are now turning to Soami Bagh. It is not only an architectural marvel but also a place for soul healing and solace.

How to Reach the Soami Bagh Mausoleum

If you’re planning to visit the Soami Bagh mausoleum in Agra, here’s a guide to help you get there easily.

By Air

Kheria Airport, Agra

The nearest airport is Kheria Airport in Agra, about 15 km from Soami Bagh. You can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the airport to reach the mausoleum.

By Train

Agra Cantt Railway Station

Agra Cantt is the main railway station in Agra, located about 10 km from Soami Bagh. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the mausoleum.

By Road

From Delhi

Agra is well connected to Delhi by the Yamuna Expressway. The distance is approximately 230 km and takes about 3-4 hours by car. You can also take a bus from Delhi to Agra.

Local Transport

Once you are in Agra, you can use local transport options like auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and taxis to reach Soami Bagh.

Directions within Agra

From the Taj Mahal

Soami Bagh is about 12 km from the Taj Mahal. You can take Fatehabad Road and then follow the signs to Dayalbagh. Local taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available near the Taj Mahal to take you to Soami Bagh.

From Agra Fort

The distance from Agra Fort to Soami Bagh is around 9 km. You can take MG Road and follow the signs to Dayalbagh. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available.

Tips for Visitors

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Agra and the Soami Bagh mausoleum is from October to March when the weather is pleasant.

Opening Hours: The mausoleum is open to visitors from early morning until evening.

Photography: Photography is not allowed inside the mausoleum.

Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit the Soami Bagh mausoleum.

Enjoy your visit to this magnificent and spiritual site!

Cost of Taxi to Soami Bagh Mausoleum

The cost of a taxi to Soami Bagh Mausoleum in Agra can vary depending on the distance and the type of taxi you choose.
From Kheria Airport, Agra
  • Distance: Approximately 15 km
  • Estimated Fare: ₹300 – ₹500
From Agra Cantt Railway Station
  • Distance: Approximately 10 km
  • Estimated Fare: ₹200 – ₹400
From the Taj Mahal
  • Distance: Approximately 12 km
  • Estimated Fare: ₹250 – ₹450
From Agra Fort
  • Distance: Approximately 9 km
  • Estimated Fare: ₹200 – ₹350
Tips for Hiring a Taxi

Negotiation: It’s common to negotiate the fare with the taxi driver, especially if you are hiring a local taxi or an auto-rickshaw.

Ride-Hailing Apps: Using ride-hailing apps like Ola or Uber can provide a more accurate fare estimate and often a more comfortable ride.

Fixed Rate: Some taxi services offer fixed rates for popular tourist routes. You can ask for these rates to avoid haggling.

Booking in Advance: Booking a taxi in advance through your hotel or a reliable taxi service can ensure you get a fair price and a safe ride.

Other Local Transport Options

AutoRickshaw: A more economical option, costing around ₹100 – ₹200 for short distances within the city.

Cycle Rickshaw: Suitable for very short distances, costing around ₹50 – ₹100.

By considering these options and tips, you can choose the best mode of transport to reach the Soami Bagh Mausoleum comfortably and affordably.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Where is the Soami Bagh mausoleum located?
  • A: The Soami Bagh mausoleum is located in the Soami Bagh colony in Agra’s Dayalbagh area, about 12 km from the Taj Mahal.
  • Q: What is the Soami Bagh mausoleum?
  • A: The Soami Bagh mausoleum is a grand white marble structure dedicated to Param Purush Pooran Dhani Swamiji Maharaj, the founder of the Radha Swami faith.
  • Q: How long did it take to build the Soami Bagh mausoleum?
  • A: It took 104 years to complete the Soami Bagh mausoleum.
  • Q: Can visitors take photos inside the mausoleum?
  • A: No, photography is not allowed inside the Soami Bagh mausoleum.
  • Q: Is there an entrance fee to visit the Soami Bagh mausoleum?
  • A: No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Soami Bagh mausoleum.
  • Q: How does the Soami Bagh mausoleum compare to the Taj Mahal?
  • A: Many visitors are amazed by the beauty of the Soami Bagh mausoleum and consider it a worthy rival to the Taj Mahal, although the supporters of Soami Bagh do not intend to compete with the Taj Mahal.
  • Q: What challenges did the builders face during the construction of the Soami Bagh mausoleum?
  • A: The builders faced challenges like difficulties in finding the right quality of marble, labor shortages, and the need for modern machinery for certain tasks.
  • Q: What makes the Soami Bagh mausoleum unique?
  • A: The Soami Bagh mausoleum is unique because of its long construction period, the dedication of its builders, and its blend of different architectural styles.
  • Q: What materials were used in the construction of the Soami Bagh mausoleum?
  • A: The mausoleum is made of white marble from Makrana and Jodhpur, colorful mosaic stones from Nowshera in Pakistan, and semi-precious stones from riverbeds in central and southern India

Sanjay Rai Sharma is a Facilitator and a writer. He writes blogs, mostly on travelling while exploring the natural mystic capturing scenic beauty of nature into words, exploring unknown places and capturing memories in the form of photography. On a mission to inspire and share valuable insights to fellow explorers.

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