Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Wednesday Wonder

The Taj Mahal is considered one of the manmade wonders of the world and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife who died while giving birth to their 14th child. Construction began one year after her death in 1632.

The Taj Mahal is not just a building. It is a complete complex with 4 separate gates that are used for entry. This entrance is for tourists and has a security check in place, with men and women in separate lines.

Once inside, this is the main entrance you can see behind us. A photographer was there to take pictures which could be purchased upon leaving.

It's hard to believe that the Taj Mahal was built as a mausoleum.

No shoes were allowed.

And we weren't allowed to take pictures inside where the tomb is located.

Mughal Jahan described the Taj in these words:

Should guilty seek asylum here,
Like one pardoned, he becomes free from sin.
Should a sinner make his way to this mansion,
All his past sins are to be washed away.
The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs;
And the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.
In this world this edifice has been made;
To display thereby the creator's glory.


The sad part of the story is that the last 8 years of his life, Mughal Jahan was put under house arrest by his son at Agra Fort.

It is said that this is the room where he spent those last 8 years.

With a view of the beautiful Taj Mahal that was a symbol of his eternal love.

It truly is an amazing sight!
Wishing you peace, joy, and love. Friendship blessings, Tammy

18 comments:

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing this journey with us. It's amazing for me to see other parts of the world and actually feel like I'm traveling with friends.

Just so you know Blogger is acting up here in the States too.

Hope they get this fixed soon.....

Travel on,
Kate

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Oh Tammy...thank you for this beautiful tour today! Just breathtaking!! Love, love your family photo! My honey gave me a ring for our 25th in June which was a total surprise since I knew we were going to Aruba and that was a wonderful gift in itself!! I too am a simple girl but the ring is vintage inspired and I love it!!!!!

Unknown said...

Oh Tammy I so loved this post. Very nice picture of your family. I read a book "Beneath A Marble Sky" by John Shors all about the building of the Taj Mahal. It has always been one of my favorites. Blessings
QMM

Anonymous said...

How is my world traveling friend?!
What a wonderful piece of architecture, I wouldn't have a clue how to 'create' that! hehee......

thanks for your sweet comments!
Have a great day, it's overcast and wet here, yuck...but i'm still happy!

ciao bella

CREATIVE CARMELINA

Diane said...

Thanks for the insight and the tour inside and out of such a gorgeous building. Nice pictures of you and your family. diane

Susan said...

Thanks for the tour of this magestic structure, Tammy. I don't think I will ever have the opportunity to see it in my own lifetime so I really appreciated the photos. Didn't know the story behind it, either. Oh, that poor woman....her 14th child? God bless her! Take care. Susan

Daydream Living said...

Hi Tammy!
Thanks for this lovely post!
Have a good evening,
Maureen

Rita said...

Dear Tammy,
thank you for taking me along in your amazing tour and thank you for all the explanations. All was totally new to me.
It's a wonder to be able to see other parts of the world thru the eyes of someone else.
blessings
rita

crochet lady said...

I never quite realized the details behind that building. Thanks for sharing the story and the pictures.

Thanks too for your comment on my vintage postcards post. I love getting creative ideas from other crafters. I would love to get a postcard from you, how very thoughtful of you. If you send me an email at tookietrinkets@gmail.com, I'll give you my address and I'd love to send you one back in return.

Thanks Tammy!

Serena Lewis said...

Thanks for the tour, Tammy....such a beautiful but also sad story.

Elyse said...

fascinating!

so amazing to see your family pics in these amazing locations! thanks as always for sharing.

xo
elyse

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Tammy,

What an amazing experience for your family going to visit the Taj Mahal ~ I had no idea that construction started back in 1632. Was neat to find out more about this wonderful building and was such a sad story in the end. Thanks for sharing.

Happy Thursday
Hugs
Carolyn

Anonymous said...

What a treat to go back to India with you today. You always have such interesting information to go with your pictures. I did not realize it was built so long ago, and certainly did not know the story behind it all. Sad ending to the man's life but such a beautiful view of the building he built to honor his wife. Thanks for the education and wonderful pictures!!

Love,
Renee

Melissa said...

I can see why its called one of the wonders of the world. I kindof get goosebumps just looking at your pictures. It surely is majestic and beautiful. The Blue Mosque in Turkey is just as grande but it doesn't hold presence compared to this. Awemsome pic of you and the family which should be framed. Loved the trip down history lane:)

Susan said...

Good morning Tammy. Thanks for the story, very interesting. I enjoy some history. The photos were great too. Have a great day. Susan

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Oh his is a sad story!

Manuela

Anonymous said...

Lucky you... looks like a beautiful visit.
Gwen

Unknown said...

So beautiful and such a romantic tribute. Thanks for sharing.

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