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