Taj Mahal – The Wonderful Wonder
Being a Photographer, to get to see and visit Taj Mahal was one of my dreams in life. I planned a journey to experience the miracle that the entire world appreciates. The journey was not so tiring, it just took me a night from Udaipur to Agra. I booked for a sleeper class from Udaipur to Agra, just that I do not expend too much on my travel. I reached around 12 noon to the Agra Cant. Railway Station.
I booked a hotel, Optimum Tara Palace, which was just 800 m away from the Historic Icon of Love, The Taj Mahal. I was all set and excited to see this majestic wonder. I planned to visit it in the evening, though I already decided to visit it again, the very next morning. I wished to make the most of it and wanted to spend some time with its magical aura and peace.
I visited it in the evening first. The entire way of 500 m. to it is beautifully designed and crafted with pink stones. I believe, the stones were from Rajasthan. There were shops on both side of the way, shops of snacks, clothing, sweets, artifacts etc.
The shopkeepers were selling small replicas of Taj Mahal as low as just for Rs. 50 per piece. As I am an Author of a book - "A Book of Brainless Thought", I wished to have a photograph of mine with the book in front of the Gigantic Crown of Taj. But as I entered the security check from the Eastern Gate, the security officers told me that I could not carry any books, visiting cards, diaries, religious books or any documents inside. They said that it is a matter of maintaining harmony within its premises.
Yes, I was heartbroken as it was my dream to have a photograph of mine with the book in front of Taj Mahal. It was like, I was thirsty, the glass of water was in front of me, and as I reached out to pick it up, someone smashed it and the glass broke. I got ahead of the security check and entered the Eastern Gate, the magic of the aura of Taj Mahal already started to give me goosebumps.
Now, as I was getting closer to the Eastern Gate, the huge glimpses of the Taj Mahal were already visible. I stopped there for a while, clicked a few photographs and stood there for some time to appreciating the wonderful structure. It was a treat to eyes, even while it wasn't completely visible.
As I entered and saw the complete structure of Taj Mahal, I was amazed, I felt like that the structure was magnified, it was huge, it was beautiful and it was marvelous. I was hypnotized and I wondered for how the structure would have been erected by the architects, from its very stage of infancy in 1632 to its final completion in 1653. It took all these years to make this astonishing monument, which is known to be among the Seven Wonders of the World. I was taken by surprise and thoughts, for how the execution of this massive structure would have taken place in the absence of modern day equipment. It would have been tough, real tough.
While standing in front of the Taj Mahal and looking at it, I was feeling proud to be an Indian, that such a miraculous piece of art exists in my country. I was amazed to see the vision of Shah Jahan and his feeling of love and compassion for Mumtaz Mahal. Yes, this amazing structure is surely a symbol of pious love of a lover for his loved one.
No wonder why it has been considered to be "The Jewel of Muslim Art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of world's heritage".
Rabindranath Tagore beautifully described it as - "The tear-drop on the cheek of time"
The design of Taj Mahal followed the Persian and Mughal architecture. It is one of the most beautifully decorated structures with excellent carvings all around. It has been covered with decorative elements of calligraphy, abstract forms and vegetative motifs. The calligraphy on the Center Great Gate reads - "O Soul, thou art at rest. Return to the Lord at peace with Him, and He at peace with you".
I bet even in today's world, replicating a Taj Mahal would not be possible, with same finish and with the same minute details carved everywhere into it. I clicked a few photographs of the Taj Mahal through my lens.
There was happiness all around. People were going crazy, were feeling proud and were excited to see the Taj Mahal. They were waiting for their turn to get clicked in front of this astonishing amazement. Not just the tourists from India but Tourists from all over the World were standing still, witnessing the most beautiful structure of the world. I managed to click a few good ones of the tourists all around.
Now as I headed towards the Taj Mahal interiors, I was asked to wear certain shoe wraps. I bought it for Rs. 10 and wore it. There were two entries, VIP and normal. I was supposed to take the normal one as I paid just Rs. 40 for a ticket. I stepped up to enter the Graves aka "Maqbara" of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Photography wasn't allowed inside, but I saw almost everyone clicking all around with their mobile cameras while flashing their camera flash. I kept respect of the rules and the place. I didn't make a single click inside the tomb.
I got down from the tomb interiors. I was happy to experience and witness the most amazing place of the world. I then walked back to my hotel room and had a good night sleep.
Though I was tired but I still managed to reach the Taj Mahal by 7:30 am in the morning. I managed to get a few clicks of mine amidst the wondrous elegance of enigmatic Taj.
I wrapped up the journey by getting a few packets of "Agra ka Petha' for my family back home. The "Agra Petha", which is said to have originated in the kitchens of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and manufactured in Agra is covered by a Geographical Indication label to certify their origin.
I wrapped up the journey by getting a few packets of "Agra ka Petha' for my family back home. The "Agra Petha", which is said to have originated in the kitchens of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and manufactured in Agra is covered by a Geographical Indication label to certify their origin.
Nothing in this world could replace a Taj Mahal. While I was walking along the pavements of Taj, I felt like I was on some spiritual pilgrimage. The feeling was so pious and so peaceful that I felt like being at God's place. I would surely love to visit it again.
