A Hearts Tour - The Taj Mahal

I was inspired recently by a television piece that talked about many of the treasures found all over the world. I was particularly moved when I heard the story of the Taj Mahal. How and why it was built and the meaning of the structure itself. I decided that it would be a great idea to take a “hearts tour” from time to time of some of the most romantic and sometimes romantically tragic places in the world. Today’s post is about the Taj Mahal, “the epitome of love” which stands majestically on the banks of river Yamuna in Agra, India.

Built in 1631-1648 it is considered one of the 8 wonders of the world. There probably isn’t a single structure known to man that has more romance built out of tragedy than The Taj Mahal. Some say it is an expression of a “dream”. What we do know is that it was created by Emperor Shah Jahan after the unexpected death of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, while giving birth to their 14th child. After her death he was inconsolable. However, his love for her was so great that he built the most beautiful mausoleum on Earth dedicated to her. It truly is a monument to love. It took over 22 years and over 20 thousand workers to complete the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is surrounded by a walled garden with a riverside courtyard mosque with the tomb of his wife at its center. Some say the first sight of the Taj Mahal leaves one mesmerized.

Certainly I wont have a “Taj Mahal” built for me when my time comes, but isn’t it wonderful to know that out of the incredible love that Shah Jahan felt for his wife, that the Taj Mahal stands today as a stunning testimonial to true love. And really isn’t that what it is all about? Finding true love? That one person. The one who no matter what you can count on. The one who wipes away your tears, brings you a cup of coffee when you are stumbling around in the morning trying to wake up, one who loves you for all of your faults as well as your triumphs. It isn’t always easy to find him/her. What is it they say…you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince. Very true. However I truly believe they do exist. These soul mates of ours. These true loves. It just might take a bit of time to find them. But when you do hold onto them. Treasure them. Forgive them their minuses and lift them up when they need a loving hand. True love exists.

Visit us at onepassionplace.com