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.– Emperor Shah Jahan
I do not have much to say about the Taj Mahal except that if you have a chance, you should visit this monument that was built out of love. It was allegedly constructed in honor of Emperor Shah Jehan’s third wife who died during the birth of her 14th child. Or at least that’s the story I heard.
The entire structure has complex design elements to include sculpted marble, detailed carvings, inlay stones made of marble, jasper and jade, calligraphy made of jasper and black marble with inlaid white marble panels. The details were absolutely amazing. Based on Islamic prohibitions of the time, the decorations are mostly simple and complex abstract forms and such as flowers, colorful designs or calligraphy. It was truly a sight to behold.
Architecture is not an inspirational business, it’s a rational procedure to do sensible and hopefully beautiful things; that’s all. ~~Harry Seidler
Other inspiring posts I liked:
- Daily Post’s Between
- Where’s my BackPack Travel Theme Shine
- Daily Post Photo Challenge: On Top
- Wind Against Current – Extra
- Travel Theme : Shine | That Montreal Girl
- Extra – Koi and Flower
- The Ambition Drifter: What’s on Top
- Ajua Beach Between the Rocks | Unique So Chic
- I spy a KISS guy – B’s Words
- 2812 Photography – Extra
- Uncle Spike’s Adventures: On top
- Travel Theme: Shine | Drawing with Light
- Photo Roberts blog – extra
- Wise Monkey Abroad
- Scottseyephotos – on top
- Indomoto – between
- Weekly Photo Challenge: Between & Travel Theme: Shine | WordsVisual
- Chittle Chattle – Between
- Travel Theme-Shine | WoollyMuses
- A Mom’s Blog – On top
- TomWarren Photo – Between
- Travel theme: Shine « Sasieology
- Stephen Chapman – Top
- Ese’s Voice – Between
- Travel Theme: Shine | Wind Against Current
- In a Snap
- Travel Theme: Shine | Northwest Frame of Mind
- Undefined by Design – Between Laughter.
- Wind Against Current – Between
- Daily Post Extra Extra
- Travel Theme: Shine | Miscellaneous Eclectica
- My vivid visions
- Hope the Happy Hugger
- Travel theme: Shine | Stefano Scheda
- Grit and Satin – On Top
- Weekly Photo Challenge: ON TOP | The Adventures of Iñigo Boy
- Humbled Pie – Between
- Weekly Photo Challenge – On top – Looking down. |
rfljenksy - Practicing Simplicity 
I have to see this in person once in my lifetime, Nice post!
You really do. Reminded me of going to the Grand Canyon. Something you see all of the time in print or on TV but nothing compares to actually visiting a place like this.
Very beautiful shots. I am most curious about your feet in the little ‘footsies’ though 😉
I should have commented on that. You either have to walk barefoot there or place the booties on. WIth 100-120 degree temps I did not want to go barefoot. Though they did have a carpet that ran the entire route. I was impressed with the care taken there.
It was so different and I just had to ask. 😉
They were not very effected and tore easily. However, I love the effort. So many places now have a complete disregard for amazing things and do not have rules. I was shocked at how people were tearing up ancient relics in Cambodia.
I was just going to say that about Cambodia. I was surprised the access we had. When we went at Christmas there were guards around restricting some areas though, but not all.
There were entire groups stepping over the ropes and walking across the already damaged grass. On top of the relic for the sunset view, people brought 6 packs of beer and were smoking and tossing their cigs.. so disrespectful.
Disgraceful ! I hate when I see garbage tossed into something that’s irreplaceable. I remember being shocked by that in Rome a few years ago in ancient sites. People just don’t have the respect they should.
I was totally blown away by the size of the Taj Mahal. That can never be appreciated from looking at photos, you have to stand in front of this magnificent building to truly comprehend the size then look at all the detail that has gone into it. One of the wonders of the world. You have given us a lovely gallery of images
Thanks. It’s so true. So very true. Felt the same way about the Grand Canyon.
Yes me too and after nearly 7 hours walking down then struggling back up ( and I only got as far as the lookout over the Colorado River!!!) my wobbly legs knew that Canyon was HUGE.
I only made it to the top view as my kids were pretty small at the time and we actually, luckily happened to be passing through. My dream had been to go back and do that trip.. that was years ago.. now I just cling to the memory.. will probably visit the top again.
It is a very tough walk, but you could always go down on a mule…