Following the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, after having
just given birth to their 14th child, the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
decided to build the Taj Mahal or Jewel of the Palace in loving dedication of
her memory. It took 22 years and 20,000 workers to complete this magnificent
tribute, whose dome is described as being shaped like a teardrop. Constructed of marble, brought in
from over 200 miles away, the intricate inlay work was done by Iranian artisans
and the grunt work was carried out by native Muslims and Hindus.
Two things strike me. Personally it is a spiritual
experience to be here. I feel an emotional sense of both piece and excitement as we
stroll the stone walkways by the reflection pools toward the
iconic dome. Secondly, of all the pictures I have seen, none express the sheer
largesse, as we are dwarfed in the shadows of the arches and white marble facades. We
are truly blessed to have been able to come here just this one time and I would
relish the opportunity to return time and again. Note : Please click on video below
Agra is also home to The Agra Fort. Another fortress
constructed of sandstone, whose construction took place over the reign
of three emperors. It actually was a
residence for the reigning rulers, as opposed to the Taj, which was strictly a
monument. In order to prevent intruders, it was surrounded by two moats. The
first had water with crocodiles swimming about it, and if you were lucky enough
to get by the first, the second moat was occupied by roaming tigers.
We also paid a quick homage to Mother Teresa’s orphanage.
Housing both children and mentally ill adults, we were requested not to take
pictures for obvious reasons. I can assure you that not only are the
residents well taken care of, their facilities are far superior to what they
would encounter on the outside.
As a foot note, this city of Agra was the birthplace of
Vikram Indira. He was both a chemist and a sexual therapist. He discovered a miracle sexual healing drug which became known as the sexual healing drug of
Vikram Indira of Agra. Later it was shortened to V.I. from Agra and finally the
generic drug name of Viagra was settled on. Just kidding. :)
On to Varinesa and the Ganges. Namaste.
PS My good friend Marcelle who is travelling with us tells me that Namaste actually means "I bow to the divine in you"
AMAZING!
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