An Eternal Love Story

I’ve been thinking about a place where I’d like to go and explore its enchanting beauty and one popped in my head, Agra, India. I’ve read many books on its history and the Mughal Empire, which began in the 16th century and ended in the mid-19th century. One thing that stands out from this part of era is the most unique monument in the history of the world, Taj Mahal. The monument is a saga of love, dedicated to one woman, Arjumand Banu Begum or best known as Mumtaz Mahal. Her husband Shah Jahan built it for her and it stands for love, companionship and memories. Do men like this walk the Earth nowadays, I wonder?

Mumtaz Mahal & Shah Jahan

Taj Mahal- In its purest form.

The construction of the Taj commenced in 1631 and was completed in 1653

" As a tribute to a beautiful woman and as a monument for enduring love, the Taj reveals its subtleties when one visits it without being in a hurry. The rectangular base of Taj is in itself symbolic of the different sides from which to view a beautiful woman. The main gate is like a veil to a woman’s face which should be lifted delicately, gently and without haste on the wedding night. In indian tradition the veil is lifted gently to reveal the beauty of the bride. As one stands inside the main gate of Taj, his eyes are directed to an arch which frames the Taj.

Red Fort in Agra. This was their home

 

 

Beautiful architecture, leaves me speechless...

Arjumand was one lucky woman!

On a full-moon night,
Taj bathes bare with immortal grace

in the cool serene waters softly shining,

like a moonlit dreamcarved in white grandeur.

Marbled mausoleum gathers dust of endless love

of Mughal imperial lovers and sweet scent of sleeping jasmines

lingers on the calligraphed graves while pearly dew drops

caress the majestic marvel, in misty opaque twilight.

When night sings lullaby, and moon sleeps on

pillow of cushiony-clouds monument of unparalleled love

guarded by the emerald-green groves,

pruned so meticulously sheds pristine tear drops

on the weathered pages of history.

Copyright 2008 © By Bharat Trivedi

I found and read this beautiful poem written by Bharat Trivedi. Through his words I feel as if I am there eyewitnessing an enternal love and loosing myself in the beauty of Taj.