Tah Mahal - Living Symbol Of Romance

Taj Mahal was voted one of the seven wonders of the world on July 7,2007. I love this historical monument because this is a living symbol of love, dedication and romance.

About 4 centuries ago Shah Jehan (1592-1666) was the emperor of India from 1628 to 1658. He married his beloved Mumtaz Mahal in 1612. She dies in 1630 during childbirth.

The emperor had extreme love for Mumtaz. He was so devoted to his wife that it is said that his beard and his hair on the head turned white just in a few months. Her death devastated him to an unimaginable degree.

During his living days, Shah Jehan told her that he will build an everlasting memorial as a mark of their love after her death. True to his word, when she died, he spent all of his energy in raising this monument. It is said that as many as 20,000 craftsmen participated in building it over a period of 17 years.

Millions of people all over the world visit this epitome of love every year. This is an artistic structure of marvelous and exquisite beauty. Made of marble, this monument dazzles especially in moonlight. Scores of people make it a point to visit it during full moonlight.

Shah Jehan was latter dethroned by his son and was put into Jail in Agra fort right across Taj Mahal. He lived in a room whose windows opened towards the Taj. It is said that he survived 8 more years just by looking at the tomb. He was buried besides his wife in the Taj after his death.

We have endless love stories in the world. But nothing as prominent as Taj Mahal. It is a story of unparalleled devotion, sacrifice and true love. As one walks through this monument, one smells and breaths romance and love.

I strongly suggest all great lovers to visit this wonderful symbol at least once in their life time. It is about 5-6 hours of train journey from New Delhi, India to Agra. One should especially try to visit Taj during full moon and to be a witness to snow white marble and its four minarets in the moonlight.