The Monumental Taj | Storyscrapers

Author: Vandana Oke

Do you remember the moment when you first glanced at this epitome of beauty and love?

Yes! I am talking about the spectacular TAJ MAHAL.

I was in Grade 9, when a few of my brothers’ friends who lived overseas had come over to Delhi. As you know, if you are a foreigner visiting India, then no India trip is complete without the visit to the Taj.

So, there we were, tucked in a Tata Safari, advancing on the Delhi-Agra highway to witness the most beautiful man-made architectural marvel. I had been there once before when I was still in my diapers, so of course, I had no memory of it!

After a three-hour drive, we entered Agra city and were waiting patiently to reach the Taj Mahal parking lot. Once we were parked, we made a short trip to the wet and smelly washroom and then hurried our way to the entrance.

The walk from the ticket window to the main entrance was interesting. We were surrounded by uncountable shops and street mongers trying to sell us all kinds of Indian handicrafts and miniature replicas of the Taj, looking at which, I was now getting impatient to see the real Taj.

As I made way through the big gate, my eyes were directed to an arch which framed the Taj. I saw the glimpse of the remarkable monument through the arch and boy! It was simply breathtaking! That sight is etched forever in my memory and I still remember I stood there, speechless with teary eyes, looking at the colossal structure.

It stands there against the test of time, so strong and commanding. It looked like a heavenly body, immense and imposing compared to the human scale! The size and beauty of Taj Mahal just presses upon you the fact that it is a timeless testament to the rich Indian and Mughal architecture and absolutely nothing could be added or subtracted to it……it is just perfect!

We strolled around the landscaped lawns and gardens admiring from every angle the timeless elegance, brilliant decor and exclusive designs that made up each and every part of the Taj Mahal. With our camera full of memorable pictures and our legs tired of exploring this beauty, it was time to endure our journey back home.

It has been more than two decades since, but that glimpse of the “crown palace” is still fresh in my memory. Only the people who have been there know what a haunting beauty it is! Admired worldwide as an iconic symbol of love, Taj Mahal is like a dream woven in white marble……

…and for me, no other monument in the world can beat the magical effect of the Taj.

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