Posted August 19, 2008
There is no one word that could even begin to describe the majestic image of the Taj Mahal. No picture, no postcard and no story could begin to compare to seeing the marble wonder in person. Being that it was built in the 16th century and completed over a course of 22 years is impressive enough. However, the underlying power of the Taj Mahal is how it makes you question yourself.
Upon the anticipating 10 minute walk through one of three entrances, quietness overcame the entire courtyard. The white marble shined through like something from outer space. Never have I seen something so beautiful in my life. The design itself was flanked with design after design. It rested at the end of a formal garden with multiple pools reflecting one of the seven modern wonders of the world. The domed tomb is pure Muslim architecture with the four pillars surrounding the base. The tomb was built out of undying love, but it serves a multiple purpose for anyone who visits it.
Our group of 21 was told that once you see the Taj, you would awaken spiritually. For someone who is still searching for something to believe in and wondering just how spiritual I can get, the Taj Mahal served to keep my search alive. It may have been the story behind the marvel or simply just standing on the white marble itself. The truth is, Mogul emperor Shah Jahan created not only a marvel representing the Islamic faith--but one that could bring multiple faiths together.
Four of our group members admitted to crying when they began to walk around the center of the structure. They couldn't tell you exactly the reason why, but it was surely something special to them. Perhaps it was the blatant beauty in front of them, or how the Taj Mahal seemed to bring the entire experience of India together. If it were me who cried, it would have been because the Taj Mahal brings hope. It inspires you to achieve more and to be a better person. You cannot walk away from the Taj and not be changed in one way or the other.
After everything we have been through, being at the Taj Mahal reminded me of all the things I have experienced and seen in my more than 20 days in the fascinating country of India. I let all my annoyances and petty problems vanish as I sat on one of the 12 turn areas. When a couple from Bangalore approached me and asked for a picture, I didn't get annoyed or want them to leave; I sat there gleefully and let them take as many pictures they wanted of me. I felt being in that spot, I had pushed my camera in so many Indians' faces that I felt it would be hypocritical if I didn't let them take a picture of me.
As the sun set behind the marble dome, a silence came over the courtyard again. Even though there were hundreds of people walking around, not a voice was noticeable. What was noticeable was the exquisite detail. Carvings, drawings, lines, art and scripture encompassed the structure. Above and around ever entry way were the words from the Quran commentating that those who enter the Taj will enter heaven and all sins would be cleaned away. Whether sins were cleared or not, the Taj gives off a certain something. I can't describe what that something is because it must be experienced individually and in person.
Whatever that something is, many people have experienced it. Princess Diana, who made one bench in front of the Taj very famous, returned to England and said, "I felt like I could achieve anything after looking at the Taj Mahal. It is love and it is peace and something everyone should feel." Now, 19 Seattle University students have experiences the inspiration of the Taj Mahal, and we are all better for it.
About the Summer in India blog:
All of 19 Seattle University students are right now roaming the streets of Mumbai, India, watching and telling the story of globalisation and mass media in this country with multiple realities.
This is a Study Abroad program titled "Mass Media in Modern India," directed by Prof. Sonora Jha from The Department of Communication. Students are visiting sites that powerfully show a media and a country in transition. They are meeting top journalists from The Times of India and The Hindu, watching TV show shootings by MTV India and NDTV, Bollywood, documentary and independent filmmakers. They are attending classes with Indian students of mass media, through the Jesuit school, Xavier's Institute of Communication and through Sophia Polytechnic's program titled Social Communications Media. And, more than anything else, as one of them says, they are arriving into the world, growing up in every single moment. They welcome your comments on their blog posts.
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