2008 Woodie Awards
That certain something of the Taj Mahal
Blog dispatch from students in India
Mat Lohr
Issue: 7/14/08 Section: summer in india
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.
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.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 14
Lauren Padgett
posted 8/21/08 @ 1:54 AM PST
The Taj Mahal did something wierd to me - it awakened a feeling of hope and passion I thought I'd lost somewhere along the way in life. I hope I can carry that feeling with me back to the States, feelings of awe and purity of heart. (Continued…)
Jessica Miller
posted 8/21/08 @ 4:11 AM PST
The Taj was a majectic sight... but unlike you, the random people asking for pictures and staring at us broke that feeling for me. It was awkward. Before we went there, and we were at the fort in Agra, I could feel the excitement building inside of me, anticipating being in front of the Taj. (Continued…)
erica webster
Erica Webster
posted 8/21/08 @ 4:47 AM PST
Yeah, matt. i feel this. I can relate most to where you say the Taj Mahal brought the whole trip together. I dont know why, but it felt like the marker to the end of our India trip, which is strange because its so far removed from everything we've been focusing on during our study here. (Continued…)
Laurel Saito
posted 8/21/08 @ 6:34 AM PST
I think this a very accurate description that Matt gave us. However, I was less overwhelmed with more emotion that I thought I would be. Rather, the beauty of the experiance for me personally were the life questions I thought of and the people I wished were there with me. (Continued…)
Alyss Tsukayama
posted 8/21/08 @ 10:13 AM PST
I have to admit I am one of those students who got emotional and felt that "something." I think it was just the realization that I was actually half way across the world standing in front of something so spectacular. (Continued…)
Veronica Martin
posted 8/21/08 @ 10:32 AM PST
i have to agree with Laurel, here... i surprised myself at how mild my reaction was to the Taj. i was expecting to be moved more deeply by the structure itself. (Continued…)
Melissa Heintz
posted 8/24/08 @ 9:11 AM PST
This was one of the highlights of the trip for me. When I was there I felt like I was at peace with myself. Now being back in the states and getting caught up with my emotions I think back on the inner peace I found in India, especially at the Taj, and find myself realizing that us 19 Seattle University students have felt that "something" that only a few in the world will ever get to do. (Continued…)
Brittany Eddings
posted 8/24/08 @ 10:07 AM PST
I hadn't thought that much about the Taj Mahal before we got there since we had been so busy, but as soon as we walked through the gate everything else stopped. (Continued…)
Joshua Treybig
posted 8/26/08 @ 6:52 AM PST
I personally didn't feel an inspiration or moved extremely emotionally, but the Taj was probably the most beautiful manmade structure I've ever seen. Definitely a must see. (Continued…)
Rand Lutomski
posted 8/27/08 @ 5:45 PM PST
I, like Josh agree that I was not inspired or overcome with emotion upon seeing the Taj Mahal. In fact it was smaller than I thought it would be! That being said, after hearing more about the Taj and what its purpose was as well as some of the facts i. (Continued…)
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