So as you all know, I’m in India – and whilst my meetings have been pretty good [and with a teensy-bit of luck, they’ll turn into ‘astoundingly good’ within a few weeks] the highlight for me has been visiting the Taj Mahal.
Now there are a number of reasons why this is the case, with the main ones being …
1 My Dad went there in 1975 and in a weird sort of way, it made me feel like I was there with him – which was something I treasured.
2 It is simply the most magical, breath-taking, majestic place I have ever seen in my life.
3 It ignites a feeling of spirituality in everyone – even those with a coldest, cynical heart.
[I don’t mean ‘spirituality’ in the clichéd sense of ‘finding yourself’ – but in the way that you know you are connected to all of humanity]
As I’m not sure if people know the amazing story of the Taj Mahal … I’ll quickly detail it before getting to my point.
The Taj Mahal [The Palace Of All Palaces] was built by a Mongul emperor named Sahah Jahan – as a resting place [and demonstration to the World ] of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
The Taj Mahal took twenty-two years to complete with an estimated 20,000 workers. The building is surrounded by four 138 ft. minarets [each leaning slighting away from the centre building so that in an earthquake, they would fall away – rather than into – the centerpiece] … sits on a 315 ft. square marble platform [with the marble being brought in from almost 400 kms] … is engraved – not painted – throughout the building and is symmetrical in almost every way.
I say ‘almost’ because whilst the monument was built for his wife [with her tomb in the absolute centre of the building] Sahah Jahan wanted to be buried next to her – thus making it the only none-symmetrical element of the building.
Rumour states that the Sahah Jahan wanted to build an identical building in black for himself but his son – worried that the Emperor was bankrupting the people – put his father in a prison [which had a torturous view of his masterpiece] – till he died, 8 years later.
The bastard!
Anyway, back to my point …
The thing is, this Wonder Of The World attracts 10,000 people from all over the globe each day, and regardless of where they come from … what religion they follow … what financial situation they enjoy … they all go away with a greater/deeper appreciation of another culture – with it’s different values, beliefs and attitudes – which in its own small way, helps break down global prejudices which in its own small way, helps break down the anger and hatred that is prevalent throughout the World.
In short, the Taj Mahal may be encouraging people of the World to live happier, healthier, more considerate, understanding and integrated lives … which is needed more now than ever … which begs the question why don’t the super-wealthy/government get together and create a new Wonder Of The World … something that will have the same effect on people 1,000 years from now as the Taj Mahal had on me today?
If done in the right way, with the right intentions … I now know a building has the power to bring different cultures, nationalities and religions together … which surely can help those who visit have a greater appreciation for their life and others lives which can only be a good thing.
Of course there are lot of things that need supporting – but given we live in such ego-maniac times, I find it interesting the uber-wealthy tend to invest in charities and/or art rather than glorious and majestic architecture – especially as this probably would leave their name in history more than any other act they could do.
Then again, maybe it is impossible to build something as spectacular as the Taj Mahal without experiencing a deep sense of loss … maybe when something is created purely because of ego, you get unpopular vulgarity – like Trump Tower.
Whatever the answer is, I cannot help but feel the World would be a better place if there were more Taj Mahal’s for people to experience or at least a law that stated everyone in the World had to go and visit the Taj Mahal at least once in their life.
In all seriousness, I cannot adequately describe the majesty of this place – it is astounding in every way – and whilst it was obviously built to generate awe in all who visited it, it is not a sad place, infact it’s the most alive building I have ever seen. [You have to go there to truly understand what I mean]
Hell, not many people can get me to get up at 5:15am after 3 hours sleep … let alone a building … and yet that’s what happened this morning because I needed to see it one more time before I flew home.
Sure it is a tourist attraction … but the Indian people treat the place with ultimate respect [petrol/diesel cars and not allowed within 1000 feet of the Taj Mahal grounds] and once you’ve negotiated past the beggars, touts and tourist guides who hang outside the Palace’s main gates, you are in a place where tranquility can be truly appreciated, embraced and understood.
Go there … I urge you … especially because on the way out you can buy one of the most tacky-yet-cool momentos on the planet … the Taj Mahal Snow Dome. [Yes, of course I bought one … I’m pathetic and uncultured. Sue me]
