When I sat in my 7th grade geography class so many years ago in small town Iowa, I remember seeing a picture of the Taj Mahal in our textbook, and wondering what it must be like, who built it, where the country was, and being mystified by its beauty. I didn't have the imagination to think I would ever see it in person, but I was never very good at looking in to the future. I must say, however, the real thing did not dissapoint, and the privledge of the moment was not lost on me. I wish I could thank my parents for all they did to make it possible for me to have had the opportunity. Pictures are a much better way for me to relay the Taj Mahal, so here’s the website to the photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39413808@N05/sets/72157621960123350/
BTW: There are photos for 4 separate edifices/complexes. They are separated in the set
by MONKEYS, so when you see a monkey, the site is changing.The first batch is of Fatehpur Sikri, built in the 2nd half of the 16th century by Akbar the Great (actually Akbar means great, so he’s Great Squared). This was the capital of the Mughal Empire for about 10 years. This is a World Heritage Site.
The second building you probably recognize….The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the final resting place for his favorite Queen Mumtaz. It took 22 years to complete and 22,000 workers.
The third building is Itmad-uh-daula’s Tomb, also sometimes known as Baby Taj. It is built entirely of marble as well, and built in 1628. Although the scale of this is far less grand than the Taj Mahal, the exterior of this building is far more ornate, with semi precious stoned inlayed all over the building. GORGEOUS.
The fourth building is Agra Fort, also built by Akbar the Great, although work continued on it for 2 more generations.
Here one son imprisoned his father, the current king, so he could take over his job, but he built his dad a lovely white jail with a great view of the Taj Mahal in which to spend the last 8 or so years of his life, so it wasn't all bad.
We came to Jaipur last night via train, and will be seeing the Pink City, as it is known, for the next 2 days. It’s less humid here, so that’s a welcome relief. Enjoy the pictures, and I hope everyone who has the urge to see this place someday will.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39413808@N05/sets/72157621960123350/
BTW: There are photos for 4 separate edifices/complexes. They are separated in the set
by MONKEYS, so when you see a monkey, the site is changing.The first batch is of Fatehpur Sikri, built in the 2nd half of the 16th century by Akbar the Great (actually Akbar means great, so he’s Great Squared). This was the capital of the Mughal Empire for about 10 years. This is a World Heritage Site.The second building you probably recognize….The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the final resting place for his favorite Queen Mumtaz. It took 22 years to complete and 22,000 workers.
The third building is Itmad-uh-daula’s Tomb, also sometimes known as Baby Taj. It is built entirely of marble as well, and built in 1628. Although the scale of this is far less grand than the Taj Mahal, the exterior of this building is far more ornate, with semi precious stoned inlayed all over the building. GORGEOUS.The fourth building is Agra Fort, also built by Akbar the Great, although work continued on it for 2 more generations.
Here one son imprisoned his father, the current king, so he could take over his job, but he built his dad a lovely white jail with a great view of the Taj Mahal in which to spend the last 8 or so years of his life, so it wasn't all bad.We came to Jaipur last night via train, and will be seeing the Pink City, as it is known, for the next 2 days. It’s less humid here, so that’s a welcome relief. Enjoy the pictures, and I hope everyone who has the urge to see this place someday will.
Back to Hindu Deity work... First, I hope everyone is working on the God/Goddess contest entries; thanks to AK for her entry; I concur with the arms idea. I've failed to write about 
one of the big 3, Lord Brahma, except to explain why there are few temples dedicated to his honor, so let's talk his virtues for a change. Brahma is the creator of the world and all living things, and wisely thought to create a beautiful woman, known as Saraswati (a personal favorite we've discussed before). Sarasvati was shy, and grew tired of Brahma's constant gaze, so she tried to hide from him. But each way she turned, Brahams sprouted a head so he could always watch her. Now THAT'S over protective. In addition to his 4 heads, he sports 4 arms which are busy grooming his 4 long beards. He carries no weapon, but he does keep a carafe of water with him, which symbolizes the source of life. Brahma is also keeper of the holy Vedas, and each of his faces is thought to represent one of them.. Although he has 4 faces, you can usually only see 3, since one is watching what's going on behind him. Tricky fellow...teachers could use that extra set of eyes....
one of the big 3, Lord Brahma, except to explain why there are few temples dedicated to his honor, so let's talk his virtues for a change. Brahma is the creator of the world and all living things, and wisely thought to create a beautiful woman, known as Saraswati (a personal favorite we've discussed before). Sarasvati was shy, and grew tired of Brahma's constant gaze, so she tried to hide from him. But each way she turned, Brahams sprouted a head so he could always watch her. Now THAT'S over protective. In addition to his 4 heads, he sports 4 arms which are busy grooming his 4 long beards. He carries no weapon, but he does keep a carafe of water with him, which symbolizes the source of life. Brahma is also keeper of the holy Vedas, and each of his faces is thought to represent one of them.. Although he has 4 faces, you can usually only see 3, since one is watching what's going on behind him. Tricky fellow...teachers could use that extra set of eyes....
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