The Taj Mahal, the magnificent monument that stands at the heart of India has a story that has been melting the hearts of millions of listeners since the time Taj has been visible. A story, that although ended back in 1631, continues to live on in the form of Taj and is considered a living example of eternal love. It’s the love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, two people from the course of history who set an example for the people living in present and the future to come. An English poet, Sir Edwin Arnold best describes it as “Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passion of an emperor’s love wrought in living stones.”
Shah Jahan bestowed his beloved with the title of Mumtaz Mahal, meaning the “Jewel of the Palace”. In the year 1631, when Mumtaz Mahal was giving birth to their 14th child, she died due to some complications at the age of 38.
It is said that Shah Jahan was so heartbroken after her death that he ordered the court into mourning for two years. Sometime after her death, Shah Jahan undertook the task of erecting the world’s most beautiful monument in the memory of his beloved. It took 22 years and the labor of 22,000 workers to construct the mausoleum to intern her body and to be an everlasting memorial of their love.
Almost 400 years have come and gone but the love story still lives on to inspire the romantic heart in all of us.
What better place for John and I to reflect on our love story of 52 years.
The above quote by the English poet reminded me of the greatest love story of all times.
1 Peter 2:3-6 Ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious:unto whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed of men, but with God elect, precious, ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Because it is contained in scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: And he that believeth on him shall not be put to shame.
Malachi 3:16-17 Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it,
and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts,in that day when I make up my jewels.
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