So, moving along to Agra, we come to one of the 8 wonders of the world--the mystical Taj Mahal.
Here, I'm standing at the front entrance (which I'm told is the feminine counterpart to the Taj); looking through this arch is akin to seeing the Taj from under a woman's veil. It really is stunning when you walk under this gate, because only then does the full view of the Taj become apparent. The Taj is surrounded on 3 sides by high walls and 3 massive buildings (each is a separate entrance), so one cannot see it from the outer courtyard.
It never ceases to amaze me the effect the Taj has on people. I've met several people (most recently a girl from Israel) who sat looking at the Taj all day in awe of its beauty and splendour.
I actually don't see the people as a distraction in this case. For one thing, they are below the level of the Taj, and secondly, they are in the dark. It's even nice to see they are somewhat in awe looking at this magnificent creation.
Pradeep, comment reposted as requested! I don't find it strange that someone would sit and look at the Taj all day. Whatever time is necessary to let everything it stands for sink into the soul... I would wish I could enjoy it alone, which clearly would never happen...
Very powerful image & the feminine counterpart comment is very enlightening. Many thanks! Steve.
0 
