The Legend of the Taj Mahal

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, Today, 29-May-2008 edition

 

The Legend of the Taj Mahal

By Dr James Dobson

 

The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful and costly tombs

ever built, but there is a fascinating legend behind its beginnings.

 

In 1629, when the favourite wife of Indian ruler Shah Jahan died,

he ordered a magnificent tomb be built as a memorial to her.

The Shah placed his wife’s casket in the middle of a parcel of land

and construction of the temple literally began around it.

But several years into the venture, the Shah’s grief for his wife

gave way to a passion for the project.

 

One day, while surveying the site, he reportedly stumbled

over a wooden box and he had some workers throw it out.

It was months before he realised that his wife’s casket had been

destroyed. The original purpose for the memorial became lost

in the details of construction.

 

As legends go, this one may or may not be true, but its theme

is a familiar one. How many of us set out to build these great

dream castles, but lose our focus along the way? We realise too late

that it is relationships with our loved ones and our children that

really matter.

 

So, while we’re building our Taj Mahals, let’s not forget the purpose

with which we began.