A Son's Taj Mahal: A Remarkable Tribute to a Beloved Mother

A remarkable story of love and devotion has captured the hearts of people in India, as a son in the southern state of Tamil Nadu has constructed a building reminiscent of the iconic Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved mother. Amaruddin Sheikh Dawood, a businessman, undertook this ambitious project to honor his mother, who held a special place in his heart. The tale of this new Taj Mahal has quickly gone viral on social media, captivating the public's imagination.

Amaruddin Sheikh Dawood expressed that his mother was his everything, and following her passing in 2020, he felt compelled to create something enduring in her memory. Initially planning to build a mosque and a madrassa next to his mother's tomb, he was encouraged by architects and friends to fashion it after the Taj Mahal. The concept quickly transformed into his "dream project" and became an architectural marvel.

The construction of this monumental tribute commenced on June 3, 2021, and involved the dedicated efforts of approximately 200 individuals over the course of two years. The building, spanning an impressive 8,000 square feet, stands as a testament to a son's unwavering love for his mother.

While Amaruddin Sheikh Dawood poured approximately five crore rupees into this labor of love, he humbly expresses his belief that he has yet to fulfill his mother's true legacy. He shares, "After my father passed away in 1989, she single-handedly raised me and my four siblings. She was highly respected by everyone in our family. I feel indebted to her."

Jilani Bibi, the mother of Amaruddin Sheikh Dawood, was a symbol of courage and love in her son's eyes. After his father's demise, Jilani Bibi, at the tender age of 30, chose not to remarry and instead devoted her life to raising her five children.

Amaruddin Sheikh Dawood's decision to bury his mother in their ancestral land instead of a cemetery underscores the deep bond he shared with her. He reveals that even after her passing, he felt her presence around him. This profound connection motivated him to create a lasting tribute that would serve as a physical manifestation of his love and admiration.

The response to Amaruddin Sheikh Dawood's endeavor has been overwhelmingly positive on social media, where users have lauded his gesture. Some have praised his filial devotion, expressing sentiments such as "Fortunate is the mother who gave birth to such a son." Others have offered suggestions for additional commemorative projects, suggesting the construction of a hospital, school, or college in her memory to grant eternal peace to her soul.

The Taj Mahal in Agra, a testament to love and grief, has naturally become a topic of conversation in light of this story. Built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal has stood for centuries as a symbol of eternal love. Completed in 1648, this majestic structure was a labor of love, just as Amaruddin Sheikh Dawood's tribute to his mother stands as a testament to the enduring power of a son's love.

As news of this remarkable tribute continues to spread, it serves as a powerful reminder of the timeless nature of a mother's love and the lengths to which children will go to honor and remember their mothers.