Lotus Temple, Delhi

Location
The Lotus Temple or Bahai Temple is an architectural jewel, representing the Bahai faith. Built in 1986, this temple is lotus shaped hence the name Lotus Temple.

About Lotus Temple

The lotus flower signifies purity and peace, a representation of the manifestation of God, to the people of India. Often compared to the Sydney Opera House, this temple is shaped like a half opened lotus flower. One of the major attractions in Delhi, this domineering structure is visible from several spots in south Delhi. The temple is open to all faiths and is visited by a large number of people everyday, who come here to obtain peace and tranquility. Set amidst beautiful gardens, the temple looks more picturesque when the sun rays get reflected from its lotus petals. While entering the temple visitors have to remove their shoes and keep silence. One can meditate in the imposing central hall of the temple. The Bahai faith is the youngest independent religion of the world, which believes in the oneness of God, oneness of religions and oneness of the mankind. The people of Bahai faith believe that its founder Bahá'u'lláh (1817-1892), is the most recent in the line of Messengers of God, that include earlier messengers like Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ and Mohammad. The theme of Bahá'u'lláh's message is that humanity is one single race and the time has come for its unification in a single global society.

A marvel of modern architecture, the Lotus Temple is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. Fariborz Sahba, a Canadian architect of Iranian origin, spent 10 years in designing and project management. With the help of about 800 engineers, technicians, artisans and workers he transformed his imagination into reality, in the form of Lotus Temple. Well known for its appearance, the temple is spectacular in its design. The temple consists of three ranks of nine petals, each springing from a podium elevating the building above the surrounding plain. These nine petals symbolize the nine unifying spiritual paths of the Bahai faith. The first two ranks are curved inward, while the third rank curves outward to form canopies over the nine entrances. The petals made of white concrete cast and white marbles are fixed in geometric patterns. Nine arches which provide main support to the structure encircle the central hall. Nine pools surround the main building of the temple, depicting the green leaves of the Lotus flower. Thoughts and provoking quotes of the Bahai's sacred scriptures are inscribed on the petal.

How to Reach Lotus Temple
Delhi is well-linked by air, rail and road with important places of India and other countries. The airlines operate domestic and international flights from Delhi. The railheads in Delhi have trains from almost every corner of the country. From the station, buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws are available to reach the temple.