LOTUS TEMPLE, DELHI

3:23 PM DELHI , LOTUS TEMPLE 0 Comments

Lotus Temple in the national capital stands tall as a true symbol of peace and communal harmony. It is one of the most visited buildings in the world, attracting over 50 million people since it opened in 1986. Designed by Iranian-Canadian architect Fariburz Sahba, it is a wonderful place to enjoy silence – a rare experience in Delhi. Styled after a lotus flower, with 27 immaculate white-marble petals, the temple was created to bring faiths together. Visitors are invited to pray or meditate silently according to their own beliefs. The attached visitor centre tells the story of the Bahai faith. It may soon become the fourth world heritage site in the city if things go according to plan.

The sanctum of "27 blooming petals" stands at 40 meters tall with a capacity of accommodating more than 2000 people. The temple is made of white marble from Greece and sits on 26 acres (10.5 hectares) of land. It has nine doors that open in a central hall. It is surrounded by nine ponds and appears as if the temple is floating like a Lotus flower in water. Embodying equality, humanity and religious unification, Lotus Temple, which is among seven Bahai Houses of Worship around the world has won laurels all around the world both for structural design value and inherit rationale behind the construction.

The belief behind the Bahai house of worship is that it should be open for all, regardless of denomination. There are however certain rules: no sermons can be delivered, no ritualistic ceremonies and no musical instruments can be played. There are also no religious images displayed.

Catch the bus to Nehru Place Bus Terminal and it is a short walk from there. The best way to reach the Lotus Temple is take the metro. The nearest metro station to the temple is the Kalkaji Mandir metro station. You can go on a guided tour or self-guided tour of the temple. There is an information center showing films and regular daily prayer sessions in the hall. You must take off your shoes before entering - there is a shoe room. Photography is prohibited inside the temple.

TIMINGS

All days of the week except Monday: 9:00 AM-7:00 PM