Lotus Temple, Delhi India

While in New Delhi, make sure to visit the Lotus temple where a stunning work of modern architecture awaits you. The Bahai House of worship, popularly known as the Lotus Temple resembles a partially open lotus flower surrounded by its leaves and appears as though floating on water. The nine pools representing the floating leaves are surrounded by landscaped walkways, bridges and stairs. The monument is made out of marble and its elegance has attracted millions of visitors since the time it was dedicated to the nation on December 24th, 1986.

The creative mind behind the architecture of this engineering marvel is a young Canadian architect of Iranian decent by the name of Fariburz Sabha. The architect’s choice of the lotus deserves a special mention here. In addition to being the National flower of India, the lotus has a special association with several religions and faiths practiced in India. The lotus is also a symbol of divine birth and purity. Hence the Lotus Temple reflects the glorious culture of India and is in tune with the Bahai faith which believes in the unity of religions.

The Lotus Temple has three layers of nine petals each in its construction. The outermost layer of nine petals is constructed opening outwards and also forms the nine entrances to the outer circular hall. The next layer of nine petals rise above the outer layer and are partially closed. These petals house the central hall. A roof made of glass and steel forms the central portion of the lotus which is open to the sky. This allows natural light into the central hall while also protecting it from the rain.

Unlike several other temples in India, the Lotus Temple draws visitors from all faiths and people from all walks of society are welcome irrespective of their caste, creed or ethnicity. Though it is a temple, you will be surprised to know that there are no priests or idols within the temple and no rituals are performed. The belief of the Bahai teachings lies in embracing the oneness of mankind, religion and God. This is because the Bahai faith raises worship above ritualistic and communal forms.

The main worship centre with its basement belongs to the temple complex, whereas an additional block houses the reception, a library and an administrative section. Audio-visual presentations are played on an hourly basis for the benefit of the customers.

This wonderful work of creativity has found its way into the architectural section of the 1994 edition of Encyclopedia Britannica, with a special mention as an outstanding achievement. The architecture has also received various awards and recognitions regularly. The Lotus temple is also a centre for social service as it promotes unity and harmony among people hailing from different ethnic and economic backgrounds.


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