India is a very diverse country and it is home to a range of different faiths like - Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. These are just a few of the faiths to be found in India and one often missed out is the Baha'i Faith. This is a relatively new religion having been established in the 19th century and originally hailed from Iran and other parts of the Middle East.
The Baha'i House of Worship, the Lotus Temple, in Delhi is one of the most eye-catching of their houses of worship in all of India. It is also one of the most visited buildings on the planet. It is notable for its flowerlike shape and has become a major attraction in the massive city.
History and Purpose Of The Lotus Temple
According to the Lotus Temple's website, the temple "stands for the principle of the oneness of humankind. People of all racial, religious, national backgrounds, are welcomed to pray and meditate within its precincts."
The Lotus Temple was dedicated in December 1986 and like all Baha'i houses of worship, it is open to all. It is open to all people regardless of their religion or creed - like the must-see Sheikh Golden Temple in Amritsar in India.
- Dedicated: December 1986
- Located: Delhi, India
- Adherents: An Estimated 5 Million Adherents
The building is made up of 27 free-standing marble-clad "petals." These are arranged in clusters of three and form nine sides, with nine doors opening in the central hall. Around the temple's bloomed petals are nine pools of water. Come at dusk and they look flood-lit.
- Capacity: 2,500 People (Seating for 1,300 People)
The Lotus Temple is so unique that it has won many architectural awards and is often featured in various magazines.
It is the last of seven or eight Major Baha'i's temples built around the world and is set among lush green landscaped gardens. It is built of pure white marble according to Delhi Tourism. The lotus flower was used because the flower is a symbol common to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam.
- Lotus Flower: The Design of The Lotus Temple Is Inspired by The Lotus Flower
It has proven to be a very popular place to visit. Some 70 million people were reported to have visited it by 2001 and over 100 million by 2014.
Worshiping And Prayer Service
According to the Baha'i Faith, the Baha'i Houses of Worship are to be a space for people of all religions to be able to worship, reflect, and gather. Here one may not only read the sacred writings of the Baha'i faith but also those of others and in any language. But one can only read a scriptural text from religion here. Reading nonscriptural texts is forbidden.
- Musical Instruments: No Musical Instruments are Allowed To Be Played Inside
The prayer service consists of prayers and readings from different Holy Scriptures. While the prayer service is being held, the exit door of the prayer hall is closed. Prayer services are held for a duration of 10 to 15 minutes.
- Prayer Service Duration: 10 to 15 Minutes
- Prayer Service Times: 10 am, 2 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm.
Visiting The Lotus Temple
Today anyone can visit (and it is easy to get to by metro). It is a great opportunity to not only see and marvel at one of the most unique architectural designs in the world but also to learn about an often forgotten religion. Here one can learn all about the Baha'i faith and see who they are. They are not only in India but all over the world and one can find their Houses of Worship in many countries.
- Open: The Temple Is Open For All People of All Faiths To Visit For Prayer or Meditation
- Admission: Free
- Opening Hours: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Saturday
- Closed: Sundays
- Nearest Metro: Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station (A 5 Minute Walk Away)
If one can't visit the temple in person, it is also possible to take a virtual tour with Google Maps of the temple and grounds.
While the Lotus Temple may be one of the newest major temples in the world, one of the oldest and most spectacular is Angkor Wat in Cambodia - it really is a must for everyone to see and explore.
Information Center
The Lotus Temple also has an Information Centre. It is built to state-of-the-art specs and is intended to educate visitors on the Baha'i Faith. It does this through photo panels, written text, and films. There is also a visitor's gallery that focuses on the history of the faith and its philosophy together with their socio-economic development activities.
- Visiting Hours: From 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Days Open: Monday to Saturday