Travel-India

Lotus Temple

Lotus Temple in South Delhi, India is one of the most visited buildings in the world. Inaugurated in 1986, this lotus-bud shaped temple serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent.

Designed by an Iranian architect, Fariburz Sahba, Lotus Temple is one of the most spectacular structures in Delhi.

Magnificent to look at, the structure of the Lotus Temple has 27 petals made of concrete, clad with white marble from Greece. The petals are surrounded by nine pools of water, which light up in natural light, creating an illusion of a lotus floating on water.

Surrounded by lush green lawns, spread across 26 acres, and red sandstone walkways and stairs, Lotus Temple is simply beautiful!

Lotus Temple, A Baha’i House of Worship

Considered as India’s symbol of communal harmony by the Government of India, Lotus Temple is open to all regardless of religion, caste, culture, creed or any other basis of distinction.

The nine doors of the temple open into a central hall, capable of holding upto 2500 people, where four prayer sessions are held each day in which prayers from all religions are recited.

Following the guidelines of the Baha’i Faith, Holy Scriptures of the Baha’i Faith and of any of the religions can be read or chanted inside the Lotus Temple in any language.

Prayers can be sung or read but no sermons can be delivered and no rituals can be performed. Besides, no musical instruments can be played inside the temple.

Lotus Temple has very powerful and peaceful vibrations. Many come here to meditate while others are simply awestruck by its peaceful and serene environment.

Baha’i Faith

Baha’i Faith was founded by Baha’u’llah (1817-1892 AD), who is regarded by Baha’is as the most recent in the line of the messengers of God… Abraham, Moses, Krishna, Mahavira, Buddha, Christ, Muhhammed.. Baha’i Faith is the youngest of the world’s independent religions.

The core of the Baha’i Faith is that the humanity is one single race, all human beings are created by one God and none can be discriminated against on the basis of religion, caste, culture or creed.

Info Centre

Of the scores of visitors flocking the Lotus Temple, many are curious and enquire about the source of inspiration of this place of worship where there are no idols, no sermons, no rituals performed and scriptures of all major religions of the world are read or recited.

To answer the questions to satisfy the curiosity, an Info centre is maintained inside the Temple complex. The centre provides information in form of photo panels, written text and films.

The Info centre houses a gallery which focuses on history and philosophy of Baha’i faith and the socio-economic development activities undertaken by the Baha’is around the world.

The Info centre also houses three auditoriums – the main auditorium with a seating capacity of 400 and two smaller 70-seater auditoriums.

The auditoriums run films on Baha’i Faith and the House of Worship and are also used for performances and concerts for good causes and the ones with a positive social message.

Films screened at the auditorium

Kamal Mani (Jewel in the Lotus)

The film shows background of the architecture and construction of the House of Worship.

Shows run every 30 minutes from 10.30 AM to 05:30 PM.

Light of Unity

The film gives an overview of the Baha’i Faith in universal language, English

Shows run every 20 min from 10:30 AM to 05:30 PM.

Film Passes:Free passes for films are distributed by the volunteers at the exit of the prayer hall.

Timings of Information Centre:

During Summer: 09:30 AM to 06:30 PM

During Winter:    09:30 AM to 05:30 PM