Bahai (Lotus) Temple

Delhi is famous for Lotus temple. The Lotus temple is also known as the Bahai House of Worship or the Bahai temple. The name lotus is derived due to its flower like shape. The Lotus temple or the Bahai temple is one of the major attraction points in Delhi. The Bahai temple is also known as the Mother temple of the Indian subcontinent and was built in the year 1986. A person from any religion can go to Bahai temple to worship. It is open for all religions. The temple follows the Bahai rules that temple is a place of gathering where people can worship their God. Chants from any religion and in any language can be in scripted inside the Bahai temple. However, there is strict prohibition on playing of the musical instruments inside the temple. Also the Bahai temple does not allow any ritualistic ceremony to take place inside the temple complex.

The Lotus temple is famous for its architectural structure. The temple is situated near Nehru place in New Delhi. The Bahai temple is the seventh Bahai House of worship in the world. It is also the latest temple. The structure of the temple consists of twenty seven marble petals which are arranged in three clusters to form nine sided circular shape. Well manicured lawns add to the beauty of the Bahai temple. It is necessary to maintain the silence inside the temple. The lotus temple is sometimes compared to the Opera House of the Sydney. The central hall is around 34.27 m high and the devotees sit here to worship and also to meditate. The hall can accommodate around 2500 people. The photos, sculptures and statues of God cannot be displayed inside the Bahai temple. There are nine doors and they all open into the central hall of the temple. The temple along with ponds and gardens cover an area of over 26 acres.

Fahariborz Sahaba, an Iranian architect designed the Lotus temple. The temple was inaugurated in December in the year 1986, and till date it has attracted more than 50 million people. The temple has also won several awards like UK- based award of Institution of Structural Engineers. It has also received Excellence in religious Art and architecture award which is a U.S. based award. The Bahai temple is one of the most visited places in the world. It attracts thousands of tourists to Delhi.