Bahai or Lotus Temple in Delhi India

The Bahá'í Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, popularly known as the famous Lotus Temple is one of the most sacred tourist attractions which has carved a space in the heart of every person inhabiting in this city. This temple which has brought revolution in the concept of worship witnesses an increasing tide of visitors at its doorsteps to appreciate its beauty and glory in its serenely spiritual ambiance. The vast lawns, the massive white structure, the high-ceilinged Central Auditorium and a Temple without idols standing so near the ancient 'Kalkaji Temple' aroused interest among all.

As a reminiscent symbol of beauty and purity that stands as a representative of divinity, the lotus flower remains supreme in Indian iconography. The Lotus temple proves to be a remarkable fusion of ancient concept, modern engineering skill, and architectural inspiration. Crossing the green environs surrounding the temple, the gateway to the prayer hall of the temple offers a peaceful n serene feel to the visitors. Ethereal beauty and apparent simplicity and the classic and concrete geometrical cut work make it a unique piece of culture of the capital city. The aura of silence surrounding the Hall infuses respect. Some of the people, who visit, are moved by its eloquent silence and divine atmosphere.

History of Bahai Temple

This pious place not only embodies the spiritual aspirations and beliefs of the Bahá'í community, but, portrays its significance as the land of myriad religions, which has been seen providing a unifying link, bringing different thoughts into harmony by virtue of its principle of oneness - of God, religion, and mankind. Another unique feature of the temple is the total absence of idols. Visitors express bafflement at the absence of any deity but still are awed by the beauty and grandeur of the structure.

Inspired by writings of Baha'u'llah and his son Abdu'l-Bahá, the construction of the Bahá'í House of Worship of Bahapur was a significant part in the making of Baha'i story on the Indian sub-continent. According to the Bahá'í scripture no pictures, statues or images should be displayed within the House of Worship and no podiums be incorporated as an architectural feature within it. On 1st of January 1987, the people of New Delhi experienced wholehearted welcome as the gates of this magical and serene edifice were opened.

Construction of Bahai Temple

Encouraged by the lotus flower, the design of bahai temple is organised of 27 free-standing marble clad 'petals' arranged in clusters of three, to form nine sides. The structure of the Prayer House is composed of three ranks of nine petals; each springing from a podium elevating the building above the surrounding plain. The first two ranks curve inwards that embraces the inner dome and the third layer curves outward to form canopies over the nine entrances. The nine doors of the Lotus Temple open onto the central hall which has the capacity of holding up to 2,500 people. The central hall is measures more than 40 meters tall and its surface is made of white marble. There are nine reflecting pools that encompass the temple from outside. The temple that looks like a lotus flower is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand and is considered as one of the remarkable architectures of Bahai faith. The credit for building this beautiful structure goes to the Persian architect Fariborz Sahba from Canada. Taking the inspiration of this grand temple, it is often seen that during Durga Puja many of the pandals are constructed in its shape which clearly displays its supreme power and impressive structure.

The white half-opened lotus flower shape depicted by the temple gives the impression of the Opera House situated in Sydney.