Lotus Temple

Lotus Temple

New Delhi, India

Rating: 9/10
Best time to visit: All-Day days
Recommended time to spend: 2 hr
Activities to do:
  • Admire-the-stunning-views-of-the-city
  • Explore-the-temple's-unique-architecture
  • Learn-about-the-Baháʼí-faith
  • Meditate-in-the-central-hall
  • Stroll-through-the-peaceful-gardens
Known for:
architectureculturemeditationphotographyreligion
Description:

The Lotus Temple is a Baháʼí House of Worship that stands out for its unique flower-like architecture. It's a place of worship open to people of all faiths, promoting unity and peace. The temple's serene atmosphere and stunning design make it a must-visit. Inside, the central hall is a vast, open space dedicated to prayer and meditation, free from rituals or ceremonies. The surrounding gardens offer a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Visitors are encouraged to experience the quietude and reflect on their spiritual journey, regardless of their background. The temple's significance lies in its symbolism of unity and its welcoming embrace of all religions.

History:

The Lotus Temple was completed in 1986, designed by Iranian-Canadian architect Fariborz Sahba. Inspired by the lotus flower, a symbol of purity and peace in many cultures, Sahba's design features 27 free-standing marble-clad petals arranged in concentric clusters. The construction was a complex engineering feat, with materials sourced from various parts of India. Since its opening, the temple has become a prominent landmark in New Delhi and a significant pilgrimage site for Baháʼís worldwide. Its distinctive appearance has earned it numerous architectural awards and attracted millions of visitors from across the globe, making it one of the most visited buildings in the world. The temple continues to serve as a symbol of interfaith harmony and a testament to the power of spiritual architecture.