The Lotus Temple is a stunning architectural masterpiece located in Delhi, India. It is also known as the Bahá’í House of Worship and is a place of worship for people of all religions. The temple is in the shape of a lotus flower, which is a symbol of purity and divinity in Indian culture. It is one of the most visited attractions in Delhi, and for good reason.
The Lotus Temple was completed in 1986, after seven years of construction. It was designed by an Iranian architect named Fariborz Sahba, who was inspired by the lotus flower, a symbol of purity and enlightenment in many cultures. The temple is made of white marble and is surrounded by nine reflecting pools that make it look like the lotus flower is floating on water.
The temple has 27 marble petals that are arranged in three rows to form the lotus shape. The petals are made of white marble from the same quarry used for the Taj Mahal. The temple is approximately 40 meters high and can accommodate up to 2,500 people at a time.
The Lotus Temple is not just a beautiful piece of architecture; it is also a place of worship for people of all religions. The Bahá’í Faith is a religion that believes in the unity of all religions and the unity of humanity. The Lotus Temple is a place where people of all religions can come together to pray, meditate, and reflect.
One of the unique features of the Lotus Temple is its nine gardens, which are meant to represent the nine unifying spiritual pathways of all religions. Each garden has a different theme, such as love, unity, and compassion. The gardens are a peaceful oasis in the middle of the busy city and provide a space for visitors to reflect and connect with nature.
The Lotus Temple has won numerous awards for its architecture, including the Architectural Award of the International Association of Architects in 1987. It has become a symbol of peace, unity, and harmony in India and around the world.
Visitors to the Lotus Temple are asked to remove their shoes before entering the temple and are welcome to sit and meditate in silence. The temple is open every day except Mondays and is free to enter. Visitors are encouraged to respect the temple’s peaceful atmosphere and to dress modestly out of respect for the Bahá’í Faith.
In conclusion, the Lotus Temple is a beautiful and unique architectural masterpiece that serves as a symbol of peace, unity, and harmony in India and around the world. Its nine gardens and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Delhi. It is a testament to the power of architecture to inspire and bring people of different religions and cultures together in a spirit of unity and love.
