LOTUS TEMPLE DELHI Location : Kalkaji in South Delhi Original Name : Baháí Mashriqu'l-Adhkar Designed By : Architect Fariburz Sabha Major Attraction : Lotus Shaped Temple Structure

Blended Into The Symbol of Love - The Eternal Chaste Lotus

The architecture of Lotus temple in Delhi was based on the design of Sydney Opera house. Also called Bahai temple the Lotus temple is the latest addition to the list of famous Delhi attractions. Once here you will surely enjoy wandering amidst the lush manicured gardens that also provides a great option for photography with the chaste Bahai temple of worship at the backdrop.

Lotus Temple

Monuments in Delhi ISKCON Temple Arts & Architecture

Temples in Delhi Birla Mandir

Akshardham Temple Festive Celebrations

I cannot believe it ! It is God's work..

-- Dizzy Gillespie, the late renowned Baha'i Jazz musician

Long before you savour the spiritual aroma of this peerless architecture, you will see a white chaste lotus soaring high from amidst the lush hills of Kalkaji in New Delhi. Lying to the east of Hauz Khas is the last of seven major Bahai temples build all over the world, the famous Bahá'í Mashriqu'l-Adhkar or Lotus Temple, as it is commonly known. The lotus-shaped shrine, since its arousal as a spiritual haven in December 1986, has carved itself on the consciousness of the city's inhabitants, awning their imagination, fuelling their curiosity, and remodelling the definition of worship. Designed by architect Fariburz Sabha, the serene temple nestles amid a picturesque backdrop adorned with emerald pools and lush manicured gardens, that soothe every thirsty soul. With the onset of every new day, a humoungous tide of visitors crowd to its doorsteps to behold its beauty and blend in its serenely spiritual atmosphere. Come, experience yourself...

Hail To Thy Hands That Created Such Magic

The lotus shape of this architectural marvel signifies secularity of all faith and creeds, a collective dream of all religion. Walk on the cobbled pathway towards the opulent edifice, and believe us, you will be overwhelmed with each step you take towards the melting pot of all religions. Twentieth-century architecture has been characterised by a high degree of technological prowess; by and large, peerless in aesthetic value. Chuck a gaze towards the 35 m high petals made of special Korean concrete (later clad with white marble) which had to be cooled at the right temperature, so during the summer, the concrete was mixed with ice! Amazing idea, isn't it? To everybody's curiosity, the structure seems to floa on nine shimmering pools of water, which also cool the building.

When inside, look upwards to see the intricate interlocking ribs of the petals, creating a heavenly mesh above your head. The aura of silence surrounding the Prayer Hall instills reverence. Some are moved by what they termed as 'eloquent silence'; others say that the 'divine atmosphere' floating inside touch the hearts. No doubt, all are affected in various degrees by the peace and beauty of the sanctum sanctorum. However, the most exceptional feature that captivates every tourist is the absence of any deity. Indian visitors, from the most urbane to the simplest rural folk, expresses perplexity about this anomaly that defines the all-pervasive nature of the Creator. Plan a visit in the evening when the whole precinct glitters like a diamond, evoking illuminance in the blessed direction of humanity. The whole ambience pulsates with the sweet glaze of floodlights thereby amazing the viewers with unimaginable vistas strewned around.

How To Reach

The Amazing Architecture of Lotus Temple

The temple is situated to the east of the intersection of Mathura Road (the way to Agra) and the outer Ring Road. Tourists can reach upto Nehru Place (the bus terminal is well connected to every part of the city), from where one can take an auto-rickshaw or walk for 15 minutes. The temple is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday (9 am to 7 pm) during summers and 9:30 am to 5:30 pm during the winters. 15 minute services are held at 10 am, noon, 3 pm and 5 pm, and you are welcome to sit in on these. Attendants make sure there is no talking inside the building, just a reverential atmosphere of prayer should preside.