Lotus Temple in Delhi or Bahai Temple is Bahai house of worship. The temple is among the most visited monuments in India. The Temple is located at Kalkaji in Delhi. The temple has no restrictions for visitors and is open to people from all religions. The temple has attracted over 51 million people since its opening in 1986.
The Lotus Temple was designed by Persian architect Fariborz Sahba who was presented the award for execellence in religious art and architecture by the UK based institution of structural engineers for the Temple. It was designed in 1976 and opened for public in 1986. The temple was built with money left by Ardishir Kustampur of Hyderabad who in 1953 donated his life savings to the church to build a Temple. The Temple is made up of white marbles from Greece and sits on 26 acres of land which has nine ponds and extensive gardens. Construction was completed in 10 years and the team comprised of 800 artisans Delhi Monuments.
The design of the Temple looks like a half open lotus flower with 27 free standing petals made up of marbles. The delicate architecture of Lotus Temple is built in 2 layers. The first layer contains 9 white marble-covered petals rising towards heaven while the second layer of nine petals serves to conceal the portals. Lotus is a symbol of peace, purity,love and immortality which makes the flower an important icon in Indian culture and society Delhi Tourism.
The Temple is seventh place of worship of Bahai and is dedicated to unity of god. No image representing a religion are housed here except the copies of the holy scriptures. Now, Lotus Temple is a symbol of solitude and serenity.
Lotus Temple History
The lotus temple is having a lot of gathering on 23 December 1986 which is including people from various countries and even from India. When the temple was opened many people visited this place. This place is known for its religion and humanity. Many visitors from different countries used to visit this place for reading scriptures and praying as per their ritual Delhi Tour Packages.
There are no restrictions in this place but everyone has to remain silent when entering the temple. When the architect got the contract for the building, he used to travel to various places to know the culture and traditions of the people. He came to know that the lotus is playing a very important role in every religion Lotus Temple in Delhi.
Architecture of Lotus Temple
The temple is built of Greek white marble in the shape of Lotus flower. Lotus was chosen as the symbol as it was common to religions like Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. The structure for the House of Worship in New Delhi is composed of 27 free-standing marble-made “petals” organized in bunches of three to form nine sides. The nine doors of the Lotus Temple open onto a central hall, that has the capacity of holding up to 2,500 people.
The Temple is designed in such a way that no external lighting is required to light up the huge prayer hall. The light filters through the inner folds of the Lotus and diffuses through the entire hall of the temple, functioning as a skylight. With its nine surrounding ponds and the gardens, the Lotus Temple in Delhi property is spread over 26 acres.
Lotus temple timings
The visitors may visit this place with their friends or family. It is open for all from Tuesday to Sunday but it is closed on Monday. Entry is free for all the religious people who so ever wanted to visit this place. People may visit this place between 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M in the month of April to September and 8:00 A.M. to 5 P.M. in the month of October to march Lotus Temple in Delhi.
Best Time To Visit Lotus Temple
Dusk and evening hours are the best time to visit this temple, as its beauty is even more enhanced by the floodlights during this hour.
How To Reach Lotus Temple
Being situated in the capital of India, Delhi, Lotus Temple is well connected by the bus and Metro. The nearest metro station is the violet line, Kalkaji station. One can take hail an auto or even walk down for 15 minutes (1 km).
By metro: Lotus temple’s nearest metro station is Kalkaji mandir metro station in Violet Line and and Magenta Line.
By road: the visitors who want to visit this place may take a taxi or bus from the other attraction in Lotus Temple in Delhi.
By air: you may take a cab or taxi from the airport as it is 13 km away from the airport.
