Notable for a flowerlike shape and being one of the prominent tourist attractions in New Delhi, the Lotus Temple is located amidst the lush green landscape. Visiting the temple one could sense the pleasant and tranquil ambience which is perfect for the ones looking for meditation, peace and wisdom. The beautiful structure is visited by the locals and international tourists all throughout the year. The vicinity of the temple comprises gardens decorated with towering trees, short bushes and colorful flowers.
Designed by Iranian-American architect Fariborz Sahba, the Lotus Temple was completed in November 1980 and was opened for the public in December 1986. Also, the architect won acclaim for the project before the completion of the temple project. The Lotus Temple being one of the seven Baha’i Houses of Worship has won numerous architectural awards and has also been subsequently featured in many newspapers and magazines. Later in the year 2001, a report declared Lotus Temple as one of the most visited buildings in the world.
Lotus Temple History
Oneness of God, religion and mankind are the most important beliefs of the Persian Bahai sect and, therefore, it is not a surprise that the Lotus Temple Delhi is a place of worship and meditation that welcomes people from all religions and cultures. Like all other Baha’i Houses of Worship, the Lotus Temple Delhi, too, shares some of the basic designs and concepts. Nine-sided and circular in shape, this colossal is constructed of spotless blocks of marble. 27 petals clad in marble stand tall to form a cluster leading to the shape of a lotus. Suspended on nine pristine blue ponds that encompass it, it actually creates an illusion of a lotus floating on water. The number nine is a signifier of the nine unifying spiritual paths of the Baha’i Faith. There are also nine entries all of which lead to the nucleus- one central hall which can accommodate approximately 2000 people.
ARCHITECTURE
The construction of the splendid Lotus Temple took nearly 10 years before it finally got the shape of a lotus. Entering the temple complex tourists can witness that the building is composed of white marbles, cement, dolomite and sand with around nine crystal clear pools dotted over it. Also, tourists can witness the 27 freestanding petals that are made of marble. Also, there are nine reflecting pools that encompass the temple from outside that appears to be even more beautiful during the dusk. The temple has the capacity to accommodate nearly 2500 people and has nine doors that open in a central hall.