Lotus Temple / Bahai Temple Delhi - Timings & History

Lotus Temple in Delhi is also known as Bahai Temple or Bahá’í House of Worship. (Why is Lotus Temple famous?) Lotus temple or Bahá’í temple is based on the principle of the spiritual unity of religion & mankind that’s why you won’t find any idol or priest in this temple. It is called the Lotus temple because it looks like a partially opened lotus flower. The temple appears as though the flower is floating on the water.

By late 2001, Lotus Temple broke the record of Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal by attracting over 70 million visitors. Today also, thousands of visitors visit Lotus Temple every day.

Lotus Temple is located at Bahapur (Kalkaji, Delhi) and the nearest metro station to Lotus temple is Kalkaji Metro Station which is around 500 m and Nehru Place metro station which is around 1 km.

Lotus Temple opens from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday) and closed on Monday. (Is there any entry fee for Lotus Temple?) Entry in Lotus Temple is free for all.

Bahai Belief:

Which religion is related to Lotus Temple?

Lotus Temple or Bahai temple is based on the Bahá’í Faith, a Persian religion founded by Bahá’u’lláh in 1863. According to the Bahai belief, the teachings state that devotion lies in embracing the unity of religion, mankind, and the presence of the omnipotent and omnipresent power above all.

Lotus Temple Delhi Timings — Amazing Click by: @i.satyam5

How many Lotus Temple are there in India? There are 7 Bahai Temples in the world including Australia (Sydney), Uganda(Kampala), USA (Wilmette), Germany (Frankfurt), Western Samoa (Apia), Panama (Panama City) and India (Delhi).

What is inside the Lotus Temple? The unique characteristic that makes these temples interesting including Lotus Temple of Delhi is that there is no idol or priests here, and hence, there are no rituals performed. Another qualitative feature of these temples is that no matter which class, caste, creed, or social sector of life you belong, this contemporary temple welcomes people from all walks of society. The specialty of the Bahai faith promotes devotion above conventional and communal customs.

The architecture of Lotus Temple or Bahai Temple Delhi:

Apart from being India’s National flower, the lotus is replete with much significance. Being the symbol of purity and divine birth, Lotus has a unique connection with various religions and faiths practiced in India.

The field on which the temple is built was purchased from the funds provided by Hyderabad’s Ardishir Rustampur. He donated all the savings that he did for his entire life for the temple to be constructed in 1953. When was Lotus Temple built? The Temple was dedicated to the nation on December 24th, 1986.

The creative mind behind the architecture is Fariburz Sabha. He is a young Canadian architect of Iranian descent who is responsible for the engineering marvel of this kind. He worked with a team of around 800 which includes engineers, artisans, technicians and labor workers.

Lotus Temple Delhi Architecture — Amazing Click by: @yourstruly_sam_

What is the Lotus Temple made out of? The Lotus Temple has 27 petals in total that are sectioned in three layers of 9 petals in each layer. So, that means it has 9 petals in the outermost layer, nine petals in the middle, and the last nine petals in the innermost core layer. The outermost 9 petals exhibit nine entrances to the circular hall. The second inner layer of nine petals rises beyond the outer layer and is partially closed. These petals house the central hall. The central portion of Lotus temple is made of a roof that is made of glass and steel and forms the core of the lotus, which is open to the sky. This open dome allows natural light into the central hall, and the glass also protects the hall from rain and storm.

The Architect i.e. Fariburz Sabha has acquired numerous global prizes for this excellent work of art, including the honors from the Academy of GlobArt and more. The construction has also won numerous honors and recognitions annually.

Lotus-Temple-Delhi-Kahajaun — Amazing Click by: @fazil.insta

The principal prayer station with its basement regards the temple group, whereas an extra block encompasses the reception area, a library, and an official section. Audio-visual productions are performed for an hour at intervals for the advantage of the visitors. The construction is especially beautiful at night when it is lit up with lights, and because it is made up of white marble, the entire picture of the lotus temple is sure to transcend a person to a surreal reality. The temple premises are surrounded by gardens and ponds, which enhances the beauty of the place. The gardens are used as a picnic spot as well. During the day time too, the beauty of the place never ceases to surprise the visitors. With bright blue sky, birds chirping, and the mesmerizing lotus architecture along with lush green gardens and pretty ponds, the place is ideally a treat to the eyes. Overall the whole ambiance is something that can be indeed cherished.

Interesting Facts About Lotus Temple:

It can accommodate around 2500 people in its hall.
It is spread in 26 acres.
In 2015, a part of the Lotus temple started running on Solar power that enables it to save electricity bill of around Rs. 1.2 lakh per month.

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