Lotus Temple, Delhi

"This is the most beautiful structures of all the lotus shaped buildings in the world"

This is what our guide told us, while introducing us to Baha'i faith and Baha'i temple, well known as Lotus temple, at Delhi.

The front view, from the garden

With few of my cousins practicing yoga and meditation, I knew a pyramidal structure always spreads positive energy. The pointed top attracted the energy. Hence, a person sitting inside a pyramid is supposed to feel relaxed and meditating at such a place would be easier. And Lotus is considered to be one of the sacred flowers, the flower, which retains its purity, by staying untouched to the impure water, where it grows, which teaches us to stay disconnected from the outer world.

Temple, with its reflection on one of the nine ponds surrounding the temple

We were dropped by our HOHO bus, at the main entrance of the Baha'i Temple, which is almost half a kilometer walk to the temple. You go through security check in, where perishables and food items are strictly discarded. After walking half way through lush green garden, there is cabin to deposit your footwear and head to the main temple.

The structure is composed of 27 free standing marble clad "petals" arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. The nine doors of the temple open onto a central hall, capable of holding up to, 2500 people. Its said to be made of white marble from Penteli mountain in Greece, the same from which other Baha'i houses of Worships are built. There are nine ponds surrounding the temple.

The pathway, with lush green garden on both sides

Tourists are allowed inside the temple in batches, after a brief introduction to Baha'i faith and the architecture. There are benches inside to sit and meditate. There is no restricted time to sit in the meditation center, as long as you don't disturb others. As soon as I entered, I could feel that positive vib. Sat for few minutes, only to be disturbed by my daughter, who wanted to go out, not able to sit quite.

Travel Info:

Lotus Temple is near Kalkaji Temple, east of Nehru place, Delhi

Entry free

Open Tuesday to Sunday(closed on Mondays)

Timings: 

Summer: 9AM to 7PM

Winter: 9AM to 5:30PM

Nearest metro station is Kalkaji Mandir

You can visit their website http://www.bahaihouseofworship.in to understand Baha'i Faith and other Baha'i houses of worship across the world.

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