History of Lotus Temple:
The Lotus Temple, located in Delhi, India, is a Bahá'í House of Worship known for its distinctive lotus flower-inspired architecture.
The Lotus Temple:
The Lotus Temple is a Bahá’í House of Worship located in New Delhi, India. It was designed by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba and completed in986. The temple is shaped like a lotus flower and is composed of 27 free-standing marble-clad “petals” arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. The temple has no pictures, statues, or images inside and is open to all religions. The central hall of the temple has a height of slightly over 34 meters and a capacity of,300 people. The temple has won numerous architectural awards and has been featured in many newspaper and magazine articles. The temple is located in the southern part of New Delhi, near Kalkaji Temple.. The temple is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, and the timings are from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM 3. Please note that the temple is closed on Mondays.
Here is an overview of the history of the Lotus Temple:
1. Bahá'í Faith:
The Lotus Temple is a Bahá'í House of Worship, and the Bahá'í Faith is a monotheistic religion that emphasizes the oneness of humanity, equality of all people, and the essential harmony of science and religion.
History of Lotus Temple |
2. Architectural Design:
The Lotus Temple was designed by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba and completed in 1986. The architectural design of the temple resembles a lotus flower with 27 petals made of white marble.
3. Symbolism:
The lotus is a symbol of purity and beauty in many cultures and religions. In the Bahá'í Faith, the Lotus Temple symbolizes the purity and equality of all religions, emphasizing the idea that, like the lotus, the beauty of all religions can coexist.
4. Construction:
The construction of the Lotus Temple took about 10 years, from the beginning of the design phase in 1976 to its completion in 1986. The temple was funded entirely by Bahá'í community members.
5. Inauguration:
The Lotus Temple was inaugurated on December 24, 1986. Since then, it has become one of the most visited religious buildings in the world.
6. Open to All Faiths:
One of the unique aspects of the Lotus Temple is that it is open to people of all religious backgrounds. The Bahá'í Faith promotes the idea of the oneness of humanity and welcomes individuals of different religions to pray and meditate in the temple.
7. Award-Winning Architecture:
The architectural design of the Lotus Temple has received acclaim and recognition. Fariborz Sahba, the architect, received several awards for his work on the temple.
8. Tourist Attraction:
The Lotus Temple is not only a place of worship but also a major tourist attraction in Delhi. Visitors come to admire its architectural beauty, serene surroundings, and the principles of the Bahá'í Faith.
9. Gardens and Pools:
The temple is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and reflective pools, enhancing the overall spiritual and tranquil atmosphere.
10. Recognition and Awards:
The Lotus Temple has received numerous architectural awards and recognitions for its innovative design and cultural significance.
The Lotus Temple stands as a symbol of unity, peace, and religious harmony, welcoming people from all walks of life to reflect, meditate, and pray in its serene surroundings.