Lotus Temple

Place : Kalkaji in South Delhi, close to Kalkaji Temple.

Popular As : A Pilgrimage Centre, where people from all the faith come for meditation and obtaining peace.

Shaped like a Lotus, the Lotus Temple is located in Kalkaji in the south of Delhi. Made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand, the temple is the modern architectural wonder of India. An ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility, the temple is visited by people from all walks of life. The Lotus Temple is a very recent architectural marvel of the Bahai faith. The Bahai Faith is the youngest of the world's independent religions. Its founder, Bahadullah (1817-1892), is regarded by Bahais as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God that stretches back beyond recorded time and that includes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad.

The History of the Bahai Faith in India -
The history of the Bahai Faith in India started with the inception of the Faith in Iran when the Báb (literally, the Gate) inaugurated a new era in the history of the human race. The Bab Himself had appointed one of the Indian believers as the 'Letter of Living' in 1844-45, the first year of His Ministry. Since then, India is spiritually connected with the Bahai Faith.

The Architecture Fariborz Sahba, Canadian architect of Iranian origin, spent 10 years in designing and project management, and with the help of a team of about 800 engineers, technicians, artisans and workers brought to realization one of the most complicated constructions in the world. The structure of the House is composed of three ranks of nine petals; each springing from a podium elevating the building above the surrounding plain. The first two ranks curve inward, embracing the inner dome; the third layer curves outward to form canopies over the nine entrances. The petals, constructed of reinforced white concrete cast in place, are clad in white marble panels, performed to surface profiles and patterns related to the geometry. Nine arches that provide the main support for the superstructure ring the central hall. Nine reflecting pools surround the building on the outside, their form suggesting the green leaves of the lotus flower. Translating the geometry of the design, in which there are virtually no straight lines, into the actual structure presented particular challenges in designing and erecting the framework.

The delicate and sleek architecture is built in two layers. The first layer consists of nine white marble-covered petals pointing towards heaven, while the second layer of nine petals serves to conceal the portals. When seen from a short distance, it looks like a fabulous example of origami work. The interior, especially, the Hall of Worship, conforms to that of all Bahai temples and is so silent that even a low whisper echoes loudly in the structure. No religious icons are housed here except the copies of the Holy Scriptures and wooden pews. The construction of the temple was completed in 1986.

Reaching Lotus Temple -
Air : The temple is located in New Delhi so reaching it won;t be a problem.
Rail : Delhi has two railheads - New Delhi Railway Station and Old Delhi Railway Station, both of which is connected to rest of India by several trains.
Road : Delhi has well defined road and can be reached from nearby place very easily.