Spiritual Reasons to Visit the Lotus (Baha’i) Temple

The only temple in India which has architecturally blossomed to resemble the Opera House in Sydney, the Lotus Temple or the Baha’i Temple stands tall to cover the skyline of Kalkaji. The temple has carved itself in the consciousness of the people of the city ever since 1986, when it was constructed.

Could Be God’s Own Work

The architecture of the Lotus Temple has been not only fuelling the curiosity of the people, but also awning their imagination and remodeling their definition of worship. The Baha’i Mashriqu'l-Adhkar Templewas designed by the architectby the name of Fariburz Sabha, who included emerald pools and lush gardens that have been manicured with the temple in the backdrop. The architecture of the temple is enough to soothe every spiritually inclined soul. Every dawning day brings humungous tides of people to the temple, who soak its beauty in while trying to blend in its spiritual atmosphere.

Hail to the Hands That Wove Such Magic

You must be wondering what the lotus shape signifies. The lotus shape denotesthe secularity of all creeds and faiths – the dream of people belonging to every religion. As you walk on the cobbled pathway toward the temple, you will feel drawn to this melting pot of all faiths. Catching a glimpse of the 35 metre high petals made of Korean concrete will make you feel overwhelmed at the grandeur of this edifice. The concrete had to be cooled in reality to bring it to the right temperature so that during the summer, it would be cool inside the building. The aura of silence inside the premises would evoke nothing but feelings of awe and reverence. The edifice seems to be floating atop the 9 pools surrounding it with everyone’s interest in it peaking. The most captivating feature of this temple is, however, the absence ofany deity. It goes to show the all-pervasiveness of the Creator. Several times, the guides, who have been working inside the temple to usher the crowds into discipline, have been perplexed at the questions of the visitors regarding where the object of everyone’s admiration really is.

Splendor and Magnificence

Not only is the temple grand, but it is also magnificent. The temple has, in fact, won a few awards such as a U.K. based award from the Institution of Structural Engineers and a U.S. based award for “Excellence in Art and Architecture.” More people come to this temple than to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris or even the Taj Mahal in Agra.

Tourist Information

During the summer, the temple is open to visit from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. However, during the winter, it is open from 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. There are 15 minute services held at 10 a.m., noon, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. every day.

Best time to visit

From October to January

Places to visit

The Prachin Bhairon Mandir, the Aastha Kunj Park, ISKCON temple, Kalkaji Devi Mandir, Ashokan Edict Rock, the Shrine Empire Art Gallery, the M. F. Hussain Art Gallery, and the Jai Bhawani Temple.