Designed by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba, the Lotus Temple in Delhi is renowned for its stunning lotus flower-like shape. It is a Bahá'í House of Worship, welcoming people of all faiths to pray and meditate.
The temple is composed of 27 marble-clad "petals" arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides, with nine doors opening onto a central hall. It is often cited as one of the most remarkable modern religious buildings in the world.
History & Significance of Lotus Temple
- The Lotus Temple is one of the nine Bahai Houses of Worship worldwide, open to all religions, races, and cultures.
- The Bahai faith, originating in Iran in the 19th century, emphasizes the oneness of God, humanity, and religion, and the importance of prayer and meditation.
- Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahai faith, conceived the idea of building a Bahai House of Worship in India in 1953 to reflect India's diversity and unity.
- Ardishir Rustampur, an Iranian Bahai, donated his life savings to buy land for the temple in Delhi, but passed away in 1972 before seeing his dream realized.
- Fariborz Sahba, an Iranian-American architect, won the design competition in 1976 with a lotus-inspired design symbolizing purity, beauty, spirituality, and diversity.
- Construction began in 1980, involving over 800 engineers, technicians, artisans, and workers, and was completed in 10 years with over 10,000 pieces of white marble.
- The temple was inaugurated on December 24, 1986, by Rabbani Ruhiyyih Khanum, Shoghi Effendi's wife, and has since welcomed millions of visitors.
- The Lotus Temple has received recognition and awards like Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1989, Globe Award for Sustainable Architecture in 2000, Guinness World Record for being the most visited building in a year in 2001.
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Architecture of Lotus Temple
- The Lotus Temple's design resembles a lotus flower with 27 white marble petals rising from nine pools of water.
- The petals are arranged in three layers: nine outer petals forming entrance canopies, nine intermediate petals forming the roof, and nine inner petals forming the dome.
- The dome is 40 meters (131 feet) high and 70 meters (230 feet) in diameter at the base.
- The interior central hall accommodates up to 2,500 people and features scriptures from various religions, with natural light entering through the skylight.
- The acoustic system enhances sound quality without using speakers or microphones.
- Walkways connect the pools to the main entrance.
- Landscaping includes lush lawns, colorful flowers, shady trees, and benches for visitors to relax and enjoy nature
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Visiting Hours of Lotus Temple
- Lotus Temple is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
- During the winter season (October to March), the temple is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.
- From April to September, the temple is open from 9:30 am to 7 pm.
Entry Fee for Lotus Temple
- There is no entry fee to visit the iconic Lotus Temple.
- Visitors can enter the temple free of charge and participate in the activities within the complex.
Time Allocation for Visiting Lotus Temple
It does not take more than an hour to explore the whole complex of Lotus Temple.
The short film sessions inside the temple run from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm, with each film lasting 20 minutes.
Prayer timings at Lotus Temple are at 10 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm, with each prayer lasting five minutes and representing a different religion.
Must-See Attractions in Lotus Temple
Visit the Main Prayer Hall: The hall invites visitors to sit or join the devotional prayers offered by the Bahá'í community. It features petals of the lotus converging to form the dome, symbolizes the unity of religions and the oneness of humanity.
Explore the Lotus-shaped Architecture: The lotus-shaped architecture, a symbol of purity and beauty in many cultures, is reflected in the temple's design, which seeks to inspire feelings of peace, purity, and unity among visitors.
Enjoy the Surrounding Gardens: The gardens, meticulously landscaped and maintained, provide a tranquil setting for visitors to relax, meditate, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst nature's beauty.
Attend a Prayer Service: One of the most enriching experiences at the Lotus Temple is attending a prayer service. The prayers, which are open to people of all faiths, seek to foster a sense of peace and solidarity among humanity.
Learn About the Bahá'í Faith: The Lotus Temple features an information center where visitors can learn about the Bahá'í Faith, its teachings, and its history. Visitors can also learn about the life and teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith.
Attend Cultural Programs: The Lotus Temple often hosts cultural programs, lectures, and exhibitions that offer insights into the local culture and traditions.
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Places To Visit Near Lotus Temple
ISKCON Temple: Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. It is located about 1 km (0.6 miles) away from the Lotus Temple and is known for its beautiful architecture, sculptures, paintings, and festivals.
Kalkaji Mandir: Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, who is considered as a form of Shakti or divine energy. It is located about 1 km (0.6 miles) away from the Lotus Temple and is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Delhi.
Nehru Place: This is a commercial and business center that is famous for its electronic markets, shops, restaurants, and cinemas. It is located about 2 km (1.2 miles) away from the Lotus Temple.
Gobind Sadan: A serene spiritual retreat, Gobind Sadan offers a peaceful environment for meditation and reflection. The place is known for its beautiful gardens and tranquil ambiance.
Gurdwara Bhai Veer Singh Ji: A prominent Sikh gurdwara located near the Lotus Temple, Gurdwara Bhai Veer Singh Ji is a place of worship and community service. Visitors can witness the Sikh religious practices and partake in the langar (community meal) offered here.
Guru Ravidas Park: A beautiful park near the Lotus Temple, Guru Ravidas Park offers a green oasis in the midst of the city. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk, relax amidst nature, or engage in recreational activities.
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Best Places to Stay Near Lotus Temple
Nuo by Justa: This is a 4-star hotel is located about 1.1 km (0.6 miles) away from the Lotus Temple and has a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, and a rooftop terrace.
Sheraton New Delhi Hotel: This is a 5-star hotel that boasts of its elegant and luxurious rooms with stunning views of the city. It is located about 1.3 km (0.8 miles) away from the Lotus Temple and has a pool, a spa, a gym, and four dining options.
Tatvamasi Homestay: This charming homestay that provides a home away from home experience. It is located about 1.4 km (0.9 miles) away from the Lotus Temple and has three bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a balcony. The host is friendly and helpful and the breakfast is homemade and healthy.
Moustache Delhi: This is a trendy and fun hostel that caters to backpackers and solo travelers. It is located about 1 km (0.6 miles) away from the Lotus Temple and has dorms and private rooms with colorful decor and quirky art.
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Dress Code For Visiting Lotus Temple
- Modest and conservative attire covering shoulders, arms, and legs is required.
- Scarves and shawls are provided for covering heads and shoulders.
- Shoes must be removed before entering the temple.
Best Time To Visit Lotus Temple
The best time to visit Lotus Temple is during the winter season, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant with less humidity.
Visiting in the evening allows you to enjoy the illuminated temple and stroll in the gardens.
How To Reach Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple is located in Kalkaji, South Delhi. You can reach it by various modes of transport, such as metro, bus, auto rickshaw, taxi etc. The nearest metro station is Kalkaji Mandir, which is about 1 km (0.6 miles) away from the temple.
Tips For Visiting Lotus Temple
Dress modestly and cover your head with a scarf or a cap.
Remove your shoes and leave them in the shoe racks provided at the entrance.
Do not carry any food, drinks, tobacco, or alcohol inside the temple.
Do not make any noise or disturb others who are meditating or praying.
Do not touch or damage any part of the temple structure or its surroundings.
Do not litter or pollute the temple premises.
You can also take photos of the temple from outside, but photography is not allowed inside the hall.
