Lotus Temple : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 19 Jun, 2023
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Welcome to the beautiful Lotus Temple! Located in New Delhi, India, the Lotus Temple is an awe-inspiring Baháʼí House of Worship that has become an iconic structure around the world since its opening in 1986. It is a captivating landmark in India, and has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. In this blog, we’ll explore the fascinating history and design of the Lotus Temple, some interesting facts, and we’ll also provide you with a quick travel guide to help you make the most of your visit. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Lotus Temple
1. The Lotus Temple, also known as the Bahai House of Worship was opened in December 1986 and is one of the seven major Bahai temples in the world.
2. It has the shape of a lotus flower and is composed of 27 free-standing marble “petals” arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides.
3. The temple is constructed of white marble from Greece and it covers an area of more than 26,000 square meters (over six acres).
4. It is considered as one of the most visited building in the world and receives more than 3 million visitors every year.
5. Nine pools, symbolic of the nine major religions, are located around the main central dome of the temple.
6. It has a hall with seating capacity of 2500 persons, where services take place.
7. The temple is surrounded by a vast garden with more than 400 species of trees and plants.
8. Inside the temple there is no image, statue or idol of any God or prophet but instead musically synchronized meditative music is played regularly during the day.
9. The name of the temple comes from the lotus flower, which is a symbol of purity and unity in many cultures and religions.
History & Information About Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple, located in Delhi, India, is a Bahá’í House of Worship completed in 1986. It has become a prominent attraction in the city attracting more than 70 million visitors since its opening. The Lotus Temple has won numerous architectural awards and has been featured in many newspapers and magazines, often described as the most visited building in the world.
The Lotus Temple is composed of 27 free-standing marble-clad “petals” arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. The nine doors of the Lotus Temple open onto a central hall approximately 40 meters tall. The surface of the House of Worship is made up of pure white marble from Penteli mountain in Greece and the nine-sided central hall is surrounded by nine pools of water, which light up in natural light. The temple serves as a prayer house for the followers of The Bahá’í Faith, a religion which is based on teachings of equality among people of all races and backgrounds.
The Bahá’í Faith places a great emphasis on worship and the Lotus Temple serves to inspire this devotion within its followers. The idea behind the design of the temple is that it provides a place of worship for people of all backgrounds and beliefs, promoting peace and unity. It is seen as a symbol of hope and has become a place of pilgrimage for many from around the world. It was the first Bahá’í House of Worship to be built in India.
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Travel Guide For Visiting Lotus Temple
1. Arrive at Lotus Temple – Upon arrival, walk up the temple stairs and enter the main worship hall. Make sure to take off your shoes before entering the hall.
2. Explore the Building and Grounds – Spend some time exploring the building and grounds of the temple. Take some time to appreciate the building’s architecture and the symbolism of the lotus flower.
3. Attend a Service – The Lotus Temple holds regular services on Sundays and several other days of the week. Check the temple’s website for information on the days and times of services.
4. Participate in Educational Programs – The temple also offers a variety of educational programs. Attend a program to learn more about the faith and practices of the Baha’i religion, as well as hear inspiring stories and messages from the teachers.
5. Take Photos – Taking photos of the temple and grounds is allowed, as long as you follow the rules of the temple.
6. Enjoy a Meal – The Lotus Temple complex houses several restaurants within it. Enjoy a meal in the complex, before heading out to explore the nearby attractions.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lotus Temple
Q1. Where is the Lotus Temple Located?
A1. The Lotus Temple is located in Delhi, India. It is situated in the Kalkaji area of South Delhi.
Q2. Who designed the Lotus Temple?
A2. The Lotus Temple was designed by the renowned Iranian architect, Furiburz Sabha.
Q3. How many people can the Temple accommodate?
A3. The Lotus Temple can accommodate up to 2500 people at one time.
Q4. What is the significance of the Lotus Temple?
A4. The Lotus Temple is a symbol of world peace and an embodiment of the teachings of the Bahai Faith, as it represents the beauty and grandeur associated with lotus flowers.
Q5. What are the visiting hours at the Lotus Temple?
A5. The Lotus Temple is open to visitors between 9:30am to 5:30pm on all days except Mondays.