Lotus Temple
The foundation of the Lotus Temple was established in 1953 by Mr. Sahba and his group of specialists. The building's primary construction started in 1980 and was finished six years later. The Lotus Temple was established in 1986 and opened to the public for prayer and visits. The Baha'i faith holds that "religion, humanity, and God are One."
According to the teachings, all religion and mankind have a common ancestor, regardless of the doctrines and tenets of the many religions, they are all "one" in reality and descended from the Common Creator. Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Bahai faith, taught that every organ in the human body, which is made up of an infinite number of cells and various organs, has a distinct job to perform in maintaining the body's proper operation. In a same vein, each and every person must work together to create a society where the unity of the human race is given first priority.
According to the Bahai scriptures, it is impossible for the average person to fathom God. But throughout time, the One God sends his representatives, known as the manifestations of God, to instruct the mortals on how to advance a civilization towards its pinnacle of development, which may be attained via collaboration and respect for every member of the creation.
Architecture
Every brick used to construct the stunning Bahai temple is a direct result of the Lotus Temple's rich history and culture, which are also reflected in its design. The 27 shell petals and how they are arranged enhance the attractiveness of the monument. Once you understand the full significance of a few Lotus Temple facts, they'll blow your mind. These are but a few of the most impressive Lotus Temple information and characteristics, you must visit to fully appreciate the wonder of modern architecture.
- Nine times total, each component of the Lotus Temple's construction is repeated.
- Nine ponds are located throughout the temple, one in front of each of the outermost petals, which stand in for the leaves of a lotus flower. The main hall of the temple is the primary space for prayer and devotion.
- The nine bodies of water provide more purposes than just aesthetics. They are essential to the massive structure's ventilation and maintain the area's coolness even in the summer.
- The first set of nine "Outer Leaves," or the outermost petals, unfold inward while the nine "Entrance Leaves," or the innermost petals, open outward. These two sets of petals, along with the core nine-petaled bud, encircle the innermost sanctuary.
- Because of the Lotus Temple's superb ventilation system, which recycles the air inside the sanctuary, the inside is always kept at the ideal temperature.
Lesser Known Facts About Lotus Temple
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It is one of the most visited buildings in the world, with over 4.5 million people yearly.
- The temple is shown on an Indian postage stamp that costs $6.50.
- The lotus is an ubiquitous emblem in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Islam, which is why Fariborz Sahba picked it.
- It is the first temple in the capital to use solar power.
- Ardishr Rustampr, a Baha'i from Hyderabad in Pakistan's Sindh region, gave all of his resources to help buy the temple's property.
Attractions Near Lotus Temple
Things To Do
- Enjoy this serene temple's tranquility while you meditate.
- Investigate the temple's charming gardens.
- Enjoy the surrounding restaurants' street fare.
Traveller Tips
If you plan to stay for the entire day, bring snacks and drink, but you may also check out the neighbouring eateries and street cuisine that you just must taste.
Hotels
- House Of Comfort :
The House Of Comfort Delhi in New Delhi is 6.6 km from Tughlaqabad Fort and 6.8 km from Humayun's Tomb and has free WiFi, air conditioning, a garden, and a patio. There is a balcony in this unit with city views.
- Moustache :
The Moustache Hostel Delhi in New Delhi offers free WiFi. The distance between the property and Humayun's Tomb is 5 kilometres. Seven kilometres from Pragati Maidan, the property is located in the New Friends Colony neighbourhood.
- Hotel Blue Stone :
The distance between the hotel and New Delhi Railway Station is roughly 18 kilometres (Palam Airport). The Lotus Temple and ISKCON Temple, both of which are within 2.5 km of the hotel, are easily accessible from Nehru Place Station, which is only 500 m away from Hotel Bluestone - Nehru Place.
- Nirvana Residency :
In New Delhi, 6.4 kilometres from Humayun's Tomb and 6.7 kilometres from Tughlaqabad Fort, the 3-star Nirvana Residency offers accommodations. The 3-star hotel has a courtyard and offers free WiFi and air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. The hotel has a balcony and a front desk open around-the-clock.
Best Time To Visit, Timings
The months of October through March are the finest for visiting Lotus Temple. In these months, Delhi has pleasant weather. The temperature is between 19°C to 33°C. From October to March, Lotus Temple is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and from April to September, it is open from 9:30 am to 7 pm. Mondays are still a closed day. There is no admission fee at the Lotus Temple because access is free.
Prayer Service
The prayer service includes readings from several Holy Scriptures as well as prayers. The prayer hall's exit door will be locked until the prayer session is over in order to maintain respect for the religious ceremony. Each prayer service lasts 10 to 15 minutes.
Time: 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.
Please be aware that when the prayer hall becomes too busy (on Sundays or other public holidays) or because of severe rain, it must remain closed in order to preserve capacity and for the safety of the guests.
Restaurants
- Nehru Place Social :
Long before the era of absurdly simple access, if you've been around for more than ten years, you're definitely aware that Nehru Place gave rise to Delhi's first tech boom. Nehru Place, which started off as a centre for all things IT, has grown into a thriving ecosystem all on its own.
- The Flying Saucer :
One of Delhi's desirable after-party hotspots is the Flying Saucer Cafe. The Flying Saucer Cafe, a casual eating establishment in Nehru Spot, is the finest place to go out and have fun. The Flying Saucer Cafe is becoming popular in Lucknow thanks to its extensive schedule of exciting events, wild nightlife, fusion plates, and specialty drinks. For all food enthusiasts, The Brand is a delight.
- The Irish House :
A variety of beers are available together with a rustic timber environment at The Irish House, a network of casual dining restaurants and pubs. The upscale cuisine menu offers a selection of American, Continental, and European specialties to suit the diverse tastes and preferences of the patrons. Live music performances and DJ nights are a bonus element that get everyone moving to the music.
Do’s & Don’ts In The Temple
Do’s |
Don’ts |
Maintaining Physical Distance |
Smoking |
Wearing Mask |
Touching Railings, Wearing Shoes, Foods & Drinks, Large Baggage |
Services Available
- Wheelchairs
- Lost And Found Department
- Thermal Screening
- Photography is permitted but not in the prayer hall.
- Washrooms
- Drinking Water
How To Reach
- By Air :
New Delhi is home to Lotus Temple. Air travel is the quickest and most practical method of getting to Delhi. Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport provides service to the metropolis and its environs. The airport is the destination of both domestic and international aircraft. Once in Delhi, you may go to Lotus Temple via taxi, bus, or metro.
- By Road :
The capital city of Delhi has good road connections to a number of significant and tier II cities. National and state roadways that are well-maintained provide quicker access to the city. There are buses available from many regions of the nation, both public and private.
- By Metro :
Between the Kalkaji Mandir and Nehru Place Metro Stations is where you'll find Lotus Temple. It serves as a hub station for the Magenta and Violet Lines. Lotus Temple can be reached from Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station, which is the closest station.
- By Rail :
Despite the roughly 46 railway stations that Delhi is home to, New Delhi Railway Station is the one that is closest to the Lotus Temple. Thousands of travellers travel everyday by train to the nation's capital from all throughout the country. To get to Lotus Temple, use a taxi, bus, or subway.