‘Lotus Temple’-A Flower of Hope in New Delhi
Lotus temple
The Lotus Temple, located in New Delhi, India, is a prominent Bahá’í House of Worship known for its distinctive lotus flower-inspired architecture and its role as a place of worship and meditation. The Lotus Temple is renowned for its unique lotus flower-shaped design, which features 27 marble-clad “petals” arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. The structure is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and pools, creating a serene atmosphere.
The Lotus Temple Delhi is one of the seven Bahá’í Houses of Worship worldwide and serves as a place of prayer and meditation for people of all religions and backgrounds. It embodies the Bahá’í principle of unity and welcomes visitors of any faith to enter and pray or meditate in silence. The lotus flower is a symbol of purity, peace, and enlightenment in many Eastern religions and philosophies. The design of the Lotus Temple reflects these symbolic meanings and serves as a visual representation of the temple’s spiritual significance.
One of the defining features of the Temple is its openness to people of all religious beliefs, nationalities, and cultures. Visitors are welcome to explore the temple, participate in prayer services, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Lotus Temple History
The architect of the Lotus Temple was an Iranian, Fariborz Sahba who now lives in La Jolla, California, after spending some years in Canada. He was approached in 1976 to design the Lotus Temple and later oversaw its construction. The structural design was undertaken by the British firm Flint and Neill over 18 months, and the construction was done by Larsen & Toubro Limited for $10.56 million. The funds were donated by Ardishír Rustampúr of Hyderabad, Sindh (Pakistan).
Rúhíyyih Khánum laid the foundation stone for the Lotus Temple in Delhi in October 1977. Construction of the temple began in 1980 and was completed in 1986. The temple was opened to the public on 1 January 1987 and more than 10,000 people visited that day. The design, inspired by the lotus flower, symbolizes purity, peace, and unity.
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The Lotus Temple is one of the seven Bahá’í Houses of Worship worldwide and serves as a spiritual and cultural center for the Bahá’í community and people of all faiths. It embodies the Bahá’í principles of unity, diversity, and the oneness of humanity. The Temple has received numerous accolades and awards for its architectural excellence, including the Excellence in Religious Art and Architecture Award from the International Federation for Artistic and Cultural Achievement (IFFACA) in 1987.
Lotus Temple Timings
The Lotus Temple Delhi is open to visitors every day of the week, except Mondays. The temple’s visiting hours vary throughout the year, but generally, it is open from morning until early evening. Visitors are encouraged to check the official website or contact the temple for the most up-to-date information on visiting hours and any special events or programs.
The general timings for the Temple-
- Summer Timings (April to September):
- Open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Winter Timings (October to March):
- Open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Lotus Temple Nearest metro station
The Lotus in New Delhi is conveniently accessible via the Delhi Metro. The nearest metro station to the Temple is the “Nehru Place” metro station, which is located on the Violet Line (Line 6) of the Delhi Metro.
From Nehru Place metro station, visitors can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or walk to reach the Temple, which is situated approximately 2.5 kilometers away. The temple is located in the Kalkaji area of South Delhi, and it is a well-known landmark in the city.
By Bus- Several bus routes pass near the Temple. You can check the local bus schedule and route maps to find a bus that stops close to the temple. The nearest bus stop may vary depending on the route you choose.
By Taxi or Auto-rickshaw- You can also reach the Lotus Temple by taking a taxi or auto-rickshaw from any part of Delhi. Simply provide the driver with the address of the Temple (Lotus Temple Road, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Bahapur, Kalkaji, New Delhi, Delhi 110019), and they will take you there.
