The Bahai faith is one of the oldest religions on this planet. There are thirteen temples of worship worldwide, and the Lotus Temple, or the Bahai House of Worship in New Delhi, is one of them. A matchless architectural marvel in the heart of Delhi, Lotus Temple is undoubtedly the epitome of modern architecture.
The Bahai House of Worship derives its popular name from its magnificent lotus shape. The building comprises 27 Lotus petals arranged into groups of three, forming nine sides or directions. The entire structure can house up to 1300 believers and guests at a time and is a little over 34 meters in thirteen. Nine doors on each side lead to the main hall inside. One of the major attractions of New Delhi, the Lotus Temple, is a must-visit whenever you are in the capital of India.
Dedicated to the public in 1986, the Lotus Temple is not just restricted to those who follow the Bahai faith. According to the scriptures and religious beliefs, the temple welcomes people, irrespective of their religion, caste, sex, and creed. The Bahai House of Worship is not only about praying. They believe in community service and have been an important place of education. They offer their services to whoever is in need, within the neighbourhood or otherwise.
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Best Time to Visit Lotus Temple, Delhi | Date & Timing
The best time to visit Lotus Temple is from October to March. During these months, Delhi experiences salubrious weather. Temperature ranges from 19°C to 33°C. Lotus Temple timings from April to September are 9:30 am to 7 pm and 9:30 am to 5:30 pm from October to March. It remains closed on Mondays. There is no Lotus Temple ticket price, as entry to this temple is free.
History of Lotus Temple
Several Bahai Houses of Worship spread across the globe. These have been famous and most appreciated owing to their architectural splendour. The Lotus Temple architect, Mr Fariborz Sahba, was deeply influenced by unique architectural styles showcased in Indian temples and houses of religious practices. He borrowed the essence of these architectural styles to build this absolute beauty in Delhi. The temple represents three crucial aspects of the Bahai religion– “purity, simplicity, and freshness of the Bahai faith.”
The Lotus Temple's history dates back to 1953, when Mr Sahba and his team of experts laid the temple's foundation. The main construction of the building began in 1980, and it took six years for the construction to be completed. In 1986, the Lotus Temple was inaugurated and made available to anyone who wanted to visit and pray.
The Bahai faith believes in the “Oneness of the religion, humankind, and God.” According to the teachings, every religion and humanity can be traced back to a single source; irrespective of the teachings and beliefs of the different religions, they are all “one” in reality and originates from the Common Creator. The founder of the Bahai faith, Baha’u’llah, preached that if the entire world is compared to a single human body that comprises an infinite number of cells and several different organs, then every organ has a specific role to play in ensuring the smooth functioning of the body. Similarly, every human being must cooperate with those around them and strive towards a world where the oneness of the human race takes utmost precedence.
The Bahai scriptures state that understanding God is beyond the capacity of common people. But over time, the One God sends his messengers termed the Manifestations of God to educate the mortals on how to propagate a civilisation towards the apex of their progress that can be achieved through cooperation and respect for every individual a part of the Creation.
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Lotus Temple Architecture
The rich history and culture of the Lotus Temple are closely linked with its architecture and are manifested in every brick laid down to build the spectacular Bahai place of worship. The 27 shell petals and their arrangement add to the monument's beauty. Certain Lotus Temple facts will blow your mind once you know their true meaning. These are but only some of the most striking Lotus Temple facts and features, and you must pay a visit to experience the architectural marvel in its entirety.
- Every individual element of the Lotus Temple architecture is repeated nine times.
- The temple houses one main hall, the chief area dedicated to prayer and worship, and nine pools, one in front of each of the outermost petals representing the lotus flower leaves.
- The nine water bodies are not just meant for decoration. They play a crucial role in the ventilation of the enormous structure and keep the area cool even during the hottest months of the year.
- The nine “Entrance Leaves”, or the outermost petals, open outwards, while the next set of “Outer Leaves” opens inwards. The innermost sanctum is covered by these two sets of petals and the central nine-petalled bud.
- The Lotus Temple has an excellent ventilation system where the air inside the sanctum is recycled; therefore, an optimum temperature is maintained inside the temple every season.
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Places to Visit Near Lotus Temple
If you visit the Lotus Temple in New Delhi, many other tourist attractions near the area deserve a spot on your itinerary. Here’s a list of the top 10 places near Lotus Temple.
1. The Red Fort
Built in 1639 by the then Mughal emperor, Sha Jahan, the Red Fort boasts Indo-Islamic architectural components and is primarily red sandstone. The fort is 14 kilometres from the lotus temple and takes around 30 to 40 minutes via cars and buses. Standing 33 meters tall, the Red Fort was the primary residence of the Mughal rulers from 1639 to 1857 and is a symbol of India’s rich heritage and history. The Shajahni style of architectural wonder covers an area of approximately 255 acres and is octagonal.
2. Qutub Minar
The Qutub Minar is only 9.9 km from the Bahai House of Worship and takes almost half an hour owing to the Delhi traffic. The tower is built by Qutub U Din Aibak and comprises five stories and an internal spiral staircase with 379 steps. The building has a height of 73 meters and an all-around radius of 14.3 meters and is surrounded by smaller monuments.
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3. Humayun’s Tomb
One of the closest tourist hubs to the Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb is a visual treat. Designed and completed by the architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyath Sayyed Muhammad, Humayun’s Tomb covered an area of 0.2704 square kilometres and was constructed in 1565 on the orders of Mughal emperor Humayun's wife, Bega Begum. It is located on the banks of the river Yamuna, one of India's major rivers and the Mughal empire's lifeline.
4. India Gate
One of the most significant war memorials for the Indians serving in the British army between 1914 and 1921, the India Gate is only 9.5 km from the Lotus Temple and takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the rush. Edwin Lutyens was the architect responsible for the construction dedicated to the seventy thousand Indian soldiers. The construction was completed on 10 th February 1921 and had the name of every Indian soldier inscribed on the surface of the war memorial.
5. Lodi Gardens
Lodi Gardens is the ideal place to visit if you want to enjoy peace amidst the humdrum of city life. The public park encompasses a sprawling 90 acres of land located 9 kilometres from the main Lotus Temple complex. The Bara Gumbad, one of the most visited sites within the park, was built in 1494 and is famous for its profound greenery and flora. The construction of the Lodi Garden began under the reign of the Sayyid dynasty, and the members of the Lodi clan later completed it. This public space is the home to the tombs of Mohammad Shah, Sikander Lodi, and Shisha Gumbad, recurring names in the history of India.
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How to Reach Lotus Temple, Delhi
Lotus Temple, one of the most famous iconic landmarks in the heart of the capital city Delhi, attracts many visitors worldwide. The attraction is easily accessible through diverse modes of transportation. Look at the easiest, fastest, and most convenient ways to reach Lotus Temple.
- Nearest Metropolitan City. New Delhi
- Nearest Airport. Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station. New Delhi Railway Station
By Air. Lotus Temple is located in New Delhi. The fastest and most convenient way to reach Delhi is by air. Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi serves the city and nearby areas. Domestic and international flights from far and wide areas land at the airport. After reaching Delhi, take a cab, bus, or metro to reach Lotus Temple.
- Distance From Indira Gandhi International Airport. 15.5 km
Some Popular Domestic Flights to Reach Lotus Temple
By Train. Although Delhi is peppered with approximately 46 railway stations, New Delhi Railway Station is the nearest railway station to reach Lotus Temple. Trains from far and wide areas of the country bring thousands of passengers daily to the capital city. Take a cab, bus, or metro to reach Lotus Temple.
- Distance From New Delhi Railway Station. 19.6 km
By Road. Delhi, the capital city, is well connected with several major and tier II cities through an excellent network of roads. Well-maintained national and state highways ensure faster connectivity with the city. Both state-run and private buses are available from different parts of the country.
- Distance from Ghaziabad. 21.1 km
- Distance from Faridabad. 27.7 km
- Distance from Sonipat. 41.1 km
- Distance from Hapur. 55.3 km
- Distance from Panipat. 83.9 km
- Distance from Hisar. 155.4 km
- Distance from Agra. 182.6 km
- Distance from Patiala. 201. 1 km
- Distance from Chandigarh. 233.8 km
- Distance from Jaipur. 238.2 km
By Metro
Lotus Temple is situated between Nehru Place and Kalkaji Mandir Metro Stations. It is an interchange station between the Magenta and Violet Line. The nearest Metro Station to reach Lotus Temple is Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station.
- Distance From Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station. 566 m
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Frequently Asked Questions Related to Lotus Temple
Q 1. To which God is the Lotus Temple dedicated?
A 1. The Bahais did not believe in idol worship. The Lotus Temple is thus not dedicated to any particular God or idol. Instead, it is a place of worship for all religions and upholds the teachings of the Bahai prophet Baha’u’llah.
Q 2. Where is the Lotus Temple Located?
A 2. The Lotus Temple, the only centre of Bahai worship in Asia, is located in Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Kalkaji, in New Delhi.
Q 3. What has earned Lotus Temple its fame and popularity?
A 3. The Lotus temple architecture is one of a kind and is shaped like a real lotus flower, complete with outer and inner petals and leaves at its base. The Lotus Temple is open to all, and ticket prices are zero. These are two reasons why Lotus Temple is so famous.
Q 4. When was the Lotus Temple built, and by whom?
A 4. The Lotus Temple architect, Mr Faribroz Sahba. The construction began in 1980 and was completed in 1986 when it was made open to the public.
Q 5. When is the best time to visit the Lotus Temple?
A 5. The Lotus Temple is open all year, and you can visit it any time. The best time to visit the Lotus Temple is during the winter seasons, between October and March when the weather remains pleasant, and you can make the most of the natural beauty of New Delhi.
Q 6. How to reach Lotus Temple?
A 6. To reach Lotus Temple, you must take a train or a flight to New Delhi.
Several public means of transport, including buses and metro, are available from the railway station and the airport. You can also hire a car or book a car to reach the Lotus Temple.
