This week we explored the Bahai temple, also commonly know as the “Lotus temple” due to its lotus like shape, it is architecturally created like a half open lotus flower, surrounded by its leaves, standing afloat on the water. Splendid? Yes, Absolutly magnificent.

The architect, Mr. Fariborz Sahba, had travelled extensively in India to study the architecture of the land and was impressed by the design of the beautiful temples, as well as by the art and religious symbols wherein the lotus invariably played an important role.

All Bahá'í Houses of Worship, share certain architectural elements. An essential architectural character of a House of Worship is that it requires to have a nine-sided circular shape. Inspired by the lotus lower, this temple design is composed of 27 free-standing marble clad "petals" arranged in clusters of hree to form nine sides. The House of Worship, along with the nine surrounding pools of water and gardens.

A true architectural marvel of the 20th century, the GlobArt Academy of Vienna, Austria, granted its 'GlobArt Academy 2000' award to the architect, Fariborz Sahba in recognition of "the magnitude of the service of [this] Taj Mahal of the 20th century in promoting the unity and harmony of people of all nations, religions and social strata, to an extent unsurpassed by any other architectural monument world-wide".

The Temple is open to all regardless of religion or any other distinction. Its proximity to the Kalka Temple in the vicinity is rather striking, you`ll find no idols here, no holy text, nothing! There is nothing, just a space, a hall of wonder, positive vibes and a feeling of oneness. The Bahá'í laws emphasize that the spirit of the House of Worship be that, it is a gathering place where people of all religions may worship God.

 The temple emulates the words 'There is one God; mankind is one; the foundations of religion are one' as has been greatly emphasized in Bahá'í texts. Rather paradoxical in a country where people are often divided by religion, a visit to the Lotus temple is a like a breath of fresh morning air.

The Lotus temple, does in fact touch the hearts of the numerous visitors it has each day of the year, and awakens in them a desire to trace its inspirational source and capture a bit of its peace for themselves. The Bahai faith is serene, and we considered ourselves blessed when we made this visit. So stop awhile inside the complex and talk to some of the volunteers who are always there to help.

The Temple is located near Nehru Place – the business hub in New Delhi. We recommend taking your own private vehicle or a cab. There is ample parking space available and the best time to visit is in the mornings. Please do apply loads of sunscreen, wear light clothes, preferably white to be able to embrace the peaceful yet powerful serenity this place offers.