Lotus Temple / Baháʼí Temple Delhi (Timings, History, Entry Fee, Images, Aarti, Location & Phone)

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About Lotus Temple Delhi

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Lotus Temple Delhi is one of the most sought after places to visit, attracting tourists from all over the world. It is one of the seven major Bahai’s temples in the world. Located to the eastern side of Nehru Place, Bahai Temple Delhi was built in 1986 and since then it has been mesmerising visitors with its structural beauty and symbolism of oneness. The lush green landscapes around the main structure add further to its entrancing beauty.

Built by the architect Fariburz Sabha, Lotus Temple presents a breathtaking structure with deep significance. In contrary to other religious places and shrines, Lotus Temple is not dedicated to one deity; it is place which emphasises more on unity, peace, meditation and togetherness among people of different countries, race and religion.

Also known as Bahai house of worship, this temple is open to people of all religions. The use of Lotus flower also symbolises the same, the lotus flower is commonly used in many religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and others.

It has been recognized and appreciated throughout the world. With more than 10000 visitors daily Lotus Mahal Delhi is undoubtedly one of the most visited tourist attractions in India.

Architecture of Lotus Temple

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Lotus temple construction

Delhi Kamal Temple was built by the Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba, who won many awards for this architectural masterpiece. As the name suggests, it is in the shape of a lotus flower. It is one of the six major Baha'i houses of worship; rest of six are in Sydney (Australia), Panama City (Panama), Wilmette (USA), Apia (Western Samoa), Frankfurt (Germany) and Kampala (Uganda).

Built with marble, the temple is in the shape of a half opened lotus with 27 petals. The intricate design of the temple showcasing the everlasting charm of a lotus is an example of architectural brilliance. Lotus flowering building was built in the said shape as the lotus flower is connected with various other major religions of the world, hence representing oneness and harmony.

Lotus temple construction took around 10 years of time for completion. Along with the chief architect, there was a team of around 800 engineers, technicians, artisans and workers who took part in the creation of Lotus Temple Delhi. A lot of hard work has also gone into making this captivating temple. For instance, petals of the lotus flower were covered in a continuous work of 48 hours; this was done to avoid construction joints.

Lotus Temple Top View

The structure of Lotus Temple Delhi has primarily three layers of nine petals. Each rank of nine petals is raised on a podium which further elevates the building. Out of the three levels, first two are built in inward curve which appear to be covering the inner dome while the third rank is curved in the outward direction, creating a shed kind of covering over nine entrances.

As the geometry of the Lotus temple design consists of no straight line, the construction of the structure with intricate double curved surfaces was nothing less than a challenge for the architect, technicians and everyone involved.

The petals have been built of reinforced white concrete cast, clad with white marble panels. To avoid rust stains on the white concrete, the shells of the lotus petals have been galvanized. There are nine arches that offer support to the ring of central hall.

The Lotus flower is half open, hence makes a way for the natural light to enter the auditorium of the Lotus Mahal Delhi. There is a roof of glass and steel that provide protection from rain and dust while allowing light to pass through.

Image Gallery Lotus Temple/Bahai Temple, Delhi

Lotus Temple Interior

Spread over 26 acres of land, Lotus Temple Delhi comprises of a few parts, the main building, which is the centre of the worship, an administrative building and a library, a reception centre, restrooms, etc. The main assembly area of the temple is in the shape of lotus flower.

The entire structure is made up of white marble, which further adds to its hypnotizing beauty. The marble used in constructing the temple was brought from Penteli Mountain in Greece; it is said that all the prominent Bahai house of worship are built with the same marble.

The Inside lotus Temple consists of a central hall of the Bahai temple Delhi that is around 40 meter tall with a whopping capacity of accommodating around 2500 people. There are nine entrances to this hall. All the nine entrances are surrounded by gardens and ponds which present a captivating sight. The temple in the shape of lotus flower appears to be floating in a wide spread of water.

Another attractive feature of Lotus temple Delhi is that it is the first temple in entire Delhi to start using solar power.

Time to cover

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It takes around one – two hours for exploring this beautiful temple and spending some time amid its spiritual stillness.

Timings of Lotus Temple Delhi

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Lotus Temple Timings are from 9 AM to 7 PM in summer season. During winter visiting timings are from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. Kamal Temple is open on all days of the week except Monday.

Entry Fee of Lotus Temple, Delhi

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There is no entry fee for Lotus Temple. However, if you are planning to take photographs, a special permission is required.

How to reach Lotus Temple, Delhi

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Lotus Temple, also known as Bahai Temple, is a prominent landmark in Delhi hence it can be easily reached via public transport. If interested, tourists can also hire a private taxi and travel in a hassle-free way.

The best mode of public transport for Bahai Temple is via metro trains. The nearest metro station to Lotus temple is the Kalkaji Mandir metro station on the Violet line. From here, you can hire an auto rickshaw or walk down to the temple as it takes just 5-10 min from the station to reach the temple.

History of Lotus Temple

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Lotus Temple Delhi was built in 1986 by the Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba. Lotus Temple History is associated to the teachings of Bahai faith. Lotus temple religion can also be traced back to Baha'i faith. According to Baha'i religion, humanity binds everyone together. It works on the belief that everyone must break the barrier of caste, race, creed, nations to come together in creating a world of togetherness. It believes in the concept of oneness of mankind, religion and one God.

The lotus flower design has also been used in keeping the belief of Bahai faith into consideration. For instance, lotus flower is symbolic of purity and oneness. It symbolises aspects of life-preservation and procreation. The lotus flower has been used to indicate unification of every religion. In Baha'i house of worship also there is use of the lotus flower but the emphasis is on light and water as they are believed to be the two most prominent elements.

Lotus flower plays an important part in almost all the important religions of the country. For instance, in Hindu religion, lotus flower is used to represent purity and divine love. It is sacred flower that is said to have come out of Lord Vishnu‘s navel during meditation. It is the holy flower where Lord Brahma sits. It has been associated with worship among Hindu since the Vedic times. In Buddhist religion, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is said to have born from a lotus flower and is shown sitting on a lotus flower. It has high significance in Buddhism as in his teaching even Lord Buddha has his disciples to be like a lotus flower, to bloom with purity even amid dirt.

The symbol of lotus flower can be seen in Zoroastrian architecture as well as in Persian designs. The symbol of lotus has been widely used all over the world for various purposes which are one of the reasons behind the architecture of Lotus flower temple.

Places to visit near Lotus Temple, Delhi

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• Kalkaji Devi Temple – The most sought after place to visit near Lotus Temple is the Kalkaji Devi Temple. One of the most popular temples not only in Delhi but in entire North India, Kalkaji Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali in the form of Goddess Kalka who was incarnated to kill the demon Raktabija. It is located opposite to the Nehru Place business centre. According to legend, the image of Goddess Kalka is self-manifested.
  It is believed that this temple dates back to Satya Yuga of Hindu religion. According to legends, Pandavas, and Kauravas have worshipped the Goddess here in this temple. As per the findings, some parts of the temple can be traced to 1764 AD and was built by the Maratha Rulers. Devotees come and visit this temple from all parts of the country, especially during the festival of Navaratri.
• Kalkaji District Park – Another place to visit near Bahai Temple is the Kalkaji District Park. A popular hangout place among locals, this park is a good place to relax after your visit to other sightseeing places. Its captivating terraced gardens and lush greenery offer a refreshing break from the concrete jungle of the city. It is popular venue for the Navratri festival as well.
• ISKCON Temple- Located at Hare Krishna Hills, ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Temple in Delhi was opened in 1988. Designed by Achyut Kanvinde, Iskcon Temple Delhi is one of the biggest temple complexes in India. Presenting a captivating architecture, this temple not only attracts devotees but also architecture lovers.

  ISKCON Temple is adorned with breathtaking interiors depicting instances from various religious epics while holy chanting create peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. ISKCON Temple of Delhi also focuses on educating people about lord Krishna and his teachings. It is also known as Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir as Lord Krishna and Goddess Radharani are present in the form of Radha Parthasarathi here.

Awards and Recognition to Lotus Temple Delhi

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Lotus Temple Delhi has been awarded by many recognised institutions for its brilliant architecture and excellence of technicalities and engineering used in its construction. Bahai Temple has been recognized all over the world. Some of the popular awards given to Lotus Temple are-

• Guinness World Records in 2001
• Glob Art Academy Award by Glob Art Academy in Vienna in 2000
• Architect Fariborz Sahba awarded from International Federation for Art and Architecture, USA in 1987
• Award for excellence in religious art and architecture by Institution of Structural Engineers, UK in 1987
• American Concrete Institute Award for being the most artistically built concrete structures
• Paul Waterbury Outdoor Lighting Design Award - Special Citation for Exterior Lighting from Illuminating Engineering Society of North America in 1988
• Excellence in a concrete structure Award from Maharashtra-India Chapter of the American Concrete Institute in 1989
• Outstanding achievement of the time in Encyclopaedia Britannica- 1994 edition

FAQs and Information about Lotus Temple Delhi

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Location Map for Lotus Temple Delhi