Bahai Lotus Temple, Delhi

Introduction:
Delhi, the capital city of India, is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical monuments. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi is the Lotus Temple, which is also known as the Bahai House of Worship. The Lotus Temple is a symbol of unity and peace and attracts visitors from all over the world. This temple is one of the most visited religious places in Delhi, and it is also known for its unique architecture.

About the Place:
The Lotus Temple is located in the south of Delhi, near the Kalkaji Temple. The temple is shaped like a lotus flower, which is a symbol of purity and beauty in many cultures. The temple was opened in December 1986 and since then, it has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The temple is open to people of all faiths and religions, and it is a place where people can come and meditate in peace.

History of Place:
The Lotus Temple was built by the Bahai community and is one of the seven Bahai temples in the world. The temple was designed by an Iranian architect named Fariborz Sahba, who won an international competition for the design of the temple. The construction of the temple took six years and was completed in 1986. The temple has won many awards for its unique architecture, and it is considered to be a masterpiece of modern architecture.

Facts about the Place:

The Lotus Temple is made of 27 marble petals, which are arranged in three rows.
The temple can accommodate up to 2,500 people at a time.
The temple has won many awards for its unique architecture, including the American Institute of Architects’ prestigious Honor Award for Architecture.
The Lotus Temple is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Delhi, attracting more than four million visitors every year.

Entry Fees:
There is no entry fee to visit the Lotus Temple. However, visitors are required to maintain silence inside the temple and are not allowed to take any photographs inside the temple.

Charges for Photography and Video Camera:
Photography is not allowed inside the temple. However, visitors can take photographs of the temple from outside. There are no charges for taking photographs from outside the temple.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit the Lotus Temple is during the months of October to March when the weather is pleasant and the temperature is moderate.

Timings and Closed Day:
The Lotus Temple is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm every day, except Mondays. The temple is closed on Mondays.

How Much Time it will Take to See this Place?
It takes about 30-45 minutes to explore the Lotus Temple.

Where to Park Your Vehicle When Visiting this Place?
There is a parking facility available near the Lotus Temple. Visitors can park their vehicles there.

Nearest Metro Stations:
The nearest metro station to the Lotus Temple is the Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station, which is on the Violet Line of the Delhi Metro.

Activities to Do at this Place:
The Lotus Temple is a place of worship, and visitors are not allowed to do any activities inside the temple. However, visitors can enjoy the beautiful architecture of the temple and meditate in the serene environment of the temple.

FAQs:

Q. Is the Lotus Temple open to people of all faiths?
A. Yes, the Lotus Temple is open to people of all faiths and religions.

Q. Is photography allowed inside the temple?
A. No, photography is not allowed inside the temple.

Q. What is the best time to visit the Lotus Temple?
A. The best time to visit the Lotus Temple is during the months of October to March when the weather is pleasant and the temperature is moderate.

Q: Is there any dress code that visitors need to follow?
A: Yes, visitors are required to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the temple. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing clothing are not allowed.

Q: Are there any restrictions on taking pictures inside the temple?
A: Photography is not allowed inside the prayer hall or the inner sanctum. However, visitors can take pictures outside the temple and in the surrounding gardens.

Q: Are there any special prayer ceremonies or events held at the Lotus Temple?
A: Yes, the temple hosts a weekly devotional program every Sunday at 10:00 AM, where visitors can participate in prayers and devotional songs.

Q: Are there any nearby attractions that visitors can visit after their trip to the Lotus Temple?
A: Yes, there are several other popular tourist destinations nearby, including the Nehru Place market, Kalkaji Temple, and the ISKCON Temple.

Q: Are visitors required to follow any specific customs or rituals when visiting the Lotus Temple?
A: Visitors are not required to follow any specific customs or rituals. However, they are expected to maintain a quiet and peaceful atmosphere and show respect for the temple’s sanctity.

Q: Can visitors participate in the prayer ceremonies at the temple?
A: The Lotus Temple is open to visitors of all faiths, but only members of the Bahá’í community are allowed to participate in the prayer ceremonies.

Q: What is the significance of the Lotus flower in the Bahá’í Faith?
A: The Lotus flower is a symbol of purity and detachment in the Bahá’í Faith, and is used to represent the unity of all religions.

Aarti Timings:

Aarti is not performed at the Lotus Temple as it is not a traditional Hindu temple. However, visitors can participate in the weekly devotional program held every Sunday at 10:00 AM, where prayers and devotional songs are sung.

Amenities:

The Lotus Temple offers several amenities for visitors, including:

Information center: Visitors can obtain information about the temple’s history and the Bahá’í Faith from the information center located on the premises.
Audio guides: Audio guides are available for visitors who want to learn more about the temple’s history and significance.
Restrooms: Restrooms are available for visitors near the entrance of the temple.
Gift shop: The temple has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and books about the Bahá’í Faith.

In conclusion, the Lotus Temple is a unique and beautiful place of worship that welcomes visitors of all faiths. Its stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Delhi.