Lotus Temple, situated in New Delhi, the place seems like a dream with marble clad petals procured from Penteli mountains! The temple lights twinkle your eyes as its petals are moonlit in the night hours. As you sit by its pond, the breeze flowing through it, will make you feel fresh and pristine. Alongside that, when you enter in, it’s ethereal architecture will astonish you with a larger than life petaled design. Being one of the most visited destinations of the world, it feels peaceful to sit by the marvelled and marbelled national flower. Next time you are in the capital territory, make sure you savour your eyes some of its beauty.
The Lotus Temple, also known as Kamal Mandir or Lotus of Bahapur, is visited by 4.5 million a year, even more than the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel where the remains of the herald of the religion is buried. The temple was opened in 1986 and had already seen 100 millions visitors before its 30th year.
Lotus Temple
Lotus Temple is a Bahai worship temple is located in Kalkaji, New Delhi. It is seventh and last temple of Bahai around the world. Lotus flower like shape temple’s construction was completed in 1986. It is unique type of worship house open for all people of every religion. The Lotus temple has nine pools of water and nine entry gates, which connect to the central hall. Lotus temple is inspired by the design of lotus flower and 27 marble petals completed the shape of a lotus flower. The height of the central hall is 42 meters and it can accommodate 2500 visitors. Delhi Iskcon Temple is just 1 km away from the Lotus temple.
Lotus Temple Information
It was opened for visitors in 24 December 1986 and diameter of temple is around 70 meters. The main architect of the temple is Fariborz Sahba and construction was done by Flint & Neill firm of UK. The seating capacity of lotus temple is 1300 and 2500 people can accommodate easily in the hall. The Bahai temple of worship is situated in the middle of the lush green lawns. 9 water ponds near the 9 entry gates of central hall give a spectacular view to the temple.
The temple’s 26 acres are covered by lush flora, and surrounded by nine blue reflecting pools and red sandstone walkways leading to the nine entrances. The temple itself consists of three rings, each ring with nine petals made of white marble forming the iconic image of the lotus flower in bloom floating in water. A prayer hall within the temple holds 2,500 and is sunlit through the glass roof at the center of the flower.
Lotus Temple Architecture
Built in the shape of a gigantic lotus, the Bahai Lotus Temple is a serene stopover that invites tourists from far and wide. It belongs to the Bahai religion, which aims at the unity of all the races and people in a universal cause and a common faith. People from all religions and faith can enter this temple, regardless of their gender, and can chant their respective religious mantras. Designed by Iranian-Canadian architect, Fariburz Sahba in 1986, the temple is shaped like a lotus flower with 27 white marble petals. There are nine doors that open into a central hall that is approximately 40 m high and has a capacity to host 2,500 people. There are nine pools of water that look breathtaking at dusk. The temple is famous all over the world for its architectural design.
The Historical Significance Of Lotus Temple
In the middle of the nineteenth century, the Shi’ite sect of Islam gave rise to the Baha’i faith, a fairly recent religion. Building Houses of Worship around the globe is an aim of the Baha’i faith. These buildings serve as the center of the religion’s culture and events, but anybody is free to visit and engage with the almighty irrespective of faith.
At present, there are eight Places of Worship on each continent other than Antarctica, including Delhi’s Lotus Temple. The monument is a unique modern structure that combines tranquility and elegance.
Lotus Temple Timings
Lotus temple timings are 9 AM to 7 PM in summers and 9 AM to 5.30 AM in the winter; however entry closed at 5 PM in winter and 6.30 PM in summer. Information Centre visiting hours are 9 AM to 6.45 PM in summers and 9 AM to 5.15 PM in summers. There is no entry fee in Bahai Temple, hence entry ticket is free. Photography is allowed inside the complex; however, prior permission is required to click pictures in the central hall. It is a worship house so taking a camera and clicking picture in the central hall is not allowed. Bahai Temple remains closed on Monday.
| Summer Opening Time | 9:00 AM |
| Summer Closing Time | 7:00 PM |
| Summer Last Entry Time | 6.30 PM |
| Winter Opening Time | 9:00 AM |
| Winter Closing Time | 5.30 PM |
| Winter Last Entry Time | 5:00 PM |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Vehicle Parking | Yes |
| Nearest Metro Station | Kalka Ji Mandir |
| Photography Allowed | Yes, except central hall |
| Shoe Deposit | Yes |
| Closing Day | Monday |
| Time Required to Visit | 1 to 2 hours |
Lotus temple is most visited religious building in the world; it witnesses 8000 to 10000 visitors every day and it is more crowded on Saturday, Sunday and holiday time. Summers of Delhi are very hot, so the afternoon visit to the temple should be avoided in the summer season. Winter and rainy seasons are more comfortable to visit the temple.
Lotus Temple Timings for Watching Films
An information Centre is also located in the complex with a visitor’s gallery with 3 auditoriums. The seating capacity of the main auditorium is 400 and another two auditoriums can accommodate 70 people. The Lotus temple has a cloakroom and shoe deposit room where people can deposit their shoes and footwear before entering into the temple. Two daily films are also running in the information centre in Hindi and English. Hindi film (Jewel in the Lotus (Kamal Mani)) show times are 10.30 AM to 5.30 PM in every half an hour and English movie (Light of Unity) time is 10.30 AM to 5.30 PM in every 20 minutes.
Lotus temple looks fascinating in the night under the lights, however, entry in the night is allowed. Still, you can view the temple at night from some nearby higher places like Metro stations or buildings. So tourists can plan to visit as per the above Lotus Temple Timings, enjoy your visit.
