Lotus Temple Historical Facts and Pictures

Located at Kalikaji, New Delhi, the Lotus Temple is considered to be one of the greatest architectural specimens of the 20^th century by numerous newspapers and magazines.  The Temple is an embodiment of Bahai faith, a monotheistic religion that believes in the existence of only one God and emphasizes on the unity of all religions.

Lotus Temple Images

Notable for its lotus like shape it has also been considered by some as the modern day Taj Mahal. Surrounded by gardens and nine ponds the entire complex occupies 26 acres of land.

Lotus Temple Photos

Lotus Temple Pictures

                                                                                                       Structure and Artwork

Lotus Temple

The temple is the sight of absolute delight when it is illuminated in the dark and assumes the stance of a glowing lotus in water.

According to the Bahai beliefs, the temple is free from any sort of religious discrimination. It is also devoid of any kind of sermons or ritual ceremonies.

Beliefs, Worship and Symbolism

Lotus Temple at Night

In fact the lotus shape of the temple is filled with religious significance, as lotus is the symbol of purity and tenderness and a manifestation of God. In Mahabharata it is said that Lord Brahma had sprung from the lotus that grew in the navel of Lord Vishnu. In Buddhist folklore the Boddhisatva Avalokiteswara is believed to be born out of a lotus. And therefore the lotus has been depicted as a symbol of sacredness throughout centuries.

Lotus Temple Night View

Lotus Temple Night

Night View Lotus Temple

This beautiful structure was designed by the Persian architect Fariborz Sahba of Canada. The design of the temple is of a half opened lotus flower with 27 free-standing marble petals.

Inside the Lotus Temple

Inside of Lotus Temple

Interior of Lotus Temple

The main House of worship is made of white marble from Penteli mountain in Greece. The structure of the temple does not have any straight line according to the geometrical design. There are 9 doors in the temple which opens up onto a central hall about 40 meters tall.

Lotus Temple Inside View

Lotus Temple Inside

Lotus Temple Top Inside

Sunset at Lotus Temple

The sight of the sunset at the temple is an ecstatic view. The color of the sky creates the image that a lotus is enveloped in gold strings.

Lotus Temple Sunset

Sunset at Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple is enriched with spirituality and is a constant reminder to the people  that all religions are one. The simplicity of the temple provides the essence of preservation and procreation of life.