Lotus Temple in Delhi

The Lotus Temple at Delhi is a Bahai house of worship. Built at a cost of Rs 10 crore, the structure took over six years to complete. It was opened to public on January 1, 1987.

Lotus Temple Delhi

The marble needed for its construction was quarried from the mines of Greece and sent to Italy, from where each panel was cut and shaped before being transported to Delhi. Set among sprawling green lawns, the petals of this grand lotus are surrounded by nine pools that represent the floating leaves of the flower. The interior dome is spherical and patterned after the innermost portion of the lotus flower. Light and water are used as the fundamental design elements. The nine entrance petals complete the design. External illumination is arranged to create the impression that the lotus is afloat on water.

The Lotus temple is a spectacular combination of architecture, nature and culture. It combines the grandeur of a palace and the piece of a monastery. There are no priests, idols, pictures, rituals or sermons here. It is a place for communication between man and his God. Daily public services here include recital of verses from the Holy books of all religions.