|
Introduction
Apart from being the capital of India, Delhi is a fascinating
city with pleasant contradictions. Comprising of Old
Delhi and New Delhi, the city is home to famous tourist
destinations like the Laxmi Narayan Temple, India Gate,
Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Humayun's
Tomb, and the vivacious shopping bazaar of Chandni Chowk.
One such tourist attraction in Delhi is the Bahai Temple,
popularly called Lotus Temple.
Background
One of the most beautiful architectural temples in India,
construction of the Bahai Temple was completed in 1986.
At night, one can enjoy its elegant beauty even from
a kilometer away. This grand temple, termed by many
as the Taj of modern India, belongs to the Bahai sect.
The temple represents the Bahai faith, which is broad
in its outlook, scientific in the influence it exerts
on the hearts and minds of the people. It signifies
the purity and the universality of the lord and people
of any faith can enter this temple to offer their prayers.
This temple happens to be the seventh and most recent
Bahai House of Worship in the world.
Description
The structure of the Bahai Temple is made of pure white
marble in the shape of a half-opened lotus, reaching
a height of more than 40m, and is surrounded by deftly
groomed lawns. This architectural wonder is made of
a combination of marble, cement, sand and dolomite.
One can see 27 giant white petals of marble in a lotus
shape, springing from nine pools and walkways indicative
of the nine unifying spiritual paths of the Bahai faith.
Location and Entrance
Visited by over four million people annually, the Bahai
Temple is located on Bahapur Hills in South Delhi. This
gleaming structure remains closed to tourists during
morning and evening prayers, Tuesday - Sunday from 10.00am
to 4.00pm.
|