Lotus Temple

Posted on Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 by Neha Sharma

Lotus Temple: Architectural Splendor & Spiritual Calm

The Lotus Temple in New Delhi, India, is a Baháʼí House of Worship that opened in December 1986. It is known for its unique design, which looks like a lotus flower. The temple welcomes people of all religions & backgrounds. The building has 27 marble “petals” arranged in groups of three to form nine sides. Nine doors lead into a central hall, which is over 34 meters tall and can hold 1,300 people. The Lotus Temple has won many awards for its design & has been featured in various newspapers & magazines.

Aspect	Details
Name	Lotus Temple
Location	New Delhi, India
Year of Construction	Completed in 1986
Architectural Style	Bahá’í House of Worship with contemporary architectural design
Design	Lotus-shaped structure with 27 freestanding marble-clad “petals”
Purpose	House of worship for the Bahá’í Faith, open to people of all religions
Significance	One of the most visited religious buildings in the world, known for its architectural beauty and serene ambiance
Notable Features	Central prayer hall, tranquil ponds, lush landscaped gardens, and the absence of religious symbols or rituals
Accessibility	Easily accessible by road from various parts of Delhi; nearest metro station is Nehru Place
Timings	Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm; closed on Mondays
Entry Fee	Free
Rules	Silence and photography restrictions inside the prayer hall
Facilities	Visitor center, audio-visual presentations, bookshop, and restroom facilities available

Lotus Temple History

The Lotus Temple is in New Delhi, India, and was completed in December 1986. It is designed to look like a large lotus flower. The architect, Fariborz Sahba, chose this design because the lotus is a symbol of peace & beauty in many cultures. The building has 27 large petals made of white marble, arranged in groups of three to form nine sides.

When the temple opened, people from all over the world came to see it and admired its beautiful design. Over time, the Lotus Temple has won many awards for its architecture and has become a famous landmark in New Delhi. Many visitors come to see it every day.

Lotus Temple Architecture

The Lotus Temple in New Delhi looks like a giant lotus flower. It has 27 large white marble petals arranged in groups of three, forming nine sides.

The temple has nine doors that lead into a large central hall. This hall is over 34 meters tall and can hold 1,300 people. Inside, the hall is empty & quiet, with no pictures or statues, allowing people to pray or meditate peacefully.

The architect, Fariborz Sahba, designed the Lotus Temple to look like a lotus because it symbolizes peace & beauty. The temple is surrounded by gardens and ponds, making it a calm & beautiful place to visit.

Lotus Temple Timings & Entry Fee

Winter Season – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Summer Season – 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Prayer Timings – 10 am, 12 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm

Entry Fee – Free

Things to Do Near Lotus Temple

Beauty in Many Cultures: The lotus flower symbolizes peace and beauty in many cultures.
Open to All: The Lotus Temple welcomes people of all religions for prayer or meditation, unlike traditional temples.
Architectural Awards: The temple has won many awards for its unique design and peaceful atmosphere.
Eco-friendly: The temple is eco-friendly, using natural light and ventilation to save energy.
Marble Petals: It is built with 27 free-standing marble petals arranged to form a lotus.
Capacity: The central hall can hold up to 1,300 people for prayer sessions.
Nine Entrances: There are nine doors leading into the central hall, symbolizing the unity of different faiths.
Gardens and Ponds: The temple is surrounded by gardens and peaceful ponds, adding to its serene ambiance.
Baháʼí Faith: The temple is a Baháʼí House of Worship, dedicated to the unity of humanity and worship of one God.
Community Service: The temple encourages community service and promotes social harmony among visitors.

How to Reach Lotus Temple

By Bus: To reach the Lotus Temple via bus, simply board a bus that stops at the Kalkaji Mandir bus stop. This stop is conveniently located near the temple, making it a short walk away. Several bus routes pass through this well-connected area, offering easy access to visitors.
By Flight: If you’re arriving from another city or country, your journey to the Lotus Temple starts at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. From the airport, you can opt for a taxi or use app-based cab services for a smooth 45-minute drive to the temple, depending on traffic conditions.
By Train: For travelers preferring train travel, start your journey at New Delhi Railway Station, one of the city’s major railway hubs. From there, you can easily reach the Lotus Temple by taxi or Delhi Metro. The nearest metro station to the temple is Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station on the Violet Line, just a short walk away from the station to the temple premises.

Best Time To Visit Lotus Temple

The ideal time to visit the Lotus Temple is during the cooler months, from October to March when the weather is comfortable & not too hot. For the best experience, visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. The temple is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Mondays. To avoid large crowds, it’s best to go on a weekday rather than the weekend.

Places To Visit Near Lotus Temple

Kalkaji Mandir: A renowned Hindu temple nearby, dedicated to the goddess Kali, and a popular spot for worshippers.
Nehru Place: A bustling commercial area famous for its shops and markets, particularly for electronics and computer goods. You can shop or simply explore the vibrant streets.
ISKCON Temple: A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, known for its peaceful atmosphere. You can also enjoy vegetarian meals at their restaurant.
Tughlaqabad Fort: An ancient, historic fort with ruins to explore. It offers insights into India’s history and provides excellent views of the surrounding area.
Greater Kailash Market (GK Market): A well-known shopping district with numerous stores, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a great place to shop, dine, and unwind.

Visitor Guidelines and Pro Tips

Here are some simple guidelines and tips for visiting the Lotus Temple:

Opening Hours: The Lotus Temple is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Mondays. It’s best to go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Entry: Entry to the temple is free, and everyone is welcome. Please stay quiet inside the prayer hall to respect those who are praying or meditating.
Dress Code: Dress modestly when visiting the temple. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothes to show respect for the sacred atmosphere.
Photography: No photography is allowed inside the temple. Respect this rule to keep the environment peaceful.
Shoes: Remove your shoes before entering the temple. There are racks provided to store them safely.
Silence and Respect: Keep quiet and avoid loud conversations or using your phone inside the temple. This helps maintain a calm atmosphere.
Security Check: Be ready for a security check at the entrance. Cooperate with the security staff for a smooth entry.
Visiting Time: Plan to spend about 30 minutes to 1 hour to peacefully explore the temple and its surroundings.

Following these tips will help you have a pleasant and respectful visit to the Lotus Temple, allowing you to enjoy its beauty and significance.

Other Activities To Do in Delhi

Delhi, the lively capital of India, has many attractions for visitors. You can explore historic landmarks like Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, as well as cultural sites such as India Gate and Akshardham Temple. The city also has bustling markets like Chandni Chowk and Dilli Haat, perfect for shopping and enjoying street food. For a peaceful retreat, visit the Lotus Temple or relax in the gardens of Lodhi Garden. With its rich history, diverse cuisine, and modern attractions, there are plenty of places to visit in Delhi.

Other Popular Temples in India

India is home to several famous temples that draw pilgrims & tourists alike. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is a spiritual hub for Sikhs, known for its golden architecture and serene pond. The Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu & Kashmir sees millions trekking uphill to seek blessings from Goddess Vaishno Devi. Down in South India, the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is celebrated for its colorful sculptures and towering temple towers called gopurams. In Puri, Odisha, the Jagannath Temple hosts the annual Rath Yatra festival, where deities’ idols are paraded on grand chariots. These temples in India showcase the nation’s diverse cultural & religious heritage, offering spiritual tranquility & architectural wonders to all visitors.

Other Popular Attractions in India

India offers a wealth of incredible destinations for tourists to explore. The Taj Mahal in Agra is known for its pretty white marble & captivating love story. Jaipur, nicknamed the Pink City, has forts like Amer Fort & vibrant markets. Kerala with peaceful backwaters perfect for leisurely boat rides, while Goa is famous for its lively beaches & vibrant atmosphere. Delhi showcases its rich history through iconic sites such as the Red Fort & Jama Masjid, while Himachal Pradesh is enticed by its towering mountains & serene Tibetan monasteries. These destinations highlight the diversity & excitement of tourism in India, promising something unique & unforgettable for every traveler.

Places to Visit in India

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you reach Lotus Temple by metro?

A: You can reach Lotus Temple by taking the Delhi Metro. The closest metro station is Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station on the Violet Line. It’s just a short walk from there to the temple.

Q: What is the entry fee for Lotus Temple in Delhi?

A: There is no entry fee for Lotus Temple in Delhi; admission is free.

Q: On which day is Lotus Temple closed?

A: Lotus Temple is closed on Mondays.

Q: Who built Lotus Temple?

A: The Lotus temple was built by the Fariborz Sahba.

Q: Which metro station is nearest to Lotus Temple?

A: The nearest metro station to Lotus Temple is Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station on the Violet Line.

Q: Which deity is worshipped at Lotus Temple?

A: No specific deity is worshipped at Lotus Temple. It is a Baháʼí House of Worship where people of all religions can pray and meditate according to their beliefs.

Q: Why was Lotus Temple constructed?

A: Lotus Temple was built as a place where people of all religions can come together for prayer and meditation. Its unique lotus-like architecture symbolizes purity and peace.

Q: Which is the Lotus Temple nearest metro?

A: The Lotus Temple in Delhi, India, is closest to the Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station on the Delhi Metro Violet Line. This station provides convenient access to visitors who wish to visit the Lotus Temple.