There are many amazing architectural masterpieces in the world, one of which is a very beautiful architectural masterpiece shaped like a lotus flower, known as the Lotus Temple. The Lotus Temple is located in the Kalkaji area of New Delhi, the capital of India. It is the Baha’i House of worship, completed on 13 November 1986 and inaugurated on 24 December 1986 but opened to the public on 1 January 1987. On the first day, more than 10,000 people came to see the beauty and attractive look of this temple. This temple is one of the seven Baha’i religion temples in the world.
The Lotus Temple near Nehru Place, which is associated with the Baha’i religion was built by an Iranian man Fariborz Sahba, a Canadian resident. About 700 engineers, workers, artists, and technicians have come together to this temple magnificent and attractive. The Lotus Temple is built in the shape of a half- blossoming lotus with 27 very beautiful marble petals. This temple is built on 26 acres of land. The marble stones used in this temple were imported from Greece.
The Lotus Temple is not only a symbol of excellence in modern Indian architecture but also one of the most visited religious buildings in the world. A person of any religion can not only enter this temple but can also pray. The temple also have an information center, which was set up in 2003. The Lotus Temple has a very large library in which many religious books are kept. Inside the lotus temple is a large hall with wooden benches. The environment around the lotus temple is very calm and clean, which is considered appropriate for prayer meditation.
The Lotus Temple is the only temple in the Asia continent that does not have any idol worship or any kind of religious rites. People of all faiths come here to seek peace and tranquility.
Baha’i religion was founded in Iran in the year 1844 by Baha’u’llah. It is considered a new and independent religion emphasizing unity and integrity.
Number 9 is very important in Baha’i culture. So the temple is surrounded by 9 ponds, 9 gardens, 9 sides, and a total of 9 entry gates. The central hall of the lotus temple is 40 meters long with a capacity of 2500 persons.
The artwork of this temple is very famous all over the world. It is so beautiful to look at that everyone who sees it is amazed. Looking at this temple from a distance, it looks as if a lotus flower is floating in the water. The purpose behind making this temple lotus-shaped is that the lotus is considered a symbol of peace, purity, love, and holiness in all religions. The attraction of this temple has been published in more than 125 newspapers. The temple has also been honored with many international awards for its beauty and features. More than 100 million people have visited the temple so far, more than the number visiting the Taj Mahal. Therefore, the lotus temple is also called the 20th century Taj Mahal.
By Harleen, Hoshiarpur
