A JOURNEY THROUGH LOTUS TEMPLE.

YEAR OF ESTABLISHMENT:

LOCATION: LOTUS TEMPLE ROAD, BAHAPUR, SHAMBHU DAYAL BAGH, KALKAJI, NEW DELHI, 110018.

ENTRY FEES: FREE ENTRY.

TIMINGS: TUESDAY TO SUNDAY FROM 9:00 AM TO 7:00 (DURING SUMMERS) AND 9:00 AM TO 5:30 PM (DURING WINTERS).

BUILT BY: FARIBORZ SAHBA.

ARCHITECTURAL STYLE: EXPRESSIONIST ARCHITECTURE. 

ARCHITECTURAL TYPE: HOUSE OF WORSHIP.

MATERIAL USED: MARBLE.

NEAREST METRO STATION: KALKAJI MANDIR METRO STATION, VIOLET LINE.

GOVERNING BODY: GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (GOI)

INTRODUCTION AND ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN:

Lotus temple, located in New Delhi, India is the lotus-shaped house of worship and a very prominent attraction of the city. The building is composed of 27 free-standing marble-clad, and petals arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. The temple is open to all regardless of the religion or any other qualification. It has nine doors opening to the central hall, with a height of slightly over 34.27m approximately and has a capacity of about 25,000 people. Its diameter is 70 meters having a concrete frame and precast along with concrete ribbed roof this place has won numerous architectural awards and has been featured in many newspapers and magazines articles.

WORSHIP:

The BAHA'I'FAITH teaches that the BAHA'I house of worship should be the space for people of all religion to gather, reflect and worship. Anyone can enter lotus temple irrespective of the religion, background, sex or other distinction as in the case of BAHA'I houses of worship. On the other hand, reading non-scriptural texts is forbidden as are delivering sermons, lectures or fundraisers. Musical readings and prayers are sung by the choirs but no musical instrument can be played inside.