LOTUS TEMPLE – EPITOME OF PEACE
Lotus Temple is located in Delhi. It is considered the epitome of tranquillity. The Lotus Temple is an edifice dedicated to the Baha’i faith. The magnificent structure of this building unfolds in the form of a stupendous white petal lotus and is one of the most visited establishments in the world. The design of this shrine was conceptualized by Canadian architect Fariborz Sahba and was completed in the year 1986. This temple seeks to propagate the oneness of the Almighty and is open to all regardless of their nationality, religion, race or gender. The Lotus temple is one of the seven Baha’i House of Worship present around the world.
The architecture of the temple is worth noticing. Its entrance is adorned with floral gardens and rippling pools. There is lush greenery all around. The pathway to the temple is embellished with an inner silence in spite of the crowd. Once you enter inside you will be mesmerized and lulled into the silence and solitude of the place. The best thing about the place is that you are allowed to chant mantras reflective of any faith. Musical renditions of religious texts can be sung without any inhibitions in the temple complex. The Bahai Lotus Temple is without a doubt one of the must-visit places in the capital. Not just for its marvellous architecture but also to experience a new way of meditation in a completely different, blissful ambience.
LOTUS TEMPLE – ARCHITECTURE
The temple is made of white Greek marble in the shape of a lotus flower. Lotus was chosen as a symbol because it was common to religions such as Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. The structure of the place of worship in New Delhi consists of 27 independent marble “petals” arranged in 3 groups forming 9 sides. The nine doors of the Lotus Temple face the central hall, which can accommodate up to 2,500 people. The temple is designed so that it does not require external lighting to illuminate the vast chapel. Light is filtered through the inner folds of the lotus and diffuses throughout the temple hall, which acts as a skylight. Surrounded by nine ponds and gardens, the Lotus Temple grounds span 26 acres.
LOTUS TEMPLE’S ‘AN OUTLINE OF BAHA’I-I-FAITH’- SOURCE OF KNOWLEDGE
A short film is showcased titled ‘An Outline of the Baha’i-I-Faith’. This is a 5-minute briefing and is held every 20 minutes in the Conference Hall from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You can ask any volunteer to guide you to the exact place.
LOTUS TEMPLE – ACTIVITIES TO PERFORM
Lotus Temple offers four major “core” activities to those who are interested. These include:
- Children’s Courses: These courses include generosity, justice, kindness, unity, courage, honesty, trust in God, and service to humanity through Baha’i teachings. The purpose is to internalize the values of.
- Junior Youth Classes: These classes are aimed at developing the mental and intellectual abilities of 14-year-olds.
- Dedicated Rally: These rallies aim to create a loving and harmonious environment within the community.
- Research Circle: These meetings aim to carry out a comprehensive study of Baha’i Faith scriptures, prayers, life and death, thereby creating spiritual awareness among people.
- One Ocean Event: In addition to these core activities, the Lotus Temple also hosts the One Ocean Event, a performing arts series that celebrates the unity and diversity of humanity.
LOTUS TEMPLE: BEST TIME TO VISIT
It is best to visit the temple at dawn to experience the absolute pleasure of solitude. Even visiting the temple at dusk is a good option, as it is flooded with natural light at this hour. This skylight gives it an unimaginable monochromatic hue.
LOTUS TEMPLE: CODES OF CONDUCT
- This is a place for meditation and interacting with the supreme power. So kindly avoid making noise.
- Prayers are held at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 5: 00 pm. These are short five-minute prayers. So, avoid leaving the Conference Hall before its completion.
- Reading non-scriptural texts, delivering sermons, playing instruments and fundraising are forbidden here.
LOTUS TEMPLE: HOW TO REACH
Since the temple is located in the capital of the country, Delhi it is quite well connected via metro and bus. The nearest metro station is Kalkaji on the Violet Line. From there you can either hail an auto or walk down 1km on an autumn October evening.
Lotus Temple is therefore quite appealing as a place of worship especially in times when we have unfortunately forgotten to equate people to humanity rather than seeing them as belonging to multiple identities. Moreover, in today’s hustle culture, it is a place which brings you close to the Almighty and also is based on the idea of peace and the universe on which the foundations of India have been premised.
