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Baha`i Temple is known as one of the most beautiful
architectural temples in India. Popularly called Lotus Temple as it is
built in the shape of a Lotus flower and reaches a height of more than
40m. It was completed in 1986 and one can enjoy its exquisite beauty even
from a kilometre distance, at night.
An Architectural Grandeur
This grand temple is termed by many as the Taj of modern India. It
belongs to the Baha`i sect and is now a significant landmark of
Delhi. The structure is made of pure white marble in
the shape of a half-opened lotus and is surrounded by delicately manicured
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 Baha'i faith. People of any faith can
enter this temple to offer their prayers.
The Uniqueness Of Baha`i Faith
The Baha'i House of Worship is dedicated to the oneness of all religions
and mankind. Its doors are open to people of all faiths, races and
cultural backgrounds. Subsidiary buildings that afford relief to the
suffering, sustenance to the poor, shelter to the traveller, solace to the
deprived and education to the ignorant will abound around the House of
Worship.
There are no clergymen in the Baha'i Faith and its service consists of
prayers and readings of selections from Baha'i scriptures.The Baha`i
religion is an independent one and not a sect of any other religion's
manifestion.
The
Baha`is lay great emphasis on prayer and meditation. These, they believe
are important instruments for the progress of the human soul, both in this
world and the next. The Baha'i`is pray to one God, the Creator of the
Universe.
The act of praying is described as 'Conversation with God' and meditation
is perceived as the 'Key for opening the doors of mysteries'. In that
state, man withdraws himself from all outside objects and immerses himself
in the ocean of spiritual life.
In the Baha`i Holy Writings, there are prayers for all occasions and can
be offered individually or collectively. A great importance is given to
prayers as it is revealed in all the Scriptures. But the Baha`i Writings
specify that the mere act of praying is not sufficient. The inspiration
drawn from one's prayers must be translated into action that promotes the
well-being of humanity.
The temple represents the Baha`i faith, which is broad in its outlook,
scientific in the influence it exerts on the hearts and minds of men. It
signifies the purity and the universality of the lord and equality of all
religions. Visited by over four million
people, annually, this gleaming lotus-like marble structure is located on
Bahapur Hills and it is the seventh and most recent Baha'i houses of
worship in the world. The temple is a must visit for every tourist who
comes to Delhi.
Closed to tourists during morning and evening prayers, Tuesday- Sunday
from 10.00am to 4.00pm.