If you live in Delhi then Lotus temple is not a new word for you and you would have already visited this beautiful structure.
But for people from other part of country visiting Lotus temple, during there visit to Delhi is one the must places on their itinerary.
What is Lotus temple
Lotus Temple is one of the seven main Baha’i houses of worship. Regardless of caste, creed or religion, the Baha’i faith teaches solidarity and unity among all. While recognized as a temple, in the Lotus Temple, there are no representations or images of God or Goddess.
History of Lotus temple
Bahai Temple in Delhi was built in the year 1986. The temple was designed by an Iranian-American architect, Fariborz Sahba, while Flint and Neill, a UK firm, carried out the structural design.
The ECC Design Company of Larsen & Toubro Limited undertook the construction work for the temple and finished it at a cost of $10 million.
Lotus Temple Architecture
This lotus-inspired building is spread over 26 acres of land and is surrounded by lush green landscaped gardens. It is made up of white marble sourced from Greece.
The temple structure has 27 petals in the free-standing state. These petals are grouped in 3 each and hence the structure has 9 side circular shape.
The main central hall is around 40 mts high and there are nine entrance which leads to this hall. The temple has a seating capacity of 1300 people.
There are no pictures , statue or painting of any god/goddess inside the structure as you can find in other Bahai temples.
There are nine pool of water bodies located around the petals and there are colorful floodlights around them, when illuminated in night looks like lotus blooming out of water. It is a nice sight to eyes.
Below you find some more information which will help you in case you are planning to visit this beautiful temple.
Some cool facts about Lotus temple Delhi
- A Bahai follower from Hyderabad in Sindh province donated his entire savings for the purchase of the land on which this building is built. His name is Ardishír Rustampúr
- Why Fariborz Sahba chose Lotus ? Lotus is a common symbol in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Islam.
- Lotus temple gets more than 4 million visitors a year and is one of the most visited buildings in the world.
- There is a postage stamp in India which features this building
- It runs on Solar power and probably first building in NCR region which uses solar power.
What else you can see near Lotus temple
- Kalkaji Devi Temple is around 600 m near lotus temple and is a must visit
- ISKCON Temple New Delhi is around 2.6 km from lotus temple
- Humayun’s Tomb is around 7 Lms from this place
- Safdarjung tomb is around 9 Kms from this place and Lodhi tomb is around 10 Kms
- India gate is around 8.5 Kms from Lotus temple
- Qutub Minar is arouund 10 Kms
- If you want to visit Purana Qila, it is around 10 Kms
- Hauz Khaz , if you want to visit is around 8 Kms
How to reach Lotus temple?
A very prominent landmark of Delhi. As Lotus temple is situated in the national capital, there is no issues with the connectivity of this temple. you can always get a taxi or auto from any part of Delhi to reach here, but if you want to use public transport, below information will be helpful. Well connected by Bus, Local train ( EMU ) and Metro
Bus: 445A, 469, 47ACL, 511A, 534,ML-80
Local train: EMU 64012, EMU 64078
Metro: The nearest metro station is the violet line, Kalkaji station. From here it is a 15 mins walk ( 1 KM). You can also get auto. Metro should be your most preferred option. Very convenient.
Best Time To Visit Lotus Temple
You can visit this temple any time of the day. But evenings are best to go there as the temple looks very colorful in the flood lights. You will definitely love staying there for more time, the evening.
Activities at Bahai Lotus temple new delhi
- Classes for Kids & Classes for children between 11 to 15 years : These classes are meant to inculcate the values of generosity, justice, kindness, unity, courage, truthfulness, reliance on God and service to humanity via bahai teachings. These teachings enhance spiritual and intellectual capabilities of children.
- Devotional Program – These are devotional programs centered around bahai teachings.
- Study circles – Study of Bahai way of life, Bahai writing and paintings, Bahai culture etc.
- One Ocean Events – performing arts series celebrating the unity and diversity of humankind.
Lotus temple Delhi Entry fee
Please note that there is no entry fee, Entry is free for every one.
But you should also note that the temple is a place for prayer and meditation. People from all walks of life and from all religious background visit this temple and hence it is expected that people do not make noise.
There are fixed prayer timings and people are expected that they do not enter or leave during prayers. The timings are 10.00 AM, 12.00 AM, 3.00 PM and 5.00 PM and is for 5 mins.
Lotus temple Timings
| Day | summer | winter |
| Monday | Closed | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9:00 am – 7:00 pm | 9:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Wedesday | 10:00 am – 7:00 pm | 10:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Thursday | 11:00 am – 7:00 pm | 11:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Friday | 12:00 am – 7:00 pm | 12:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Saturday | 13:00 am – 7:00 pm | 13:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Sunday | 14:00 am – 7:00 pm | 14:00 am – 5:30 pm |
If you are in Delhi, you will probably like to visit Akshardham as well.
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