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Nine Reasons to Visit the Bahai Lotus Temple of Delhi
Published by Paromita Goswami, Writer
Country: India 
The Experience
The national capital of India has many tourist attractions, and the famous Bahai Faith Lotus Temple of Delhi is right at the top of the list. A visit to the Lotus Temple should be high priority for any trip to the Indian capital. Open to all faiths, the stunning lotus shape architecture of marble, cement, dolomite and sand sets the scene for meditation, peace and tranquility. The Lotus Temple is the main temple in India to represent the youngest of all the independent religions in the world. Its founder father, Bahá'u'lláh (1817-1892), is regarded as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God, which includes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad.
The Lotus Temple is located in Kalkaji, south of Delhi, and is considered the “Mother Temple” of the Indian subcontinent. Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba designed the Lotus Temple, which took six years to complete and was opened to the public in 1986. The Temple structure is in the form of a half-opened lotus— a symbol of peace and serenity, and the national flower of India.
The number nine has great significance in the Bahai Faith, and symbolizes the nine main religions of the world. The main structure of the Lotus Temple is encircled by nine ponds over vast green land covering around 26 acres. The marble petals of the Temple are arranged in groups of three to form nine faces; and there are nine doors leading to the main hallway, which can accommodate up to 2,500 people.
The Lotus Temple in Delhi doesn't observe any ceremonies or rituals, and it is necessary to maintain silence inside the hall. Bahai Faith believes in religion that is divine in its origin, broad in its view, scientific in its technique, kind in its philosophy, and dynamic in its nature. It is such a mission statement that makes the Lotus Temple a popular visitor attraction for people from all religions, castes and faiths. Lush green gardens that surround the LotusTemple add further to the scene of relaxation and serenity.
The Lotus Temple is located in Kalkaji, south of Delhi, and is considered the “Mother Temple” of the Indian subcontinent. Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba designed the Lotus Temple, which took six years to complete and was opened to the public in 1986. The Temple structure is in the form of a half-opened lotus— a symbol of peace and serenity, and the national flower of India.
The number nine has great significance in the Bahai Faith, and symbolizes the nine main religions of the world. The main structure of the Lotus Temple is encircled by nine ponds over vast green land covering around 26 acres. The marble petals of the Temple are arranged in groups of three to form nine faces; and there are nine doors leading to the main hallway, which can accommodate up to 2,500 people.
The Lotus Temple in Delhi doesn't observe any ceremonies or rituals, and it is necessary to maintain silence inside the hall. Bahai Faith believes in religion that is divine in its origin, broad in its view, scientific in its technique, kind in its philosophy, and dynamic in its nature. It is such a mission statement that makes the Lotus Temple a popular visitor attraction for people from all religions, castes and faiths. Lush green gardens that surround the LotusTemple add further to the scene of relaxation and serenity.
When to Go to Lotus Temple
Besides visiting the main Delhi tourist attractions, the shopping bazaars are also of significance here. Kundan and Meenakari are traditional jewelries that are widely available at the shopping markets in Delhi.
Odds n' Ends
Delhi is the commercial and political hub of India—and it’s very crowded. The city is an amazing blend of traditional and modern culture, and is arguably the only city in the world to present such extreme contrasts in one place. Old Delhi with its age-old culture, ethnic markets and eateries, is in complete contrast to the fashionable, up-market malls and eateries of South Delhi. Colourful, vibrant and diverse Delhi, with all its regions and religions, is indeed a mini India.
Delhi is not always safe, and it pays to be aware as a tourist and avoid the pitfalls of being an easy target. Avoid mingling with unauthorized tourist agents, and travel by pre-paid taxi service as they are governed and managed by the Delhi Traffic Police. Always take assistance from the "May I Help You" counter and other assistance cells of the government, like Delhi Tourism, DTC, etc. Do not generally follow or rely on the advice of taxi and rickshaw drivers in the city, as this is often given as a scam to their own financial benefit. And definitely avoid carrying too much cash or valuables. Be cautious of both pickpockets and the many scams that are designed to catch-out tourists.
Delhi is not always safe, and it pays to be aware as a tourist and avoid the pitfalls of being an easy target. Avoid mingling with unauthorized tourist agents, and travel by pre-paid taxi service as they are governed and managed by the Delhi Traffic Police. Always take assistance from the "May I Help You" counter and other assistance cells of the government, like Delhi Tourism, DTC, etc. Do not generally follow or rely on the advice of taxi and rickshaw drivers in the city, as this is often given as a scam to their own financial benefit. And definitely avoid carrying too much cash or valuables. Be cautious of both pickpockets and the many scams that are designed to catch-out tourists.
Want a Guide?
- Sightseeing Tours Delhi
- Tour Package Duration : 1 days
- Delhi Sightseeing
- Places to visit: Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Rajghat, Jantar Mantar, Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, Humayu n's Tomb, Qutb Minar and Lotus Temple.
- Full Day Sightseeing of New and Old Delhi
- Enjoy rickshaw ride in old Delhi.
Places to Eat
- Karim's
- Established in 1913, Karim's is something of a Delhi institution. It serves robust Mughal food in rudimentary but clean surroundings off a courtyard that is close behind Jama Masjid in Old Delhi. The tandoori chicken and tandoori burra (mutton) are both highly recommended, as are the succulent kebabs.
- Bukhara
- Bukhara is widely touted as the best place in Delhi for Mughal and North-West Frontier specialities. Indeed the restaurant boasts many domestic and international accolades including a place in the World's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2007. The food is phenomenal and everything its reputation suggests - one particularly recommended item is the kastoori kebab, while the delicious dhal makes a super side dish.
- Dilli Haat
- Shop and snack at the exhibition ground popular with Delhi-ites, at small, inexpensive restaurants from every state in India, although standards vary.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Hyatt Regency Delhi
- Hyatt Regency Delhi is one of the leading 5 Star Deluxe hotels in the city. The hotel is located in the heart of Delhi, in the business district and Diplomatic Enclave of the city. The hotel offers a serene refuge of comfort and hospitality. The hotel has beautiful architecture and is one of the major landmarks of the city. The hotel offers amenities and services that cater to the modern world. The hotel is an ideal destination for travelers on vacations and on business.
- Radisson Hotel Delhi
- Radisson Hotel one of the leading 5 Star hotels is city's most awarded Business Hotel. It stands apart with its grand red brick structure on the horizon of the city. The hotel offers complimentary airport transfers for all guests. The hotel offers the modern amenities and services that make the stay comfortable.
- Jukaso Inn
- Jukasso Inn is located in the heart of the city with major tourist attractions such as, the famous Lodi Gardens, the National Gallery of Modern Art, Nizamuddin's Tomb and India Gate located close by. The hotel offers the best of accommodation with well equipped modern amenities and services and tastefully decorated rooms.
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Media References
- 36 Hours in New Delhi - NYTImes.com (newspaper)
- Staying on the Safe Side: New Delhi - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- Best of Delhi: Must-Dos - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)
- India Made Easy - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
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