Introduction
Symbol of spiritual refinement of mankind, Lotus temple is a wonderful lotus-shaped temple of Bahai religion. Radiating spiritual lights and revolutionizing the concept of worships and religion, this temple stands as one of the marvelous architectural works in the world during the last 50 years. Open for public since December 1986, temple has attracted zillions of people from all faith and nations. The temple is sprawling over 26 acres of green lawns and avenues.


Quick Facts
Location : South Delhi, near Nehru Place, New Delhi
Year of Construction : 1,986
Constructed : By Bahu'll Khan
Dedicated to no God : (Independent Religions)
Visit Timings : Summer (1 April - 30 September) 9:00 am to 7:00 pm,
Winter (1 October - 31 March) 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Climate : 25 oC - 45 oC (Summer) 7 oC - 21 oC (Winter)
Best time to visit : October to May

Attraction within the Lotus Temple
Design of Lotus Temple
Designed by Iranian-origin architect Fariborz Sahba, the Lotus temple has 27 free-standing marble clad petals arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. It is surrounded by nine ponds which give it an impressions of a floating lotus.

Architecture of Lotus Temple
The lotus shaped temple is made of white marble, cement, dolomite and sand, this temple is 24 m from floor to apex and 70m in diameter. The temple structure has 27 giant white Greek marble petals and and 9 pools. The temple deeply touches Indian reverences and religious association to lotus.

Prayer Hall
There is a very large prayer hall where people of religion can mediate. And no idol or deity is installed neither any ritual is performed. Only some sections from the holy books of all religion are recited.

Nine pools of water and Walkways
Nine pools of water and walkways are a unique aspects of the temple and Bhai belief system. They symbolically represents the floating green leaves of the lotus flower and nine unifying spiritual paths of the Bahai belief that believe in oneness of all religions and humanity.

Center of Bahai Religion
The temple is also the center of the Bahai religion. It believes in the oneness of mankind, oneness of God and oneness of religion. Inculcation of harmony and peace and love among all the people of all religions are among cardinal principles.

Reaching Lotus Temple

Airport :	Delhi is the gateway to North India. Indira Gandhi International (23 km) and domestic terminal (7 km) operates regular international and domestic flights.
Railway Station :	New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station and Nizamuddin Railway Station located at easy distances from the temple. They offers excellent rail services to all parts of the country.
Bus Station :	Buses including deluxe ones are in operations from all Hariyana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Local :	There are excellent local transportation to reach Lotus Temple. Taxi, auto, metro and buses can be taken from all places in Delhi.

Hotels in Delhi
Accommodation in Delhi is not a problem. There are plenty of hotels ranging from world class to budget hotels. Some famous hotels are :

Some Other Attraction Near the Lotus Temple
Kalkaji Temple
In front of the Lotus temple, Kalkaji temple is one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage in Delhi. Dedicated Goddess Kalka or Kali is located on hill offering beautiful observation of deities. Special festival is held on Navaratri.

Qutb Minar Complex
This world's only 72.5 brick minaret of the world. Located in Mehrauli, the minaret reflect the architectural glory of Muslim rulers in medieval period. Carved out of red sandstones, the minaret has beautiful Arabic calligraphy and other constrictions.

Khirki Masjid
Further 2 kilometers northeast of Qutab Minar, Khirki Masjid or Mosque is a unique attraction. Khirki meaning latticed windows is known for its distinctive window opening with jalis or tracery. Built by Khan-I-Jahan, the prime minister of Feroz Shah Tughlaq, the mosque is worth a visit.

Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's Tomb is Persian style of complex with spacious four gardens and tomb of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor in the center. It is considered the prototype of Agra's Taj Mahal.