Lotus Temple

also called the Baha'i Temple

Why the
Lotus Temple
in Delhi is special

The Lotus Temple is one of the world's most visually striking buildings. The award-winning architectural design mimics a partially opened lotus flower.

Lotus Temple
tips & insights

Religion

The Lotus Temple's religion is Baha'i (pronunced buh-high). There are no religious rituals, sermons, priests, or icons in this temple. The Baha'ians (5 million worldwide) believe in praying or meditating in silence, creating a direct one-to-one connection with God.

Their Lotus Temple encourages people of all faiths including Christians and Muslims to come inside to pray or meditate in the context of their own religious beliefs. Many visitors find the experience serene and spiritual.

Crowds

The waiting line to get into the Prayer Hall are often one-hour long (an average of 10,000 people per day visit the venue).

My advice is unless you come to pray or meditate, skip going inside the Prayer Hall (it's not stunning enough to warrant a long line wait). Simply enjoy the temple's eye-catching exterior. And you can view the interior by walking up the steps to the outside platform. Here you can clearly view the Prayer Hall through the large windows surrounding it.

Construction

The temple was built in 1986 with voluntary contributions from Baha'i followers.

Location in India