While in
New Delhi, make sure to visit the Lotus temple where a stunning work of modern architecture awaits you. The Bahai House of worship, popularly known as the Lotus Temple resembles a partially open lotus flower surrounded by its leaves and appears as though floating on water. The nine pools representing the floating leaves are surrounded by landscaped walkways, bridges and stairs. The monument is made out of marble and its elegance has attracted millions of visitors since the time it was dedicated to the nation on December 24th, 1986.
The creative mind behind the architecture of this engineering marvel is a young Canadian architect of Iranian decent by the name of Fariburz Sabha. The architect's choice of the lotus deserves a special mention here. In addition to being the National flower of India, the lotus has a special association with several religions and faiths practiced in India. The lotus is also a symbol of divine birth and purity. Hence the Lotus Temple reflects the glorious culture of India and is in tune with the Bahai faith which believes in the unity of religions.
The Lotus Temple has three layers of nine petals each in its construction. The outermost layer of nine petals is constructed opening outwards and also forms the nine entrances to the outer circular hall. The next layer of nine petals rise above the outer layer and are partially closed. These petals house the central hall. A roof made of glass and steel forms the central portion of the lotus which is open to the sky. This allows natural light into the central hall while also protecting it from the rain.
