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Fast facts:
When it was built: 1986
By whom it was built: Bahai community
Nature of the architecture: Modern architecture
General Introduction:
Located in the south of Delhi, the Bahai Temple a brilliant
piece of architecture of the Bahai Community is in the form
of a lotus flower. The temple emits an ethos of serenity which
engulfs devotees thronging the premises in droves. The lotus
flower symbolizes purity and tranquility. The temple embodies
the Bahai faith, an all-inclusive broad based religion.
History:
Built in 1986, the Bahai Temple has drawn within its edifice
symbols of ancient architecture in a contemporary setting. This
architectural marvel is a concrete version of an all embracing
Bahai faith. The Bahai faith is the newest among the world's
independent religions. Bahá'u'lláh, the founder
of the Bahai faith is regarded by the Bahais as belonging to
the lineage of divine messengers of Abraham, Moses, Buddha,
Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad. Bahá'u'lláh believed
in the universality of all religions and that humanity was one
single race. This broad based and tolerant religion seeks to
break down divisive forces in society like caste, creed, race
and nation.
This architectural marvel is a fusion of traditional Indian
design and Western Engineering design. It was designed by a
Canadian architect of Iranian origin known as Fariborz Sahba.
He spent 10 years with a team of 800 people in planning and
giving shape to one of the most complex structures in the world.
An aura of intangible serenity engulfs devotees gathering in
clusters. Since its inauguration to public worship in December
1986, the Bahai Temple New Delhi till date has attracted more
than 50 million visitors, making it the most visited edifice
in the world. Its numbers of visitors in recent times surpassed
those of the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal. On the occasion
of Hindu festivals it has drawn as many as 150,000 people.
This House of Worship is generally referred to as the "Lotus
Temple" by Bahais and non-Bahais alike.
Features:
The temple connects six other Bahai temples in the world. Each
of these temples has its own cultural identity, yet stands by
the belief-"unity in diversity." This architectural
wonder is made of a combination of marble, cement, sand and
dolomite. One can see 27 giant white petals of marble in a lotus
shape. The structure of the House is composed of three ranks
of nine petals; each arising from a platform raising the building
above the surrounding plain. The first two ranks curve inward,
embracing the inner dome; the third layer curves outward to
form canopies over the nine entrances. The petals are clad in
white marble panels, made to cover the intricate geometrical
patterns and designs. Nine arches that constitute the superstructure
encircle the central hall. Nine reflecting pools surround the
building on the outside, their form suggesting the green leaves
of the lotus flower.
Considering that the Bahai temple is celebrated as man's love
for his creator and is regarded as a "dewdrop on the face
of eternity." When the main entrance gate was first opened
to the general public on 1 January 1987, visitors flocked to
the 'Lotus Temple' out of sheer curiosity. The vast lawns, the
massive white structure, the high-ceilinged Central Auditorium
and a Temple without idols standing so near the ancient 'Kalkaji
Temple' aroused the curiosity of all.
They felt "where there is silence, the spirit is eloquent."
The omnipresent had manifested itself in the prayer hall.
Don't Miss:
Catch a glimpse of the resplendent glow of the Sun on the white
Lotus, standing majestically on its red pedestal. It is undoubtedly
an unmatched experience. "Architecturally, artistically,
ethically, the edifice is a paragon of perfection." The
temple's special significance is that it acts as a unifying
link by virtue of its principle of oneness.
The Bahai Temple is a spectacular piece of architecture. Let
the aura of eloquent silence overpower you and let your mind
begin a journey of eternal peace. Indiaprofile.com offers complete
information on Bahai Temple and other Tourist Attractions in
Delhi
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