Bahá'í House of Worship (Lotus Temple)

March 25, 2012

Another must-visit place we headed out to while in Delhi was the Bahá'í House of Worship, or more popularly known as the Lotus Temple.

As the name suggests, the temple is aptly named Lotus Temple because of it's structural design. If it is not that obvious in the photo, it's either I took a really bad shot or you need to have your eyes checked. :)

 Upon arriving at Kalkaji Mandir metro station, we headed for the exit and went towards the Bahá'í House of Worship which is located  at about 250m or so from the station. The Lotus Temple can actually be seen already while at the train, especially when at or passing after the Nehru Place station.

Kalkaji Mandir Station

At first, we were shocked about the number of people we see on the streets. It seems like we're in for a very, very long queue. Well, we were in  very long queue too but not because of the number of people. 

Khana khayi! (Kalkaji Mandir station in the background)

It seemed like there was a feeding program of some sort in an area opposite the Lotus Temple compound. Not all of them were headed for the temple. Whew!

View from the road side

When we finally saw the queue, Sue and Angie were already thinking of giving up (since the queue extends outside from the long one insisde) the chance to enter the Lotus Temple. They went to the area near the gate while Julie and I decided to queue already before it gets any longer!

Upon entering the Bahá'í House of Worship complex

We met Angie and Sue by the entrance. They also waited (although not in line) and didn't do the infamous Indian act of jumping the line. The guard actually motioned for them to go inside the complex earlier but they deferred until we were all together.

Of course, photo opp! (Thanks to Juls for snapping)

Inside, there's another queue of people. This time, not only for the one heading to the temple but in the spots showcasing the Lotus Temple at the background. Just like mine. :p Juls and I lost Angie and Sue at this point again. Too much snapping! hehehe

Headed towards the same direction

So, just to give you an idea, the  Lotus Temple is a place of worship for all faiths. The Bahá'í House of Worship and its management do not discriminate or prevent entrance to the complex on the basis of faith. Most likely, even castes (as India has already abolished the system legally).

Bringing some color into the temple's life

From the India Bahá'í House of Worship website:

The Bahá'í Faith is a world religion whose purpose is to unite all races and peoples in one universal Cause and one common Faith. Bahá’is are the followers of Bahá’u’lláh, Who they believe is the Promised One of all Ages.
The traditions of almost every people include the promise of a future when peace and harmony will be established on earth and humankind will live in prosperity. We believe that the promised hour has come and that Bahá’u’lláh is the great Personage Whose teachings will enable humanity to build a new world.

Thousands of people visit the Lotus Temple every day

The temple does not have any saints, sculptures or signages that represent any single faith. Basically, inside are rows and rows of chairs (marble and wood combination) where people can sit, pray or just feel the presence of the divine powers from any of the gods we believe in.

Inside the temple (photo snapped secretly!)

While at the temple, I felt some peace. Though it was hot and noisy outside, I still managed to utter a prayer to the God I believe in. I knelt (although I think it was not common as evident by the lack of those kneeling cushions) as I whispered my prayer and then sat with Julie silently, taking in the ambiance of the temple.

We saw Angie and Sue again inside the temple. They were part of the group that came after us I think. We then headed out of the temple itself and went to the ground floor, to read up on some of the teachings of the Bahá'í faith.

View from the ground floor

Also found in the temple complex are ponds or pools of water, much like the same function/use as the Sarovar at the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.

Washing their faces at the "sarovar"

At this point, we were already done with the visit and exploration of the temple complex. It was so hot and humid at the time though, prompting almost four of us to dehydrate and burn. Of course, there were unexpected photo sessions too! We're all pretty sure that it was because of the skin color of Sue, Angela and Julie's. Whatcha think guys?

Chillin'