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The Lotus Temple is a Baháʼí House of Worship located in New Delhi, India. It is notable for its flower-like shape and its function as a place for all people to worship.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is composed of 27 free-standing marble-clad "petals" arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. The petals are clad in white limestone panels. The central height of the temple is approximately 34.2 meters (112 feet), with a diameter of 75 meters (246 feet). The architectural style is modern, inspired by the shape of a lotus flower.

Location & Access Logistics

The Lotus Temple is situated in Kalkaji, South Delhi. It is approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) south of Connaught Place, the city center. The nearest metro station is Kalkaji Mandir (Violet and Magenta lines), which is a 5-minute walk from the temple entrance. Ample parking is available on-site for cars and buses, though it can fill up during peak hours. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available for hire.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Lotus Temple began in 1980 and was completed in 1986. It was designed by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba. The original purpose was to serve as a Baháʼí House of Worship, open to all religions and denominations for prayer and meditation.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can enter the central prayer hall for silent meditation and prayer. The surrounding gardens and reflecting pools are accessible for walking. Photography is permitted in the gardens but not inside the prayer hall. Guided tours explaining the history and principles of the Baháʼí Faith are available.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the complex. Shaded areas are provided by the gardens and the temple's overhang. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally good within the complex. Food vendors are not located within the temple complex itself, but numerous options exist in the surrounding Kalkaji area.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is during the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight creates softer shadows on the white marble. The most pleasant months for visiting are from October to March, avoiding the extreme heat of summer and the monsoon season. The temple is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (summer timings may vary slightly).

Facts & Legends

The design of the Lotus Temple is symbolic of the lotus flower, which is a symbol of purity and divinity in many cultures. The nine sides and nine entrances represent the nine major religions of the world, signifying the Baháʼí principle of the unity of religions. The central dome is not visible from the outside, as the structure is formed by the petals.

Nearby Landmarks

• Baháʼí Centre of Learning (0.2km North)
• Kalkaji Mandir (0.3km North-East)
• Okhla Bird Sanctuary (4.5km South-East)
• ISCKON Temple, East of Kailash (3.0km North-West)
• National Science Centre (6.0km North-West)